New to Thoroughbreds?
Welcoming an off-the-track Thoroughbred is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions.
Every Thoroughbred is different. Their racing history, health, temperament and previous experiences will influence how they adjust to life after racing. We have brought together answers to some of the most common questions, along with resources to help you learn more.
Getting Started
I’ve just bought an off-the-track Thoroughbred. Where should I start?
Start by learning as much as you can about your horse, including their racing and training history, previous injuries, feeding programme and routine.
Give them time to settle into their new environment and review their feeding, feet, teeth and general health. Building a good support team around you, including your veterinarian, farrier and coach or trainer, can also make the transition easier.
How can I find out my Thoroughbred’s racing history?
If you know your horse’s registered racing name or microchip, you can search their racing record to find information about their breeding, trainers, starts and race results.
It is also worth speaking with their previous trainer or owner where possible. They may be able to provide useful information about your horse’s temperament, routine, feeding and veterinary history.
I don’t know my horse’s racing name. How can I identify them?
A microchip number is generally the best place to start. Brands, age, breeding, previous owners or trainers and where the horse came from may also help establish their identity.
If you are still unable to identify your horse, contact the Beyond the Track team and we can help or refer to NZTR's
Find your Thoroughbred →
[How to Identify Your Thoroughbred]
Transitioning from Racing
Does my Thoroughbred need time off, and how long will they take to adjust?
There is no set transition period that suits every Thoroughbred. Some horses may benefit from time away from ridden work, while others cope well with remaining in light work and gradually moving into a new routine.
Changes to environment, turnout, companions, diet and workload can all take time to adjust to. Let the individual horse guide the process rather than working to a predetermined timeframe.
Learn more about life after racing →
What does “letting down” a racehorse mean?
Letting down describes the transition away from the physical condition, diet, workload and routine associated with racing.
It does not necessarily mean turning a horse out and doing nothing. Depending on the individual, it may involve changes to feeding, turnout, workload, hoof care and routine as they adjust to their new life.
Feeding Your Thoroughbred
What should I feed my Thoroughbred after racing?
Good-quality forage should form the foundation of your horse’s diet, with additional feed based on their workload, body condition, pasture access and individual needs.
If your horse has recently left racing, find out what they were previously eating and make changes gradually. Their nutritional requirements may change as their workload decreases and their new routine develops.
Why is my Thoroughbred losing weight?
Changes in diet, workload, environment, pasture and routine can contribute to weight loss during transition.
However, ongoing or unexplained weight loss should not simply be considered normal for a Thoroughbred. Dental problems, parasites, gastric disease, pain and other health conditions may also contribute. Seek veterinary advice if you are concerned.
Learn more about maintaining condition →
Health and Care
What routine health care does my Thoroughbred need?
Your horse will need ongoing hoof care, dental care, vaccinations and appropriate parasite management.
When your horse arrives, find out as much as possible about their previous care and work with your veterinarian and farrier to establish an appropriate plan. The frequency and type of care required will depend on the individual horse.
Start with our health checklist →
Is every retired racehorse suitable to become a ridden horse?
No. While many Thoroughbreds go on to successful ridden careers, this will not be appropriate for every horse.
Health, previous injuries, soundness, temperament and behaviour should all be considered. Some horses may require rehabilitation, while others may be better suited to a non-ridden or retirement home.
The goal is to find a sustainable pathway that supports the individual horse’s long-term welfare and quality of life.