Maybe we have just been lucky but we have found the training of Off The Track Thoroughbreds, aka OTTBs, is not rocket science, nor does it necessarily require a high skill level. But it does require competence in the level of skills one has. Especially not being intimidated by a strong willed horse of any breed for that matter. Treating every horse as an individual and figuring out how to think like the horse you are working. If they could speak just a few words it would make our job so much easier. Instead we as horsemen have to learn to read what they are telling through body language. From the ground and on their back.
Most horses have their “quirks”. Ones that don’t and do everything asked be it low level or at the highest level are rare. Which is why they bring top dollar. If you don’t have deep pockets just be prepared to put up with what you are willing to and can afford.
Horses that we breed and race are always brought back to our farm and re-schooled for what we think they will be best suited for. Some we are able to sell, rarely for the expenses we have in them. Occasionally there are ones that are a cut above the average which sell for good money and gets us close to even on the ones that don’t. In the end if we can find goods homes be it for money or free that’s all that matters.
We offer a re-schooling program for people who want to do the right thing for their race horses after their racing days are over. We charge a one time fee of $5,000 for re-schooling and placement. This is the equivalent of 6 months of basic board at $25 per day. If any major vet issues come up during that 6 month period that are a direct result from their racing days they are required to pay that expense. Minor vet issues or any injury directly caused by our training process is paid by us. Along with other routine vet issues. We charge our racing partners the same. Some are happy to pay but sadly a lot balk. Saying nonsense like, you’re just going make money selling them. Or just give them away. Both are easier said then done and just wishful thinking.
Anyone interest in this program please do the right thing by your horse and give us a call or others that do the same thing. Sadly not all OTTBs can make the conversion but most can. So we have to pick our spots carefully.
For those looking for an OTTB give us a call if we don’t have anything that suites we should be able to put you in touch with someone that may.
FOR THOSE OWNERS WHO HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THEIR TRAINER OR ANYONE ELSE “THEY WILL FIND OR HAVE FOUND A GOOD HOME” ASK QUESTIONS AND DETAILS AND FOLLOW UP FOR MONTHS OR A YEAR AFTER THE FACT.
The link below will take you to pictures of a filly we bred and sold. The trainer told us she was given to a good home as a 4 year old in March. This filly has a much better then average pedigree and won close to $40,000 on the track. Somebody saw her in a “Brokers Pen” looked up her tattoo and emailed us. Fours months after she was given to a “Good Home”
http://s1136.photobucket.com/albums/n496/gumtreestables/
