Your Cart is Empty
100% REFUND ON TASTE REJECTION
Off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) can be exceptional companions and athletes, but they can present unique challenges due to their previous racing careers. Properly transitioning an OTTB from racing to a new discipline or leisure riding involves understanding and addressing their specific needs in feeding, health management, and behaviour.
Understanding Their Background
Thoroughbreds are bred for speed and performance, they have a highly structured and intense training regime on the racetrack. Their lives are regimented with limited turnout and are mostly fed high-energy diets to support their intense exercise schedules. This background significantly influences their behaviour and responses when transitioning to new environments.
Transitioning from high energy concentrates to a forage-based diet needs to be done slowly and with care.
When bringing an OTTB home, patience and empathy are crucial. These horses must adjust to a new routine and environment, which can be stressful. Gradual changes—whether in feeding, exercise, or turnout—help them acclimatise smoothly. Providing consistent, gentle handling and establishing a predictable routine can help them feel secure.
Physical Health and Injuries
Many OTTBs retire with various musculoskeletal issues from the repetitive high-speed workouts of racing. A comprehensive veterinary evaluation is essential to identify and address any joint disorders, tendon or ligament strains, or fractures. This assessment will guide their rehabilitation and exercise program.
Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are a common issue among racehorses, with studies indicating that over 90% of racing Thoroughbreds suffer from them.
Ulcers are sores in the stomach lining caused by stress, high-grain diets, and the demands of racing. Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, tooth grinding, difficulty maintaining weight, poor coat quality, and reduced appetite for grain.
Consulting with your Vet is crucial for developing a treatment plan and adjusting the diet to support gastric health. Medication for Ulcers may be required and a supplement like Missys Bucket Gut-Plus can really help with supporting the gut through what can sometimes be a stressful transition and career change.
Topline Muscles
Developing and maintaining a strong topline is vital for OTTBs transitioning to new disciplines. Topline muscles—along the neck, back, loin, and croup—are crucial for movement and posture. Topline strength is particularly important for riding horses as the back needs to support not only the horse but the saddle and rider as well!
Inadequate nutrition and lack of proper exercise can lead to a weak topline. Ensure the diet provides adequate protein and amino acids and implement exercises that strengthen and engage these muscles.
Hoof Issues
Thoroughbreds are prone to various hoof problems, including abscesses, cracks, white line disease, thrush, and bruises. Their conformation, with long toes and low heels, can strain various tendons and ligaments. Regular farrier visits for trimming and proper hoof care are essential. Additionally, a balanced diet with necessary vitamins and minerals supports hoof health and growth.
Respiratory Issues
OTTBs are susceptible to respiratory issues due to their past racing environment. Common problems include Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH), Heaves (equine asthma), Inflammatory Airway Disease, and Roaring (laryngeal hemiplegia). Maintaining a clean, dust-free environment and good air quality in the stable is important. Veterinary treatment and targeted management interventions may be required for persistent respiratory issues.
Evaluating and Transitioning the Diet
The transition from a high-energy racing diet to one suitable for leisure or new disciplines requires careful management.
Assess the OTTB’s body condition using a scale from 1 (poor) to 9 (extremely obese) is a good first step. Adjust the diet based on their body condition, keeping in mind that the average Thoroughbred weighs around 500kg. Use a weigh tape and equine body weight calculator for accuracy.
Focus on Forage
Horses are naturally grazers, and a forage-based diet is crucial for digestive health. Provide as much forage as possible, either through pasture or free-choice hay.
Vitamin and Mineral Requirements
Grass and Hay alone will not meet all vitamin and mineral requirements. Use a targeted supplement like Missy’s Bucket to address deficiencies.
Supplementing for Health
Consider additional supplements to address specific health needs:
Sample Diets
A good sample diet for your Thoroughbred would be free-choice hay, chaff, hay cubes or a fibre replacement like Speed-beet, salt and Missy’s Bucket Gut-Plus
OTTBs require thoughtful management to transition successfully from racing to a new career. By understanding their background, evaluating their current diet and body condition, and providing a balanced, forage-based diet with necessary supplements, you can ensure a smooth transition and support their health and performance in their new role as companions and riding horses!
See for yourself the results of Missy’s Bucket Gut-Plus on Off the Track Thoroughbreds
"The photos clearly showcase the incredible improvement in my Thoroughbred’s overall condition and health. Retraining a Thoroughbred requires more than just the physical exercise. Supporting and maintaining a healthy gut from the start can enhance demeanour, performance, and overall well-being.
Missy’s Bucket Gut Plus is an all-in-one formula that provides everything your horse needs—strengthening coat and hooves, binding toxins, supporting nerves, and nourishing the gut with prebiotics and probiotics. This leads to better nutrient absorption, immune support, and healthy weight gain—all while simplifying and cost-saving your feeding routine."Skye McCoullough
At certain times of the year or for metabolic reasons, sometimes it's necessary to feed only hay diets to our horses. After all, hay is just dried grass.
How can we ensure our horses are getting their nutritional needs met when they have no access to grass, and hay is getting even harder to source?
Magnesium can vary in colour from off-white to light brown/pink and has no association with quality.
