The Thoroughbred Horse: Heart isn’t Enough Anymore
Though the Thoroughbred horse has been a strong force in the sport horse industry for decades, their presence in the Hunter/Jumper ring has given way to the stylish Warmbloods over the past 10 years or so. Outside of Hunter/Jumpers, Thoroughbred horses are also seen less and less in Eventing and lower level Dressage as well (Thoroughbreds never had much of a stronghold on upper level Dressage).
The Thoroughbred horse has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. At one time, most off-the-track Thoroughbreds were guaranteed to make excellent performance horses, as long as their racing career wasn’t ended due to a major injury. Today, Thoroughbreds aren’t bred to withstand the long term effects of racing, let alone Jumping, Eventing, or Dressage. Modern Thoroughbreds are merely built to (hopefully) win a few races and then are considered disposable.
A Thoroughbred has more heart than any other horse breed.
The average, off-the-track Thoroughbred 20-30 years ago was around 16hh-17+hh average height, came with a refined head, long neck, high withers, short back, good hindquarters, lean body, deep chest, long legs, and ample bone for their size in addition to a very uphill build, a nice long stride at all gaits, and were generally, very athletic.
The average off-the-track Thoroughbred of today is smaller in height, 15hh-16.2hh, has a decent head, is often built downhill with a lean body, narrow chest, average to long back, and very small bone for the build. All in all, the average ex-race horse today is not built for performance of any kind, thus explaining their frequent breakdowns on the track.
Simply put, the Thoroughbred horse has been severely overbred. Thoroughbred breeding is a science, but not the kind of science seen in German Warmbloods. Thoroughbred breeders do not reference generations of successful crosses, nor do they breed with the overall picture and conformation of each individual horse in mind. Thoroughbred horse breeders use theories, from statistical analyses to superstitions and, well voodoo, to determine sire and mare combinations. The average Thoroughbred horse breeder is dreaming of breeding the next Kentucky Derby Winner, and it’s not just the possible financial reward of such a win, they seek the prestige of having their name attached to such a winning horse.
Because of the recent media revolving around Eight Belles tragic injury and subsequent euthanasia, there has been a sudden “interest” in the injury statistics in the Thoroughbred Racing Industry. A new report covering catastrophic horse racing injury research has been made public, but only loopholes and excuses are found in the many articles, research, and surveys available. Without EVERY horse race track reporting injuries and having those injuries tracked and recorded by unbiased participants, the macro statistics on horse racing injuries are questionable at best. The racehorse industry cannot be responsible for accurately reporting their own problems (*more on horse racing injury statistics).
More importantly than faulty injury statistics, the Thoroughbred breed itself needs a serious evaluation. With all the conformational faults contained on the average Thoroughbred racehorse, it’s no wonder they break down so easily. Even non-catastrophic injuries need to be examined.
If a horse breaks down due to soundness issues related to conformation, is it really a good idea to retire that horse to breed? No matter how many races a horse has won, or how lightning fast the horse is, if the horse has soundness issues by and large, and absolutely is not conformationally sound, why are these horses being bred? Bloodlines and heart don’t cut it, and they certainly are not improving the Thoroughbred breed.
Thoroughbreds often get a bad rap because of their temperament. Although Thoroughbreds are definitely sensitive and “hot”, they need a job, they need consistency, and generally, they need confidence. Once a Thoroughbred has an owner or trainer that can provide a clear path to expectations, a Thoroughbred is not only willing, but genuinely wants to please. A Thoroughbred has more heart than any other breed of horse. Tapping the Thoroughbred heart is the key to unlocking their sport horse potential.
The Thoroughbred’s heart can also be it’s downfall in that self preservation often takes a backseat to unquestionable effort (e.g. Eight Belles). Eight Belle’s jockey never asked the horse to run on broken legs, and whether the jockey knew it or not, Eight Belles’ heart wanted to win, and nothing was going to stop her.
Moreover, here is a list of today’s Thoroughbred strengths and weaknesses
Thoroughbred Horse Strong Points:
- Incredible Stamina
- Powerful Speed
- Great Agility
- Often “Pretty”
- Heart for their Job
- Temperament can be perfect for rider and the job at hand
Thoroughbred Horse Weak Points:
- Terrible Feet (small, thin soles and hoof walls)
- Orthopedic Problems (DOD Developmental Orthopedic Disease)
- Weak Legs (stress fractures, bone chips, etc.)
