Dispelling the Thoroughbred Myth – Part 3
“I was looking at an OTTB rescue when I was living in Sacramento. My boyfriend at the time asked me if I was sure I wanted a former race horse, I asked him what he meant. ‘He was a race horse, he is going to be hot headed and out of control. Your (sic) going to have constant issues with him. I think you should look elsewhere.’ This was coming from a guy (who thought he knew anything and everything) that had no clue about horses”. Submitted by Melissa via FB
“My two OTTBs have both gotten the "That's a Thoroughbred?? He (and she) looks like a quarter horse. They're so calm and sweet, I thought all Thoroughbreds were crazy and mean”. Submitted by Mandi via FB
The above phrases are from two of the Angel Acres readers. Simply asking readers for their favorite and most irritating inaccurate statements about Thoroughbreds resulted in over 20 comments in just under an hour.
There are many common myths that are perceived as truth surrounding Thoroughbred horses. The majority of these myths stems from a handful of rumors, wives tales, and a general lack of desire to dig deeper into the subject.
Thoroughbreds are the most handled and one of the most intelligent breeds of horses. Thoroughbreds are taught to load onto a trailer well before many horses have even left the farm. This article is the second of three that will lend itself to dispelling just a few of the top Thoroughbred myths.
Myth #3
All Thoroughbreds are hot.
Truth #3
Thoroughbreds are ridden almost daily when in training at the track. People unfamiliar with Thoroughbreds may believe they are “hot” and “crazy” because they are “bred to run”. From these myths images of a 1200 lb horse running at an all out gallop with a helpless rider screaming and hanging on for dear life tend to run through their heads.
This scenario could not be farther from the truth; horses at the track are usually on their best behavior and interact with other riders without incident. Horses are consistently handled, bathed, groomed, walked, and are ridden in both directions on the track; slower horses on the outside, faster horses on the inside. This goes on day in and day out at tracks all over the country without incident; does this sound like the behavior of crazy, hot, wired horses? No, it does not.
Thoroughbreds residing and working at the track are alert and in peak physical condition; leading some novice horse folks to determine them to be “hot”. Some of these horses are given supplements to enhance their performance and this may cause some nervousness or excess energy, to the untrained eye, this can be interpreted as “hot” as well. This is temporary and usually only present during their racing training/race track life. Thoroughbred horses are incredibly kind, wonderful, well-mannered and loyal.
Once away from the track and allowed to be let down properly many will be well suited for a variety of new career paths. New Thoroughbred owners should use this time to bond with their new equine family member and begin the life-long partnership that is bound to be truly rewarding for both.
“Thoroughbreds are not good beginner horses” is another hugely inaccurate stereotypical comment that sends waves of dread down every experienced Thoroughbred lovers back. There are horses that have left the track because they do not have the “speedy gene” needed to win; yet will excel at packing around a beginning rider after completing their after track training.
This article is not intended to encourage new owners without Thoroughbred experience to sprint out to the track and purchase a race horse. This article is intended to encourage beginning and seasoned riders alike, to dispel the myths associated with the Thoroughbred breed, and consider adopting a Thoroughbred from a reputable rescue or seller and to educate non horse owners about this magnificent breed of horse.
Check out this article for Miss Judge's Story (horse in photo with mom, Pat) another Thoroughbred horse helping to dispel the myth, she was also once bound for slaughter.
Check out Thoroughbred Myth #1
Check out Thoroughbred Myth # 2
Help dispel the Thoroughbred myth today, share this article today!
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