Cross Breeds

My ex-race horse...........?

I have an 8 year old ex-racing Thoroughbred gelding, he ran 12 races.......but was to slow and retired at 2 yo. So was he worked to hard when he was to young? Will he have soundness problems later in life? He is perfectly heathy and sound right now, and I'm am useing him for showjumping. He is exercised (light to moderate) 4-6 times a week. Should I worry about him being sound and heathy? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. he's fine
2. As long as you are taking good care of him by maintaining proper feed, hay, and exercise management your horse shouldn't have any irregular wearing of joints or soundness problems. Make sure you maintain bi-annual vet check-ups and that your horse is being fed the right feed and hay in proper amounts. With proper love and care your horse will live a nice long life and you will get lots of enjoyment out of your equine friend.
3. If his body is built for showjumping it should be fine. I think he should stay sound. I would start him on a joint supplement now, the earlier you start the better. Something with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
4. They start the TB's out when they are young..it beats me why they want to "break-down" a young horse like that even before their bones and such is formed! Ow! Just watch your horse...you will be the first to pick up on any lameness issues. Treat him like an athlete. Give him the vitamins and supplements he needs!
5. He should be OK. It really depends on the horse. If he never got seriously hurt when he was racing he probably won't have trouble until he is much older (like 20 years old and up). There are medicins you can give to help there joints and such out but make sure you talk to your vet because half the stuff out there does nothing and costs a ton. Something a resently found out is stay away from bute because it can cause ulsers. Also pick something that is natural so cemicals aren't goign into your horses body and doing much more harm then good. I could go on and on about nutrishion but I'm not go to. Talk to a vet or at least a smart horse person. All I can say is keep it natural. If God wanted horses to be eating cemicals he would have put them in the grass. Lol. If you have any questions about ex race horses and related things email me. I've read alot about it.
6. take careof him and i week before and a week after a competion put him on MSM it works wonders.