- Temperament too “high” for average horse owner
- Often has vices if off the track (weaving, cribbing)
- Often more susceptible to ulcers (especially if off the track)
- Hard Keepers
There are still, even today, nice looking Thoroughbreds that don’t have all the above problems, but they are getting harder and harder to find. On top of Thoroughbred breeding weaknesses, their look is now even inconsistent. Thoroughbreds have, by and large, lost their once tall, long legged, uphill, and noble stature. There used to be a time one could look at a horse and know if it was a Thoroughbred or not, but now, Quarter Horses look like Thoroughbreds sometimes, and often, Thoroughbreds just look like your average, generic horse.
Additionally, Thoroughbred horse breeders DO NOT take into account conformation, soundness, temperament, or anything else important to breeding sound, solid performance sport horses. The dosage index used in mathematical Thoroughbred horse breeding produces unsound, conformationally poor horses to say the least. Considering horse racing is one of the more physically demanding equestrian sports (for the horse), one would think producing sound, solid performance sport horses would be fundamentally prudent.
As with many aspects of the horse racing industry, their breeding practices alone incite much rage and head-scratching from sport horse equestrians, enthusiasts, and horse activists alike.
Simply put, the Thoroughbred horse has been severely overbred.
After acquiring a sound (or semi-sound) off-the-track Thoroughbred, re-starting an ex-race horse is a science unto itself. A proper “let down” period is necessary before an off-the-track TB can begin moving past his/her life on the track. There are many drugs and high protein feeds that all need to flush from their system so they can begin acting like horses. Turnout is something that many racehorses have never experienced. Since the majority of Thoroughbred owners acquired their TB’s off the track (or at least the TB was once on the track), a good un-training and re-training are, and were, essential to a Thoroughbred’s success in another career.
It’s unfortunate many people are not suited to handle and re-train ex-racehorses for sport horse disciplines. Seeing as the Thoroughbred temperament gets a semi-deserved bad rap, much of their demeanor and temperament is influenced by the environment in which they were raised. Many equestrians do not posses the personality needed to ride off-the-track Thoroughbreds and end up competing with the their “hot” temperament. Too many people have had bad experiences on Thoroughbreds that don’t have anything to do with the horse’s soundness. The Thoroughbred’s flightiness, spookiness, and nervous demeanor has made many a beginner and intermediate rider scared of the breed.
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Despite modern Thoroughbred breeding practice failures, the Thoroughbred horse will always be an important icon to the performance and sport horse industry. Without the Thoroughbred, many equestrians could not have afforded to buy their own horse. Ex-race horses tend to be economical, though their possible health problems might outweigh discounts received in the purchase price.
All in all, I used to be a hardcore Thoroughbred lover. Hooked by their “do anything” for you heart, my loyalty has faded by the mis-handling from their human creators. Sure, there may be a few solid, sound, and great performing Thoroughbred sport horses still remaining, but heart just isn’t enough anymore to overlook the breed’s faults, some of which (bad feet) have always been issues.
Looking back at the Thoroughbred from 20-30 years ago, and then again today, I can say I will probably never own another Thoroughbred.
It pains me to admit that.
And unfortunately for the Thoroughbred horse, the future of the breed is quite dim, to say the least.
Great article – and all too true.
I really liked this article. I personally have a Thoroughbred. He was never raced and has a good brain. He’s tall and thick not the typical petit horse. He’s a big boy. 16.2hh thick, people think he is crossed with something else, and not a full tb, but he is. It’s a shame tb’s are falling from the spotlight of many aspects of this sport.
I agree with this article. I think I will always take TBs from the track as “project” horses, but I do agree that it’s hard to find one that can go all the way to the highest level in any sport. I think Richard Spooner has a TB in his string that has done some Grand Prixs pretty well, but that’s all I can think of currently.
