How to Adopt a Thoroughbred Ex-Race Horse

The career of a professional race horse is sometimes a difficult lifestyle. Just as any other athlete, a race horse may develop serious injuries due to its training or time on the track. Some of these injuries require that the horse be retired from the profession. This can leave the owners in a difficult situation because it costs so much to continue boarding a horse that is no longer providing any income for the owner. The answer to this problem is to allow another horse lover to adopt the horse. Though you must meet many qualifying criteria, you may be able to be one of the lucky individuals to introduce an ex-race horse into your domestic herd.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Choose an adoption agency close to home. These agencies will require that a representative visit your home or boarding stable in order to inspect the property where the horse will potentially be staying, and many limit the distances they will travel in order to inspect the homes.

2. Build up a solid record of experience and knowledge about Thoroughbred horses. Adoption agencies generally will not allow first-time horse owners to adopt an ex-race horse because of the specialized care these Thoroughbreds require.

3. Allow only experienced riders to ride an ex-race horse. These animals have not been exposed to leisure riding, and are not good for children or beginning riders.

4. Choose a Thoroughbred ex-race horse with which you feel a connection. These horses truly are special, with unique and complex personalities, and you'll want to adopt a horse that you feel you can provide a safe, loving home for. This includes making the horse feel at ease around its new owner.

5. Review the adoption organization's reputation for handling both their charges and their adopting families. You may find that their strict standards will keep you from adopting an ex-race horse. However, if you know ahead of time what is expected of you, you can improve your chances of a successful adoption.

6. Prepare yourself to work and train your new Thoroughbred with great care. It's sad, but many of these animals have been abused or bullied. With the sensitive disposition of Thoroughbreds, this can result in some behavior and trust issues. Only a truly loving horse person will be able to deal with some of the unique issues presented by these animals.

Tips & Warnings

• Most ex-race horse adoption agencies feel that your chance to take care of one of these wonderful creatures is a gift, not to them or the horse, but to you. Keep this in mind when deciding to adopt since you'll likely be disqualified if you look a gift horse in the mouth.