Hi,
I just bought thoroughbred gelding.his name is ridge and he is about 10 years old. he is my first horse.I have had a fare bit of experience, but not with this breed. so i'm not sure about some stuff, like whether i should be riding him in the winter? or if competitive trail riding is a good idea. etc.
I am also wondering if anyone has any name suggestions since i don't care for the one he came with. i know at his age it's not the best idea to be changing his name. but i just can't get used to it.
Thanks
I also have a TB, and your horse should be perfectly fine to be ridden in winter, as long as he doesn't have any problems sweating. I know of some TB's who have problems working up a really good sweat and they have to be cooled down extra carefully. As with any horse, make sure he's conditioned properly before competing, especially on something long winded like competitive trails. Depending on his body type, he was either meant to cover short distances very fast (Sprinter) or longer distances very fast (Stayer).
Since TB's were bred to run, they have big hearts and great lung capacity and deep chests, but their legs and hooves are often not up to par for things like navigating rocky terrain with ease. If that's what you plan on doing, make sure he has shoes and other protective gear.
Does he come from racing stock, or was he backyard bred? Most TB's have some race horses in their history, but if you got him from a trainer who decided not to race him because he wasn't fast enough, his conformation is going to be affected, rather than someone who bred their mare to someone's stallion--these horses are more likely to be crossed with something along their bloodlines but not show traits. Over all though, TB's are pretty much good for whatever discipline you choose to train them in--they're very willing and naturally athletic.
Sam, he is a OTTB. his last race was sometime in 2009, from the ad where she got him from ( i am a friend of her's ) had stated. Although she know's most of the details, but he is from racing stock.
You can most definitely ride him in the winter. With a Thoroughbred, consistency is the key. So, I would strongly encourage you to ride him at least three times a week. Of course, it depends on his personality (I've had the hot TB and the lazy TB) but it's always a good rule of thumb for naturally "up" horses.
I have 2 TB's and a 3/4 TB that I event and they are the best eventers that I have found. I've ridden many breeds and the TB just seems to have the most heart, athletic ability, and stamina. Competative trail riding might be a good option if you are looking for a horse that could go for hours when fit.
Do you have his racing name? I could probably look his pedigree up and tell you a bit about his ancestors if you wish.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. I'm very experienced with this breed.
Hmmm.. are you sure it was Ego Ridge? I found an Echo Ridge but no Ego Ridge. All TB's off the track must be registered with the Jockey club and put in the pedigree database and he is not there under the name you gave me.
It would be nice to see a photo, although it would just be for my pleasure it's not needed to find him on the JC database. It's just odd that I can't find him. He either did not actually race or did not race under that name. Does he have a tattoo? If so, he definitely raced.
Runningfree,
I found an "ego Ridge" a 1999 dark bay or brown horse foaled March 25, 1999 Manitoba, Canada.
Says the horse is unraced.
I am not real familiar with Canadian breeding.
Back to the original question...I think riding in the winter is totally fine. Trail riding may be a real good thing. I think that TB's are pretty well suited for many different things.
You will find your nitch.
I agree that consistency and routine are great. I own two TB's and I just love them....
Congrats on your new guy!!!!
Halfpass
that would explain why the name isn't on the JC database; its not from the US. However, the horse is apparently 20 so the 1999 horse wouldn't fit the bill.
oops my mistake...
I thought she said about 10 yrs old
Any how I went to www.equineline.com
and put in the name Ego Ridge....try that and see if it comes up!
RunningFree, enjoy your new pony....
Wait nevermind LOL, i made a mistake, no that is him who you found, im horrible with Years ! I figured, if i am born 1995. and he is 1999, well he is going to be about 10 and not 20 otherwise i would be about 24 LOL and im NOT
i think you found him halfpass.
we are from MB,Canada.
But the age is alot more older than he is supposed to be, ill take a snoop to see if i can find him,
he was in training to be raced, but never was officially on the track. Pretty much i believe. Apparently his last race was sometime this year. but i think that was just his training ?
But than i never owned a OTTB, i only own an old TB
Hm, i got the same result as you.
RF, i think you're new horsie is older than you might of been told ? this is his lines.
Hey everybody
He is around 10 but he never officially raced he was going to race but was too slow so he never made and the person dealing with him had finacial issues
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