My own horse is probably a good representation of the TB at present. I got him from the track at 3 years old because he was too slow to race. He is now 4 and is tall but everything else about him is tiny–he’s thin and a hard keeper, has weak hoof walls (he holds shoes well and has well-formed feet but his feet are small and they crumble if he’s barefoot), gets skin funguses at the drop of a hat, enjoys bucking greatly, gets lame if he runs too hard or bucks too much, and is generally a complete wuss. A lot of his problems are things I’m trying to nip in the butt through feed and supplements and I hope he’ll get over them by competition age. I think he might be a solid 3’6″-3’9″ jumper, but I would be surprised if he competes at a higher level.
As far as OTTTBs go, I think he’s a catch because he’s not COMPLETELY insane and doesn’t have any major track-related injuries.
Speaking of faulty statistics, I read somewhere that an average of 3 racehorses PER DAY were euthanized on tracks around the country last year. I read it on The Horse magazine website, not some blog post (ha!) so I imagine someone has a source out there.
My gut tells me this can’t be true, but if it is, I am seriously rethinking my pro-racing stance. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
That has to stop. I understand that horses die every day. People die every day. Horses get shot, hit by cars, starve, and flip over on cross ties regardless of what discipline they compete in. But 3 x 365 = 1095 horses DEAD at racetracks. Even accounting for the fact that some of them are ill from disease, injuries in trailers or the stable, or the classic flipped-over-on-crossties head infury, that still leaves hundreds of horses euthanized due to exercise injuries.
I can’t think of any other sport that has that kind of record. Eventing is rocketing to the “safest” mounted sport compared to that. Crab fishing doesn’t kill that many participants.
Amen. You are 100% right and boy do I miss those good ole’ TB’s! No more needs to be said.
i so agree with this!my horse was raced and i have had 24 offers to buy him because he is preety!He raced 38 times and never won one he let a lot of people down because he has secateait,War adimaril,People really shoud get them because you will have a friend for live.
I loved the article and agree that TB’s have more heart than any other breed. I bought my TB off the track 7 months ago and I couldnt ask for a better horse. He is gentle ,loving , smart and was easy to convert over to a pleasure horse. He doesnt have a spooky bone in his body , anyone can ride him. The ONLY issue that ive had with him are his feet , which are now doing alot better and weight gain, in which he is picking up weight now. It just takes time, groceries and lots of love ! But this horse deserves it, he gave his previous owners his all by running for them…He deserves his retirement that he has now found with me.
I agree 100%,the thoroughbred is not like it was years ago.
I own one of those disposable Thoroughbreds. She is not very tall, 15’2 in high heels, and her leg bones are so fine it’s hard to find boots that fit. But she has never been lame a day in her life, and she is the nimblest thing out there. For those of us who are not going to the top of their sport, but want an athletic and enthusiastic partner, don’t dismiss the modern OTTB. A more fun ride I have never had.
I am totally reassured.. We just brought home today a 12yr old 16.2 TB that has been a brood-mare for the last 4 years after leaving the track… I really felt her sweet nature and couldn’t resist. I have been however leery after reading all the bad temperament issues but I am sooooo excited that there are success stories… We will be using her along side our Arab gelding to pleasure ride and going to start her on trails and see how she does.. Thanks for sharing all and loved the article…
I agree with you on most points of the “disposable” trend of today’s TB.
I found my TB, who was off the track for 1.5 years (with a scared rider), so basically I was back at the “let-down” phase. He had raced until age 6.
No soundness problems (until now, at age 21…normal old-age stiffness)
AWESOME FEET!
Huge heart – he will try ANYTHING if he trusts his handler/rider.
Clever – sometimes too smart for his own good!
And yes, we made it to Intermediare – not too bad for an OTTB and ex-hunter rider!
I will ALWAYS go with the Thoroghbred!!!
I have been working on the race track for 30 years. I have galloped and retrained many OTTBS. Some of them are grandfoals. The reason you see the downhill, small unattractive horse with bad feet is because these are the culls, the horses that are ‘cheap” and through a poor match of parents have produced a racehorse of poor quality. I have been the exercise rider of a Hall of Fame horse and several Eclipse award winners and many other stake horses. Any of these would have made superior sport horses. Balanced, sound and trainable. Only one had suspect feet. I was fortunate to be given a beutiful gelding that had one a Grade 3 and within 6 weeks he was winning over fences with a 10 year old. He was as honest a riding horse as he was a racehorse. I don’t believe it is the breeders so much as the trainers. I have seen horses with incredible potential ruined when placed in the wrong hands and never live up to their potential and other horses not so talented outrun their breeding through superier training and care. I have 4 TB’s and am constantly being offered more. I routinely gallop them on the track to evaluate. MAny are trained in a light snaffle with no martingale and accept the bit better than some dressage horses, They need no tight noseband or tight martingales. So many have a great work ethic and display a curiousity that is wonderful to behold. I have come across several that had a sense of humor and honesty that is uncommon.
