Dispelling the Thoroughbred Myth – Part 4
“I had a new boarder in the barn tell me that she has never fed her TB grain because she heard it will make her hot. She also said the same thing about weight gainer supplements when I tried to approach her about her horse, which is underweight. I also own a rescued TB and someone told me that I should automatically put her on ulcer or digestive supplements because all TB's have nervous stomachs”. Submitted by Angela via FB
“I was always told at every stable I went to board at that TB's are hard keepers, they are hot so don't feed them grain, they are nervous types that burn a lot of calories. Now that I care for my own horses after years at boarding facilities I can say with confidence that these people were all full of BS. I am sure there are some hard keepers out there in every breed, but after only 5 months on my own and my 2 horses are as happy and healthy as can be.”. Submitted by Julia 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 18 comments in just under a half 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, 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 another in a series that will lend itself to dispelling just a few of the top Thoroughbred myths.
Myth #4
All Thoroughbreds are hard keepers.
Truth #4
The “hard keeper” myth stems from the transition from track life to off-the-track life and the subsequent changes in routine, handling and feeding. When a horse comes off the track and is relocated to a facility he or she will usually arrive in a condition known as “racing fit”. Sleek and lean with extremely well defined muscular development, this physical state is nearly impossible to maintain in the non-racing world. This body state is achieved by training, diet and other factors usually present at the training facility; conditions not present in your local barn.
Horses at the track are fed grain and usually a mix of alfalfa and other grass hay in large quantities. The calories contained in the grain and hay are needed to keep the horse healthy remain whilst in race training. The amount of grain is several times what a horse that is a showing, ridden for pleasure or trail riding would require to maintain a healthy weight.
Thoroughbreds transitioning from track life to riding horse life will invariably experience significant body changes. These changes are normal and do not mean the horse is a “hard keeper” simply that he or she is adjusting to a normal domestic horse life. Weight will be lost over a course of several weeks and will be regained steadily over several months.
Every horse is different and will require different amounts of feed to maintain a healthy weight. Quality hay, good grain and pasture will allow any horse without underlying health issues to thrive. Consultation with a veterinarian concerning diet and care is a must in the beginning stages of the transitioning of a Thoroughbred into their new home.
Some horses at the track may be on certain medications or supplements that enhance his or her stamina and physical appearance. After leaving the track these additional supplements will no longer be given, leading to the above mentioned apparent weight loss; normal occurrence that feeds into the “hard keeper” myth. Keeping weight on a Thoroughbred is not much different than keeping weight on any other breed of horse.
Allowing time for the horse to adjust to his or her new surroundings, diet, feeding schedule and new routine will help the fresh off the track Thoroughbred quickly become an old hand at showing, eventing, dressage or any other discipline he or she is suited for. Being a Thoroughbred does not equate to being a "hard keeper" as a general rule; any horse can be a "hard keeper" when not fed correctly or has teeth or health issues that are not addressed properly.
Help dispel this Thoroughbred myth, today! If you see a horse that is painfully thin, of any breed, call your local humane enforcement office or SPCA immediately; horses do not have a voice so we must speak for and help protect them.
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