Why I Chose a Retired Racehorse Over an Event Horse | National Racehorse Week at Heros Charity

[@megsho1125]

I have an ex-broodmare, THB. She is simply amazing. Rehabilitating her has been hard work, and she's the safest horse I know. She is big and powerful, but not once has she harmed me. She's very cautious when I ride her. There is definitely something special about thoroughbreds.

[@surgeoninthesaddle5522]

This is fantastic representing the ex racers / OTTBs! They truly are lovely for someone willing to step up and develop an energetic athlete. Thank you for sharing your journey with Ember.

[@Penelopeequestrian]

I have a ex race horse and me and Lilly are in Australia we just got Lilly After she finished her last race because she didn’t run out of barrier so she retired she got given to someone to help sell Lilly that’s when I came and got her I’ve had her for five years we are eventing up to 90cm and she is jumping up to 1.10m now now she is the best horse anyone could ask for❤

[@anubisblueNK]

Loved this. What a wonderful place. Horses getting an extra chance is life and being cared for so well. 😊

[@sandraback7809]

We have a racehorse who is still in training. The six of us who own him have a future/a career change planned for him. Like other small owners we know, the horses have been carefully placed and are regularly visited to check on their condition and progress and their new ‘mums’ are very happy to keep us involved . 😊 It’s wonderful watching them enjoy a new environment and grow .

[@horsemadez0512]

love this vlog, thank you for showing more about how race horses start their new careers, really interesting to watch! You've done a phenomenal job producing Ember, you've shown compassion and understanding goes a long way. it's lovely to see! xx

[@Bently2849]

Wonderful vlog on hero’s and they are! Having been the parent to a former flat racer for 16 of his 26 years, I can also encourage horse people to have thoroughbreds in their lives. My boy was smart, kind, athletic and easily trained! I loved sharing days working, showing and eventing with him and then in the last few years of his life seeing him roaming his fields to his hearts content.. I miss him every day and continue to look for his next “brother “… love the lease program that Grace has put together to unite retired race horses with new owners or keeping them if they aren’t leased out.

[@susan_brehm]

What a fabulous place! I feel the same way about Arabian horses. But if I visited Hero's it would be nearly impossible to not take one home. 😊😍

[@janewalmsley9759]

I’m now in my sixties and own my third ex racehorse .. I’ve had an ex flat horse, an ex chaser and now have an ex racer / Broodmare who is the bravest , safest hack you could wish for .. all have been quirky but also so intelligent and brave .

[@MarionFeltham]

What a wonderful video of a wonderful place/charity - can totally understand you buying Ember after watching this. He is doing so well, thanks to a lot of work, patience, perseverance and love - well done Lucy.

[@emilylawson5379]

Have loved watching your partnership grow with Ember! xx

[@sharyll19011]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful place for retired racehorses. My own ex racehorse was just as perfect as a horse could be. For me he was gentle, wise, a good jumper, with work a presentable dressage horse and absolutely gorgeous. He was completely trustworthy in any situation. How un-thoroughbred of him (lol). I found him at a polo club which was not to his liking at all. Much better that I popped him in our trailer and took him home. He truly loved our hacks on country roads and forested trails,, and especially slow gallops across meadows. He always tried his best, never spooked or bucked, never looked sideways at a hedge, and was always spot on responsive. He taught me so much and was so much fun. Over these many years, (and many warmbloods later) I've come to realize what a gift he was. It makes me happy to think we were also a gift to him. I think he was most grateful for the good life , understanding, and the love we gave him.

[@alexlehane1470]

Hey Lucy, Love ur content. Her in Australia we all ride x race horses. Some of them can be as quiet off the track as beginner ponys and some can put warmbloods to shame. I love that we rehome in our country most racehorses. They are so talented x

[@lastlegeventing8865]

I wouldn't have anything but an ex racer, I've got my boy whom I've had 16 yrs and now just got a new 4 Yr old from the British racing school. Best horses EVER!

