How to Get the Best Out Of Your Horse

 Owning a horse can be a financially draining albeit rewarding experience. Whether you’re training him for racing or competition success, or you’re just as causal rider, it’s important to keep him healthy.

Like any pet, you need to make sure you treat them well. And when it comes to animals as big as a horse, they require a great deal more care and attention. 

Even as a recreational horse, there are a number of important things you need to do, to ensure he is always at his healthiest.

Getting the Best Out of Your Horse

Horses are incredible animals, with a pretty complex anatomy. To keep him happy, healthy, and free from injury, the right level of care is vital. While you should never buy a horse with no prior knowledge or research into their care, it can be difficult to process everything.

Here, we look at five things you need to do to ensure you always get the very best out of your horse:

1. Diet

Due to its delicate digestive system, a horse has a number of particular dietary requirements. They need to eat a high protein diet which includes forages (grasses and hay), grains and oats, and supplemental feeds.

Depending on whether you are racing your horse or just riding him, his dietary requirements will change. You can find out more about what is best for your particular horse by speaking to your vet.

You should be aware too, that horses are unable to regurgitate food. This means that if they happen to over eat, or eat something poisonous, they can’t be sick to clear their stomach. Because of this, they are susceptible to horse colic and illness.

Again, it is always best to speak to your vet or trainer if you’re unsure. They will be able to offer advice specific to your horse and his training schedule.

2. Exercise and Training

This too, is important for getting the best out of your horse. Equines are by no means a ‘small’ animal. They require lots of exercise very regularly.

If your horse is involved in sports, they will undoubtedly follow a strict training schedule. However, it is important they have exercise outside of these constraints. Your local yard or stable will have a whole host of great facilities for your horse.

3. Days Off

Just like an athlete though, it’s important your horse has days away from a gruelling regime. Let them enjoy roaming around their paddocks, and spend time with you outside of training.

This is also vital for building a trusting relationship with your horse. If you don’t take part in sporting activities, make sure you don’t ride your horse too much.

This can put excess strain on their muscles and cause them injuries. Days off to recover are important, as are days spent just being a horse.

4. T.L.C.

Horses, like any animal, respond well to care and affection. Make sure that after a successful training session you reward your horse. Be careful not to over treat him though. Like you, a horse needs to keep his weight down before a big race.

If you’re horse is more of a pet, you should be treating him well all the time. Building a trusting relationship is a great way for both of you to enjoy your time together all the more.

They can be very affectionate animals, so make sure you give them the T.L.C. they deserve.

5. Rehabilitation after Injury

Unfortunately, injuries happen. No matter how careful you are, your horse can sustain an injury. Should this happen, rehabilitation is vital. Giving your horse a chance to rest and recuperate is essential for a speedy recovery.

Even if your horse stays injury free, it’s important to let him recover after a race or competition. This too will give him the best chance of returning to his peak quickly. Even just a causal rider should make sure their horse has time to recover in between rides.

Getting the best out of your horse is easy, when you have the right people around you. It won’t always be easy, and every day will be different, but it is the challenge of horse ownership that makes it so rewarding.

What You Need to Know about Racehorse Ownership Options

The sport of horse racing has been around for hundreds of years and today racehorse ownership is available to all, from the rich to the middle class. If you love the sport of horse racing and have always wanted to participate as an owner, then you have several options available to you. Before you get carried away at looking for thoroughbreds for sale here is a quick guide to the ownership choices available:

Racing Clubs

This is the best choice for newcomers to racehorse ownership. You would pay a one-off yearly fee and a manager is responsible for the care, training and health of your racehorse. Also, you will have most of the advantages that a solo owner enjoys such as cheering for your animal and spending time at the stables. You will be able to ease up and allow the manager to handle any daily decisions involved in your racer's success.

Leasing Your Racehorse

With this option, you will own a racehorse on a non-permanent basis. The terms of a lease may vary, so your options may be ownership of the horse for just a season or a horse's whole racing career. In that way, you would be entitled to a portion of the horse's earnings. You would also have the responsibility for payments related to the cost of training.

