09/04/2026
It's no secret that I love a thoroughbred.
They are very special people, but often end up with a bad reputation for reasons that aren't their fault as a breed, but more how the industry has designed them to be.
Unfortunately for exracehorses, being 'cheap' to purchase in comparison to other horses, and being blessed with good looks, means they often end up in homes that don't have the knowledge to manage them well, which can lead to tricky situations for horse + human
That said, with time, patience and the right support, they can take you on an incredibly rewarding journey, if you can just keep hold of your sense of humour...😜 here's my thoughts if you're thinking about an exracer or one has recently found its way in to your heart
✨️ they aren't like 'normal' horses
In racing, their entire lives are carefully managed down to the second. That's not feasible for most average horse people, so we must understand how big a change it is for them to go from racing life, to 'normal' life. Even just being in the field for a whole day can be a big deal. They have to go through a huge period of readjustment, so staying calm, clear and consistent in your handling can help
✨️ expect progress to be slow
You are going to have to get used to searching for and appreciating the small wins. Some days you're going to have to search REALLY hard. Take lots of photos +.videos to look back on, and note down all the little things your exracer achieves. When you're struggling to see your progress, you can look back on how far you have actually come. And try not to compare your journey to others - exracers very much follow their own individual path, and wasting energy worrying that you're 'falling behind' helps no one!
✨️ they are incredibly smart
Despite occassionally pretending they are completely devoid of brain cells, thoroughbreds are quick to learn and slow to forget. They will sharpen up all aspects of your horsemanship. You have to be thinking one step ahead of them all the time, on the ground, and in the ridden work - you will soon realise the consequences when you start getting sloppy!
✨️ be prepared to make friends with your vet...and your farrier....and your saddler....and your physio/bodyworker...
Exracers often have a reputation for being a walking vet bill, and unfortunately a lot of them like to live up to that. They also go through a lot of physical changes as they transition from racehorse to riding horse, which means regular physio/bodywork, saddle fitting + farrier visits are essential. A crack team of equine professionals is essential for all horses, but especially so when you've got an exracehorse. A good understanding of their bodies and the changes they go through also helps you tailor their work + management.
✨️ feed and manage them like they have/have had ulcers
Some studies suggest that around 70% of racehorses have/have had ulcers, so even if your exracer shows no symptoms, feeding in a way that promotes optimal gut health is really important. Providing access to as much turnout as possible, adlib forage and a low sugar + starch diet will all help. Feeding a soft chaff prior to riding can also help prevent excess acid splashes during exercise.
✨️ be ready for the emotional rollercoaster
Even if they are relatively 'easy', having an exracer can be like getting on the worlds fastest, scariest rollercoaster, and having to ride it without screaming at any point. This is when having good horsey friends/yard chums will keep you sane when the tears are threatening to flow. You're going to doubt yourself A LOT, you're going to wonder if you've made a huge mistake, and at some point, you're going to think you're not good enough. Anyone who has a TB and says they haven't had those thoughts is 100% lying 😂
✨️ don't be scared to ask for help
You don't have to (and shouldn't try to) do it all on your own with any horse, but especially with exracers. Rope in your knowledge coach and horsey pals for both on the ground and at the end of the phone support
✨️ buy many, many pairs of over reach boots.
Then buy some more 😂
✨️ be prepared to be surprised
Exracers can get a bad rep, but they can also be incredibly friendly, laidback, funny, loveable and talented. They can turn their hooves to many careers post racing, from happy hacking to flying round a 5*. Things you think might bother them, probably won't (but a leaf blowing in their direction might 😂), and many will be braver, bolder and more gutsy than you'd imagine they could be. It might take a while till you figure out what you like to do with your exracer, but whatever it is, you'll enjoy the journey there together ❤️
What snippet of advice would you add to this? And if you're new to the world of exracers, tell me all about them in the comments!
📷 Rubys response to the 'devoid of brain cells' comment 😜
