What Is An Off-Track Thoroughbred?

“OTTB” stands for off-track Thoroughbred. An off-track Thoroughbred is a horse that was bred and trained to be a racehorse and is now not an active racehorse Many OTTBs are registered with The Jockey Club. The Jockey Club is the breed registry for Thoroughbred horses in North America.

How much does an Off-Track Thoroughbred cost?

An OTTB horse will cost on average between $1,000 to $3,000 The price of an off-the-track Thoroughbred will vary based on its

race pedigree

, temperament, height, and bloodline.

Are OTTB good for beginners?

While there are exceptions to every rule, an OTTB is usually not well suited to a beginner or even

intermediate rider

This horse needs to not only be re-trained to develop into a safe riding horse but will also need to be un-trained in what he has come to learn is expected from him under saddle.

Why are

thoroughbreds hard keepers

?

Certain breeds, such as Thoroughbreds, are predisposed to being hard keepers because their metabolisms are designed for maximum speed rather than maximum efficiency.

What is the calmest breed of horse?

  • American Quarter Horse.
  • Morgan Horse.
  • Appaloosa Horse.
  • Norwegian Fjord.
  • Connemara Pony.

How long does it take to retrain an OTTB?

Healing from strained tendons. If your horse has minor tendon problems or low-grade tendonitis, you’re most likely looking at six months to a year of rest and rehabilitation before you can put your horse to work again.

Can ex racehorses make good riding horses?

Former racehorses are typically athletic and intelligent and, with the constant handling they have received during their racing career, they can make excellent riding horses in the right hands But the time and effort involved in retraining them off the track means they aren’t suitable for everyone.

What is the

life expectancy

of a Thoroughbred?

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which has dealt with several thousand

old retirees

has never had a horse live past 34. In general, the average life expectancy of a thoroughbred is somewhere between 25 and 28.

What age do thoroughbreds calm down?

Six to fifteen year olds Physical and mental maturity allow the horse to become active in trail riding, showing, ranching and other demanding endeavors. Horses at these ages are good companions for novice riders provided they don’t have too much energy.

Do thoroughbreds make good Showjumpers?

Thoroughbreds are excellent choices for cross country due to their large gallop strides, speed, and ability to maintain endurance throughout long stretches of cantering or galloping. They also are very successful jumpers , so it is no surprise to see them as a viable option in a number of jumping disciplines.

How often should you ride an OTTB?

At the beginning, I want you to ride seven days a week Don’t ride for long, 30-45 minute is plenty. During that period, you will have to experiment with your training pattern, to find out what works best for you and your horse.

What to Know Before Getting a Thoroughbred?

  • Choosing a horse with a calm demeanor is essential
  • Breed isn’t always critical
  • Height isn’t as important as you think
  • You are not ready for a stallion
  • A younger horse may not be ideal
  • Sometimes sellers falsely identify their horses.

Are thoroughbreds good family horses?

Thoroughbreds are good horses ; they have superb agility, fantastic speed, and an exceptional spirit. Although best known as racehorses, they excel in many other equine activities. Thoroughbreds are feisty, athletic horses that can be used for multiple purposes.

Can a Thoroughbred be a good trail horse?

Generally, Thoroughbreds don’t make good trail riding horses , especially for beginner riders. They spook easily, are high-strung, and aren’t surefooted. A typical Thoroughbred is athletic, intelligent, and a willing horse, but it’s also high-strung and sensitive to the slightest pressure.

Can a Thoroughbred be ridden western?

Off-track Thoroughbreds are an ongoing source of versatile horsepower for Western riders , making “racehorse to ranch horse” a reality.

What do you feed an off the track Thoroughbred?

Feeds formulated for performance horses or senior horses with energy coming from beet pulp, vegetable oil, and soy hulls are good options. While providing some simple carbohydrates (sugars and starches found in whole grains and molasses) is important, this can lead to “hot” or excitable behavior.

Are thoroughbreds good for endurance riding?

Those horses are generally bred for dressage and show jumping, while Thoroughbreds are bred for galloping, speed and endurance.

What can you do with OTTB?

Begin With Training Your OTTB to Lunge Correctly Use the time on the lunge to train your horse to your voice. Simple commands such as Walk, Trot, Canter, Steady and Whoa, will go a long way to helping him understand your new seat and leg aids when you do mount up on him.

What are retired racehorses called?

What are retired racehorses called? A retired Thoroughbred racehorse is called an “ Off The Track Thoroughbred,(OTTB) An OTTB is registered with the Jockey Club and retired from racing or training due to injury, lack of talent, or old age.

How much does a jockey make per race?

Rather than earn a salary, a jockey receives a “mounting fee”, often $50-$110 , for each race, riding sometimes eight races per day. The real money for jockeys comes from prize money, if they can ride a horse to finish first, second or third in a race and earn part of the purse.