Racing Partnerships and Syndicates

If you have a group of friends, associates or family members with an interest in owning a racehorse, then you can combine resources to make this dream a reality. This way you can enjoy the exciting sport together. You may select the colors for your stable and apportions the total expenditures related to racehorse ownership. With more people involved, the cost of ownership is reduced. A general partnership consists of anything from 2 to over 20 individuals. That being said, two partners have to be registered as the designated associates.

Being The Sole Owner

Making the decision to buy a racehorse of your own is certainly the most expensive of the choices. However, owning your horse is perhaps the most thrilling and empowering way to go. This will allow you to have a part in every aspect of horse racing You'll be choosing which horse to buy, who your trainer will be, and the races in which your horse will compete. Furthermore, only you will be entitled to the horse's takings, and there is no doubt that a winning horse is an extremely profitable asset. You may be able to charge stud or foaling fees for a horse with a large number of winning races. However, you will be solely responsible for racing fees along with the expenses that are incurred for your horse’s care.

Corporate Ownership

This option allows enables you to promote your company and increase your brand visibility through your horse carrying your company’s name. The greater success your horse achieves, the more your company name will be viewed.

As you consider the various racehorse ownership options available, you are sure to learn how you can be involved in this pastime you love.

A Look at the World of Racehorse Breeding in the UK

UK breeders began producing superior quality foals several hundred years ago. Currently the UK breeds many Thoroughbreds each year, and a lot of them have excellent racing careers. Quality breeding professionals work hard to match parents appropriately in order to facilitate proper placement of foals with the best racehorse trainer possible, and to ensure that the horses have successful racing careers.

 

The Thoroughbred breed's origins can be traced as far back as the 1600s, when Arabian stallions and indigenous British mares were bred together. As a matter of fact, all Thoroughbred pedigrees can be traced back to Byerly Turks, Darley Arabian, or Godolphin Arabian horses. These efforts have resulted in a taller breed with long legs that can travel quickly over both short and long distances and have led to the outstanding racehorses we see today. Thoroughbreds have passed these traits on to more breeds, such as the Standardbred and the American Quarter-Horse.

Serious thoroughbred breeders concentrate on growing foals with dense bones that can handle the track's impact, big hooves that can hold their weight, personalities that cause them to be competitive but submissive to training, and powerful muscles that make them speedy. The genetic advantage that these foals possess gives them a competitive edge. Their natural talent makes them easy to train and likely to succeed on the track.

There are other advantages that accompany the breeding of horses for racing for UK breeders. Breeders' prizes funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board reward those who use high quality breeding stock to produce outstanding foals. In much the same way, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association aims to assist its membership in numerous ways, and works to facilitate sound breeding practices in order to produce the very best foals.

Yet even the most carefully bred foal cannot thrive without an appropriate racehorse trainer. A good trainer can make the most of an animal's innate talent and drive to compete in order to achieve success. He or she is responsible for getting the horse in racing condition and maintaining its strength throughout the racing season, and this can make the difference between a win and a loss on the track regardless of the horse's breeding.

Thoroughbred breeders in the UK are well recognized throughout the world for breeding top quality racehorses. The nice weather and veterinary care available are important for foal development. Parents that are carefully chosen often give birth to offspring that is naturally talented, and with these foals, choosing a good racehorse trainer will enhance this talent to create excellent track horses.

8 Great Things About Owning a Racehorse

Being a racehorse owner brings with it many benefits. In years previous, racehorse ownership was reserved for the wealthy and privileged. By owning a racehorse you can enjoy the rich tradition of horse racing. There are numerous perks which come with owning a racehorse. The enjoyment you get out of seeing your horse develop is a joy in itself. For many, it is a life long dream to own a racehorse. Involvement in this side of racing brings great satisfaction. Also, the excitement of seeing your horse come charging down the stretch is simply incomparable. Few other sports can compete with the adrenaline rush that horse racing brings to the owner.

Owning a thoroughbred is made easier these days by different ownership avenues available to racehorse owners such as horse racing partnerships. They can choose between sole ownership or co-owner of the horse. Owning a share of a racehorse is far more affordable than sole ownership which means more people can enjoy the benefits which come with racehorse ownership.

