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OTTB Training

767 views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  HunterChic3787 
#1 ·
I'm looking to buy an OTTB and I found one that I really connected with - I can't explain it, but we just fit. I only rode her at a walk and jog; she's hot off the track, last race was 3 weeks ago. I want to buy her and train her in hunter/jumper.
BUT she's already 8.5 years old. If she was three years younger, I would have already closed on her. I'm getting feedback on both sides, most people tell me she's too old and won't be trainable, but some say her age isn't an issue.

Any opinions?
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#2 ·
If she's sound I'd go for it.

But, if she has no talent for jumping, do you have another use for her? Or can you at least make her an equitation horse and sell her? Is the price reasonable enough for you to take that gamble? Is there a market for anything she may be able to do in your area?
 
#3 ·
She's perfectly sound with great feet, never worn shoes in her life. Owner is anxious to get rid of her, because he's renting the training facility she's at, so she's costing him a lot to keep. He's giving her up for $500. At that price, if I can calm her down enough I can even sell her later as trail/beginner horse.
I'm not too big on competing, but I do like to jump high for the thrill... The problem is I get emotionally attached, so I might not want to sell her and then I'll be stuck with a horse I can't do much on... Then again I could pasture board her somewhere and just use her as a trail horse/brood mare and buy/lease someone else to get my adrenaline fix ;)

I've been going back and forth for over two weeks. I'm going to see her again tomorrow and I'll have to decide then.
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#4 ·
You mention brood mare and if that is a serious option than you really need to consider if she is able to pass on traits you or someone else would be interested in. What other than a functional uterus makes her a good breeding prospect?

Age isn't that big an issue but may make her a bit harder to rework as the "racing" mentally has been a big part of the mares life.
 
#5 ·
As far as the possibility of a brood mare, I just meant that it may be an option to keep open. I'm obviously not going to breed her just to say that I bred her.

At the end of the day, what it comes down to is even if I can make her into a great jumper, because of her age, I won't really have too many years to be able I'll be able ride her.

I know the facts of it, I just don't have any 'horse friends' to debate with. I'm just asking your opinions- would YOU do it.
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#7 ·
In my experience with older OTTBs, I have found they are either REALLY easy to retrain, or it is **** near impossible. The thing is, you won't know with her until you try.

However, a fairly good indication as to whether she will be sensible or not after racing is how she behaves race day. Is she on her toes, jumping around like a lunatic in the parade ring, or does she walk around fairly quietly? What is she like in her warm up down to the post? She cruise around easily, or do the clerks of the course have to lead her. If she's fairly level headed on race day, then there is a pretty good chance she'll be one of the easy ones to turn around.
 
#8 ·
From what her owner told me, she was fairly level headed on race day. She's a real sweetheart on the ground if that's any indication. Also, the first time I saw her, she was less than a week off the track and I was able to get her to jog pretty nicely after working with her for a while. Just being on the track for so long she doesn't have the slightest clue what you want from her. Once she figures it out though, she just wants to please. (I'm sitting here talking myself into it).

She's also very brave around water, so I could really just turn her into a great trail horse if I can't jump her...

Anyway, I'm going to see her again today and ride her again, so that's when I'll make a final decision I guess. Wish me luck!
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