Things To Consider With A Race Horse Rescue

Taking on a retired race horse can mean becoming very acquainted with a horse veterinarian and injuries that can take a long time to heal, sometimes as much as six months or more of daily care and walking.

There are often injuries, especially with geldings, that while not life threatening are career ending, especially when it involves the legs. This is often something that takes a great deal of time to heal. It may involve a bone in the foot such as a sesamoid injury or a tendon injury.

This beautiful boy is Slews Enough and he is available for adoption, along with many other wonderful thoroughbreds, at ReRun, Inc.

Following veterinarian orders exactly is key towards a successful recovery. Minor injuries may just take some time hand-walking the horse while other injuries can involve learning to properly wrap the leg and apply medicines to the injury.

Additionally, be sure to ask if the horse has been on medications on the track. Follow advice if withdrawal times are needed. Ask about a history of colic – some horses that are nervous can be prone to bouts of colic, especially triggered by life changes. Retirement can be such a life change.

Consider that mentally everything in this horse’s life changes with retirement. He has perhaps become used to being groomed and working on the race track for a mile or so before most people are out of bed. He is cooled out, gets his hearty breakfast and settles in for a snooze. From the most basic of care this changes when he’s brought to your home. Sometimes a horse that has already been “let down” may be a better selection, especially if this is your first horse.

Most thoroughbreds have been very used to veterinarians and although some simply accept this as part of the day others can be very difficult to handle when the veterinarian arrives. This is especially true if it’s a horse that has had health issues requiring a lot of care, much like a person who finally reaches a point of saying “no more doctors!”

Because of the requirements of many tracks these horses will normally be up to date on vaccinations including the Coggins test for equine infectious anemia, which is required in many states. They are familiar with being handled regularly for shoeing, although sometimes the feet are trimmed and shod differently than saddle horses.  This can mean an adjustment for the horse as the foot grows out. A reliable farrier is needed to get the feet at a natural, correct angle.

The race horse, by the nature of his work, uses a great deal of energy so can also consume a great deal of feed. To avoid metabolic upset the horse’s feed should be adjusted to suit the slower pace of retirement. This will also drop the energy level of the horse.

Among the problems that can occur is colic, founder and excessive weight gain. All three of these may even be ‘related.’ Some race horses may have ulcers, which can be helped simply by adding a tablespoon or two of baking soda to the feed. If the horse doesn’t clean up the feed on a regular basis, this may be the reason.

So be prepared for the possibility of physical ailments that can come with taking on an equine athlete and the adjustment in routine and activity level and you will have taken the  first important steps in rehabilitating a racehorse.

When God created the horse, he said to the magnificent creature: I have made thee as no other. All the treasures of the earth shall lie between thy eyes. Thou shalt cast thy enemies between thy hooves, but thou shalt carry my friends upon thy back. Thy saddle shall be the seat of prayers to me. And thou fly without any wings, and conquer without any sword. ~ The Koran

Rescue A Thoroughbred Racehorse

Racehorses can do many things after they retire from the track. With a good pedigree many retire to the breeding shed, while others become hunters or jumpers or dressage mounts, and still others can fill a variety of positions under saddle. Still there are horses, most commonly geldings, who have no breeding future. If injured they can have what can be an extensive recovery ahead that many are unwilling to give them.

For those interested in just a pet these retired thoroughbreds can fill the bill very well. However they do need some experienced hands and understanding. They aren’t like other horses in many ways.

Metinicus was scheduled to be euthanized because of a fractured hind leg. Happily, he was rescued and is doing well. This beautiful creature needs a forever home. Find out more about him and other adoptable horses at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.

The biggest thing to remember about an off the track racehorse is that even when injured they can be a handful. They typically have had more handling than the average horse on a day to day basis and are fit. They are used to getting out and working hard daily. The love of running can override their mind sometimes.

Before taking on a racehorse you will need a very good grasp on horse handling including discipline. This means insisting on manners and basic safe handling.

Additionally you will need a small paddock area for turnout. Remember these are horses bred to run. Even the slow ones often run for the sheer joy of running in the field. Some will run themselves to injury or “tying up”. A smaller paddock reduces the chance that they can get themselves worked up as is likely in a big field. And it’s often best if initially they can see other horses but not be in the same field. This can help give the horse time to relax without being challenged.

If you are ready for a challenge, have experience and/or are willing to learn, a racehorse may be the right thing for you. They are horses that have seen a great deal on the track. They’ve received daily handling but are not “push button” horses.  However, if you want more than a pasture pet, do read up on the training and nature of racehorses to reduce the risk of injury to both you and your horse.

“Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.” ~ W.C. Fields