Racehorse ownership can also bring other benefits. One is the huge amount of cash prize the winning horse stands to receive. Some competitions award prize money to the first six. However, the prize money could also only be awarded to the first three. The owners also receive commemorative trophies for their winning horses.

The second benefit of racehorse ownership comes on the race day itself. When your horse is racing, you will get entry badges for easy access to the course, use of exclusive facilities, access to viewing areas, entry to paddock and an enclosure for the winning horse.

The third advantage is the appearance money. It is not unusual for you to be paid appearance money to encourage you to run your horse in certain races or on certain racedays. In 2008, appearance money amounted to £1.5m.

Racehorse owners can enjoy the benefit of VAT reclamation on certain fees incurred through the upkeep of the horse.

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) Badge Scheme provides 2500 racehorse owners with free entry to 800 race fixtures each year, so even when your horse isn't running you can enjoy a day at the races for nothing.

The sixth benefit of racehorse ownership is sponsorship. You are allowed to seek sponsorship for your horse. In return for publicising the logo or business which sponsors your horse you will receive money.

Naming your racehorse is the seventh benefit. Most weanlings, yearlings or two year olds in training are unnamed. The owner has the privilege of coming up with a name for the unraced horse. Including spaces, the name can not be any longer than 18 characters. The name must not be used before.

Lastly, the selecting your racing colours or “silks”. Every horse must race carrying the distinctive colours of their owner. Your racing colours should not duplicate anything which is currently registered. This will allow race watchers to distinguish the runners. The racehorse owner must register the colours with the British Horse Racing Authority.

Your Questions About Buying a Racehorse Answered Here

Investing in a racehorse represents a thrilling method of participating in the world of horse-racing. Owners can make their first time owning a racehorse successful by learning how to pick the right horse and create a program for training it. Experience isn't a prerequisite to success or enjoyment at horse racing - as long as you locate a good horse and utilize an adequate racehorse trainer.

What is the first step to buying a racehorse?

The initial step is for a buyer to determine whether he must get professional assistance in the selection of a good horse. A bloodstock agent can be commissioned to help determine a horse's confirmation, pedigree and experience. It is best to find a bloodstock agent with solid references to ensure that they are well qualified. Maintain a budget by realizing the horse's initial cost, as well as all expenses for training, stabling, shoeing, transporting, race entries, supplies, and veterinary care.


What are the different ways of buying a racehorse?

A racehorse purchase can happen several ways. Buyers can find untrained horses, horses that have started training, and horses who already have racing experience. In claiming races, the prices are set before the horses race, after the race new owners can claim their horse at the agreed price. At an auction, the bidder will be provided with details such as the pedigree of the horse and its age, in order to evaluate it. When purchasing a horse, buying direct is by far the best route, since it will then be possible to get a complete veterinarian exam to be sure of the health of the horse and the determination of the likely possibility of any problems arising in future racing. Alternatively, customers can share their interest in racehorses through horse racing partnerships. Syndicates offer a way for them to buy a stake in multiple racehorses. Through one of these, it is possible to learn the horses' pedigrees, their ages, and the track records of each in order for a prospective investor to learn of their potential.

How do you go about finding a perfect racehorse trainer?

Regardless of inherent talent, a horse needs a qualified racehorse trainer in order for it to realize its true potential. The trainer should have a solid record with the horses he or she has trained. It is important that the other horses he trained exhibit good results. A racehorse trainer who is good at his job, will also be good at dealing with people in general and able to have good communication with his client as well. Proper trainers have the ability to design an adequate regimen for achieving the horse's peak condition and readying it for all of its races. He will also be able to select the appropriate races for each horse and know how much time to leave in between races.

The purchase of a racehorse is an undertaking that is often filled with excitement. By enlisting the right people to help select and train the horse, beginners will receive a successful introduction to the racing world. As they gain experience, they will develop a sense for which horses they want to buy and train and will find that racing is a highly rewarding game.

7 Things You Ought to Know Before Buying a Racehorse

A racehorse trainer could tell the potential racehorse owner volumes about buying and owning a racehorse. The endeavor could be either fun and financially rewarding or heartbreaking if the horse has not earned much or has gotten injured. Horses are living creatures and are just not able to be predictable all the time. People who want to buy a racehorse should keep seven things in mind.

