Retraining a racehorse

horse or event horse would need to be more athletic than a general leisurehacking horse. In all cases the more correct his conformation the way he is put together the more likely he will be to stay sound throughout his life. Also consider if any old injuries could cause problems in the future.

Getting your new horse home
Biosecurity is important with any new horse and your racehorse is no different. Check his vaccinations are up to date and it is a good idea to isolate all new arrivals and follow normal biosecurity procedures. Check out our Biosecurity blog for more details.
Your new horse will also need to be wormed or have a worm egg count donefind out more here
A change of home can be a stressful time for any horse but some preplanning will help. Your racehorse will be used to a very routine life and also to having lots of horses around so if your new exracehorse is being isolated for biosecurity reasons ensure that he can see other horses. If possible try to keep him and his neighbours in the same routine too.
TIP Even if you are on a DIY yard try to get together with friends and feed the horses at the same time your racehorse will be used to this and may become stressed if his routine is different from the other horses. The same applies to turnout. Establish a routine that you can keep to.
Feeding he will need access to plenty of fibre such as adlib meadow hay but will no longer need the high energy feed that he is likely to have had when racing. Choose a low energy high fibre cube mix or balancer. It can be helpful to contact a feed company to seek advice if you are unsure.
Settling in and turnout
Turnout is generally a good idea if weather conditions and facilities allow unless the horse has restrictions due to previous injury. It will give him time to relax and just be a horse but it may be something he will need to get used to it is not unusual for many racehorses to have been permanently stabled during their racing career or given access to a small turnout pen to have a roll. Introduce his turnout and access to grass carefully starting with a couple of hours and gradually extending the time. He may also feel the cold more than
other horses and need rugging accordingly.
Tip Finding him a calm companion who will quietly graze will be a big help and encourage him to settle. Also its a good idea to pick a quiet time on the yard for his first turnout when there are not too many people or horses coming or going.
Most horses will adapt quickly and we often then decide to turn our exracers away for a couple of months to chill out relax and become normal horses before we start their education. Like humans all are individuals with different personalities so it is important to assess each ones needs but some time off allows them to letdown physically and mentally especially if straight out of racing and very fit. This may not be possible in winter or if previous injuries restrict things.