Can all thoroughbreds jump?

All horses have the natural ability to jump, barring any physical disabilities, such as lameness or blindness Jumping ability was necessary for survival before horses were domesticated—speed, agility, and being able to clear an obstacle could mean life or death for a horse fleeing a predator.

Are OTTB good jumpers?

They can jump really quickly They can get down to a fence because they have a natural canter, a rider can bounce the canter to find distances, because its natural energy, it can create a spring in its stride easily.

Are thoroughbreds sensitive?

Thoroughbreds are typically more sensitive mounts but such sensitivity is an asset to a rider with the ability to be soft and know how to appropriately handle such an intelligent and willing animal. Thoroughbreds are less resilient to harsh handling and rough riders, less resilient to confusing aids and training holes.

Are Thoroughbreds naturally skinny?

Thoroughbreds are leaner than native breeds Over the centuries thoroughbreds have been bred for racing traits – speed – which means that they are naturally lighter and carry less weight than native breeds.

How do you take care of a thoroughbred horse?

Standard equine grooming practices are suitable for thoroughbreds. Brush them at least a couple times per week, and inspect and clean their hooves daily to look for injuries and prevent infection When grooming a thoroughbred, it’s important to be extra gentle because this horse has thinner skin than many other breeds.

What horse breeds are easy keepers?

Most pony breeds are easy keepers, and smaller, hardy horse breeds such as the Arabian or Mustang have many representatives with this trait. Many draft horse breeds, such as the Percheron are also easy keepers, as are most mules and donkeys.

At what age should a horse stop being ridden?

Some horses have physical conditions or diseases that require an early retirement. Other horses can be ridden late into their life without issues. As a general rule, most horses should stop being ridden between 20 to 25 years old Any horse, no matter their age, still requires a decent amount of exercise.

What breed of horse did Cowboys?

American Quarter Horse Their compact maneuverability makes them particularly desirable in rodeo competitions like reining and cutting. This is the horse that cowboys ride.

What horse has the best personality?

If you are looking for a calm, forgiving and patient horse look to the American Quarter Horse This breed has been recognized many times for intelligence, as well as patience and calmness. Paints, Palominos and other breeds that share common lineage with the American Quarter Horse make good choices.

How do you reset a thoroughbred?

  • Meet The Trainers.
  • Meet The Horses.
  • • Far Right (Notional—Zindi, Vindication) is a 7-year-old gelding provided by Second Stride, Inc
  • First Impressions.
  • Perspective From The Track.
  • Slow And Steady.
  • A Different Approach.

Can thoroughbreds live out in winter?

Many owners of warm or hot blooded horses tend to stable them overnight as shelter from the weather. Even in a stable, they will need a rug and additional energy in the form of extra feeds. There is no reason, however, why even a pure bred Arab or Thoroughbred cannot live out all year round with appropriate care.

Do race horses get slaughtered?

The Thoroughbred-racing industry sends an estimated 10,000 horses to slaughter annually , meaning that half of the 20,000 new foals born each year will eventually be killed for their flesh.

Do race horses get turned out?

Increasing numbers of racehorses do get turned out ; however it won’t be for long so all day turnout will be a new experience. 24/7 turnout will become achievable if you wish, although not in the early stages so access to stabling is essential.

Can a horse remember you?

Horses not only remember people who have treated them well, they also understand words better than expected , research shows. Human friends may come and go, but a horse could be one of your most loyal, long-term buddies if you treat it right, suggests a new study.

What happens to dead racehorses?

The horse becomes anesthetized (and therefore unconscious) to such a degree that its heart stops beating and death follows. If it is used then the carcass must be disposed of either by burying (see below) or cremation It cannot be used for human consumption or animal food.

Is 15 old for a Thoroughbred?

It used to be the case that horses were considered “aged” at 15 years. However, often horses and ponies of 15 years of age work normally and show no outward signs of old age until well into their twenties.

Why do horses stop racing after 3 years?

Speculation has been that 3-year-old horses are close to maturity (typically reached at 3.5 to 4 years), although 3-year-olds often have a difficult time when racing against 4-year-olds in such events as the Breeders’ Cup where horses of different ages are allowed to race.

At what age does a racehorse peak?

The majority of racehorses will have a racing career of only 2-3 years yet their life expectancy is 25-30 years. Whatever the reason or age at which it occurs, all racehorses will eventually cease racing.

What happens to a race horse after it retires?

Successful racehorses that are retired are most often sent to the breeding shed This is an area on stallion farms that are made specifically for the breeding of brood mares to successful stallion thoroughbreds. It is a safe environment to prevent injury and ensure that breeding has occurred.

Citations


http://offtrackthoroughbreds.com/


https://www.ottbs.org/

Let’s Discuss: 7 Myths About Off-Track Thoroughbreds (That Shouldn’t Be)