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Fashions change in the horse world, and the Thoroughbred breed has seen it’s popularity plunge as a result. Once the backbone of the US Olympic team, TBs have been sidelined as Warmbloods exploded onto the scene.
Here at RO-NO Ranch we are having success with the TBs we work with. We find them to be incredibly versatile and so willing to work and learn. Ex-racehorses tend to be blasé about everything from cross ties and trailering to traffic and commotion. Unraced TBs and homebreds are a blank page. It’s fun to find out which discipline they will excel at!
We like TB crosses too. We’ve started several Appendix horses which went on to do well on the hunter circuit. Also two Percheron crosses, which are steady and sturdy. Even a Haflinger cross which became a super sport pony.
Many people avoid TBs because of concerns that they will be too hot and skittish. Others fear soundness problems and worry that they will cost more to feed. In our experience this is rarely the case.
Like most breeds, TBs come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments. Who knows if one is just right for you!? Let me introduce you to some of our alumni, along with some of our current horses to highlight the different characteristics of the breed.
 Kanani Lio, five year old unraced TB. Owned by Nicole Bartell, 13.
Likes: People and working, especially cantering in the hayfields.
Dislikes: Standing still for mounting, waiting for his grain
Kanani is blossoming into a superstar kids’ horse! His lovely steady movement coupled with his handsome head and solid body make him a standout dressage and show prospect. Naturally lazy, he is a safe mount for his young owner. Nicole says "Kanani is a very respectful and cooperative young Thoroughbred who improves in his training every week. He is a very willing horse who will do just about anything for attention. From the first time I saw him to the next week when I rode him, he looked like a totally different horse. Kanani is exceeding our expectations in his training with Rachel and is the most caring and relaxed horse I have ever met. Many compliments and thankyous go to Rachel and RO-NO Ranch."
Shadow, 3 year old TB/Percheron cross.
Likes: food and just hanging out
Dislikes: none!
Owned and trained by Kaitlyn Webster. Shadow is completely laid back. In the picture he is returning from a trail ride being ridden ‘double’! Kaitlyn is aiming him at eventing and vaulting. She can already stand up on his back and slide off his butt! Kait is a talented trainer and we are lucky to have her at the barn this summer.
Monty, 13 year old ex-racehorse owned by Rachel Fitzmorris.
Likes: Jumping, baths and being turned out
Dislikes: Cows!
Monty is doing the 3’3” jumpers this summer. He’s a pleasure to own and an education to ride. When we got him he was still very ‘head-up’ and hyper. He had almost 60 racing starts. A combination of plenty of turnout and regular work so that he is ‘bored’ with the jumps has transformed his mind. Two years of methodical flatwork and low jumping has strengthened his body and paces. Now the sky’s the limit!
Irrepriceable (Sam) 7 year old unraced gelding owned by Roseanne Ashley, currently in training and for sale.
Likes: Cross country, being fussed over
Dislikes: Spooky obstacles in the arena, although jumps are OK!
Sam is gentlemanly and kind in the barn and under saddle. He was green when we got him and has transformed with regular training. His paces are spectacular and he has a bright future in the hunter or dressage ring. Sam’s heart however, is in the fields! He would love to hunter pace or hunt.
Tuffy (Toughnut) 3 year old gelding owned by Rachel Fitzmorris, currently in training and for sale.
Likes: People, being scratched and groomed.
Dislikes: Can be funny about his ears and poll…
Tuffy was a very small stud colt who we heard about when he was just turning two. He has been growing like a weed and took to being trained like a duck to water. He’s one of the sweetest, most gentle babies we’ve ever had to start, and can be ridden around bareback in a halter. He’s now up to cantering under saddle and is easy to ride. He has round conformation and is incredibly athletic…a little powerhouse! Yet he loves to put his head in your arms after a workout!
You can search for Thoroughbreds for sale or lease through classifieds, rescue organizations or word of mouth. If you are interested in any of the horses featured in this article, or have any questions or comments, please contact Rachel at rachelcartland@yahoo.com.
For more information on this and other articles written by Rachel Fitzmorris or Nola Keill, email them at: nola@ro-noranch.com |