We own a thoroughbred for my husband because he is so tall. I was very leary due to their “reputation”. But he has been a wonderful horse to have. We are just pleasure/trail riders and he does really well. He is good natured with anyone and has attached himself to my husband. Although we both ride him, he is definately not for a beginner, because he will test you. But once you remind him who’s boss he settles down and does whatever is asked of him. I suggest they are considered on a case by case basis. I too believe they have been severely overbred and I believe those people will have to answer for that since we are stewards of all things. Happy riding!
I own an OTTB who has had a roller coaster of a life. I purchased him as a 14yo, he’s 19 now and more sound than when I got him. He had a ton of emotional baggage completely unrelated to racing. (and that’s saying something b/c he was raced 33 times with one win) He’s flashy and very distinct in his way of going, so I’m SURE some h/j trainer threw him in the hunter ring as QUICK as possible – I can feel that he was over ridden in draw reins, had people riding him that didn’t understand the TB mind, and he was just bitter about life in general. Casey tends to rush after fences, he pulls, but will come back to you if you ask nicely. (He is a chestnut who sometimes thinks like a mare…) He’s so attuned to me that he’ll do 3′ cross country jumps for myself alone.
I truly have a special TB because he has no stall vises, he’s super sound (knock on wood and sure does love his Adequan – is IS 19 after all!), and built like a tank but with the TB lean-frame. He is downhill but not because he’s built that way (I blame “quick-fix” training and the evil draw reins). He could be a hard keeper but he’s not bad compared to what’s out there. He has GREAT quality of foot and only recently did I have to change up his shoes and add hinds to the bill for HQ support. My horse would go to hell and back for me (as long as there are NO COWS!) There is heart in him and trust in me that I’ve not found in any other breed of horse. I WOULD NOT TRADE HIM FOR A WARMBLOOD. (and I’m not knocking WB’s – they are wonderful in their own right
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I will always own a TB or something with strong TB bloodlines. Then again, the highest I go is 3’6” – they are perfect for me.
There are definitely some good TBs still out there! I have an 8 year who raced until he was five and had a very successful career. He has gorgeous big feet and bones, a beautiful head, broad chest, shortish back with a strong, elegant neck. He is stunning, strong and honest. We have had no health or lameness issues with him whatsoever, but he eats enough to feed an army! He is incredibly brave, kind, curious and funny! My 14 year old daughter has had him for 2 years and trained him to be a hunter. They are very successful in the show ring; taking champion more often than not. I am crazy about this horse, and proud as hell of him. He is the best horse I have ever known and a favourite at the barn. A successful race horse, he was definitely not a cull. His pedigree is impressive: sire – Royal Academy, dam – Autumn Slew. We wouldn’t trade him for anybody. To us, he’s royalty.
I am trying to eliminate thoroughbred horses from chuck wagon racing to the safety of the horses for so many horses die or are distroyed beacuse of broken legs during this event, I am doing a rodeo project to eliminate cruelty and want your advice on what part of the thoroughbred horse is weak so I can prove to the law and people that other breeds of high bred running horses should be used in this event. Thanks so much
Great article. I too own a thoroughbred who did indeed use to race. Even in his racing records we’ve found that he was notorious for bucking off his jockeys, but when he managed to not do that he usually ran well. That was untill in his last 2 races he just stopped running in the middle of the race (he’s got a weird personality even today). Then he got a bad kick in the head from another horse and because of the surgery that was required I’m amazed and grateful they didn’t put him down because the past years I’ve had with him have been the best. Dead on with the athleticism and heart you mentioned, though also dead on with the hard keeping and definitely the temperment. But it’s definitely been worth it, he’s my best friend.