Is a Racehorse in the Budget?

Even the upkeep of a jade ridden for pleasure isn’t inexpensive. A racehorse, in addition to food and a place to live, needs racehorse trainer, a jockey, a farrier (person who knows how to make and fit horseshoes) and a qualified veterinarian. You have to get and pay for the right permits and adequate insurance. Racehorses also have travel expenses as they move from one racecourse to the other over the season.

Pedigree

Someone who is looking to own a racehorse needs to know the stock it comes from. Can I see the bloodline? Who sired it? Does the General Stud Book contain a listing for them and for their lineage? What are the names of the horse's siblings, whether they are full or half? Has the horse been winning at the race track?

The Horse’s Conformation

Seabiscuit ran with a strange, eggbeater action for a horse, but despite this he was a great champion. Different horses may not adjust for mistakes in a similar way. If possible, the potential buyer needs to see the horse run around several laps.

What Sex?

Is the owner willing to take a chance on a filly? Some fillies have been brilliant, of course, and Falmouth and Ribblesdale Stakes, among other races, are open only to fillies. Would the owner like a gelding, which will not be able to collect stud fees if he proves to be championship material? It is possible to buy several horses from the same exact lineage but it does not guarantee that each will be a champion.

On What Track Will the Horse be Raced?

Some horses do well on flat racing courses like Epsom or Doncaster. Other horses excel at National Hunt races, such as Cheltenham, or mixed race courses, such as Folkestone or Kempton Park. When the owner determines he wants to enter the National Hunt race they should make sure their racehorse trainer is ready to prepare for it. If horses do not like to jump or are afraid to do so, nothing will persuade them to take that leap.

How Willing Are They to Keep a Horse That Doesn’t Win?

To put it differently, how long will an owner keep a horse that is not paying its own way?

What Do They Plan To Do With the Horse After Retirement?

A horse will only race for a few years at best. Horses can survive for up to thirty years, and while champions, both male and female can be moneymakers, not all horses are suitable for breeding. Is the owner going to keep them on private property, sell them to someone who loves horses, send them to a slaughterhouse or another place or give them to a charitable organization?

Finding the Right Racehorse Trainer

Correct racehorse training makes or breaks a horse's career. Your racehorse, after all, is an investment, and you want to make certain that it pays off. So when you are searching for trainers, you need to be very exacting. Spending time selecting the right racehorse trainer will be worth it in the long run.
Picking racehorse trainers can be complicated...if you don't know what you are looking for. This guide will help you evaluate race horse trainers, and ask the correct questions so that you pick the one that is correct for your horse, and for you.

1. Check The Directory
Your first stop should be the British Horseracing Authority website. There, you can search through the trainers directory for professionally licensed trainers both in your county and in your desired price range. Make a short list of the ones that seem to fit your location and budget.

2. Make Contact
Start with your short list, and make as many appointments as you can. Go to their facility and take a good look around. They should be content to show you whatever you want to see. Check the gear they use, to be certain it is up to snuff. As you walk around, chat them up. You want to be 100% sure that this is a person you will get along with and enjoy working with.
Check their recent starters, and their overall statistics. From there, you can get a fairly good idea of how good they are at assessing, training and placing horses under their care. Ask them when their horses are racing next, and if you can manage it attend the race. Ask the racehorse trainer if you can speak to the owner of the horse, and find out how content they have been with this trainer.

3. Question Period
Ask all potential race horse trainers the following questions:

• Do you charge a advising fee for advice on horse selection and buying?
• What is your success rate with regard to horse purchase guidance?
• What are your training fees, and how are they scheduled?
• Do you charge other fees? If so, are these additional fees separate, or included in the fee structure?
• What sort of access do I have to my horse? How often can I visit? How involved can I be in his training?
• How will youspeak with me about my horse? Will you offer me regular updates via phone? Email?

Finally, before you sign on the dotted line with a trainer, check out the British Horseracing Authority website for the obligatory Training Agreement and Trainers Code Of Conduct.