Do you think that an off-track Thoroughbred (an OTTB) would be perfect as your next equine partner? One of the advantages of OTTBs is that they’re widely available and are often very affordable. If you would like to bring an OTTB into your barn, there are a number of ways to go about finding one.
Look at a Rescue
There are many rescues and rehoming organizations which help to connect OTTBs with people who want to give them new homes and new careers. One of the advantages of going through a rescue or rehoming organization is that often the OTTB you adopt will have been started under saddle, so you’ll have a better idea of the horse’s training and temperament than if you would if you bought one directly from the track. You’ll need to be approved to adopt from the rescue, so make sure that you have references available.
Buy Right off the Track
You can also buy Thoroughbreds right off the track when they retire. This usually means that you’ll need some connections to an owner or a trainer at the track. Sometimes you can contact trainers and let them know that you’re interested in buying one of their horses when the horse is ready to be retired.
When you buy off the track, you won’t be able to test ride the horse. Trainers are often short on time, and a groom may be available to walk and jog a horse for you, but you won’t have the chance to do much else. It’s best to bring an experienced horseperson along with you to help you evaluate the horses you look at.
Buy from a Private Seller
You may sometimes find private sellers offering up OTTBs for sale. Often the private seller will have purchased the OTTB and retrained him to a point. The amount that you’ll pay for an OTTB from a private seller will usually depend on the amount of training and show experience that the seller has put into the horse.
Pick One Up at Auction
It’s sad to say, but sometimes OTTBs end up at auctions. You may find OTTBs at local auctions, but you likely won’t have much of an opportunity to test ride them or otherwise evaluate them. Sometimes you may see retrained OTTBs show up at higher quality auctions where horses fetch higher prices.
There are many ways that you can bring an OTTB into your life. Good luck in finding your next partner!
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