[@mossycitrus]

we have 2 at heros from brs!! gee major and Cavendish road. they really are incredible

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Clearly youve never encountered an Arab

[@tammykes359]

Fun vlog Thoroughbreds have hearts of gold I have been fortunate to have worked with many ❤

[@mossycitrus]

it was awesome meeting u at heros, thank you for coming!!

[@marinaarend2]

I've watched you from beginning, some ohh moments but my god you've done your boy so proud!! The dedication, determination mindset has given you the happy horse you have now, hes giving you so much back.. so lovely to watch how invested you are in him, he looks so special...little ones are the special ones, nippy and sharp on their turns!!!

[@christinemartindale8715]

What a beautiful place Lucy I’m looking forward to seeing you there more often and sharing with us. You definitely made a good choice buying Ember he’s a lovely tb with a huge personality. You have learnt so much from him as he has from you. I really hope you take that beautiful chestnut home too. Tfs🤗🏇🤗

[@gabriellalyte606]

My ex racer from heron island (Shirley heights) he is amazing and sensitive but a dope on a rope and his paces are the most gorgeous I've ever seen!

[@Squimbelina]

So agree with you! My last horse was an ex-racehorse (also a chestnut gelding!) and I'd never have anything else if I were to get a horse again. There's just something about a TB, like you say. A sensitivity like nothing else. When they're with you, they're so wonderful.

[@lemmebeawinnerequestrian7555]

Lemme is an OTTB, I just love his personality and his work ethic! Unfortunately, I've had to retire him due to some arthritis issues but he was the best horse I've ever ridden so far! He definitely took some time to figure out but once we got his confidence over fences he was game on and loved jumping. Thank you for showing that OTTB'S are awesome! And the work you've done with Ember is amazing! I've so enjoyed watching you bring him along! ❤❤❤❤

[@laurenschenck5355]

Beautiful vlog and absolutely love it and well done Lucy and ember best team partners 🎃🐴🍃🍃🎃🖤❤️🖤🎃🍃🍁🍁🍁🍃🐴🎃🖤🎃🍃🍃🍁🍁🤎🤎👻👻👻🍁🍁🍁🍃🐴🎃🖤❤️❤️❤️❤️🍂🍂💛💛❤️🎃🤎🍁👻

I think we have all learned how wonderful and diversified ex-Racehorses can be thanks to Ember and Lucy's training videos. Well done.

[@stitch53713]

My daugther has a OTTB and she is the sweetest mare. So willing and and calm. The best thing my daughter has ever done.

[@katherinestead708]

back in the day that's all we rode, they were the horse of choice. They are amazing, and the best, so smart and will give you everything!! So glad you got Ember!

[@Elaine-v9p]

Thoroughly enjoyed the Vlog, had a lovely ex race horse Missy, absolute Superstar , can see why you chose Emba, ❤️🏇👍x

[@sarahcooper3378]

Fabulous place. I can see why you were so struck by their 'inmates', there are some beauties there. Great vlog.

[@Theagingequestrian5335]

OOOHHH, a slightly longer-legged Ember! So tempting! Love this organization; what a great idea to only lease them out so you can always keep tabs on them. I’ve been an OTTB owner/leaser since I came back to riding. Love them. So smart, so athletic, and so willing.

[@ruthprior665]

I've enjoyed your vlog on Retired Racehorses. Keep up the good work with Ember. He is a credit to you. I shall look forward to more of your journey together in the not too distant future.

[@Ridingforwardwithmaria]

Your love of the horse shines through in this video. You had me feeling like a part of your day, what an amazing place 🤩

[@marionwigzell7334]

So wonderful to see ex race horses have a new life. What a wonderful place (-: Marion 🎉

[@LivThatEquestrian]

Love your videos and especially watching you and ember grow together, keep it coming!! x

[@RichieTom]

I love this vlog, it was really interesting to learn more about the heroes charity and how they re train ex racers, I didn’t have a favourite horse from the video they were all gorgeous 😍

[@laurelsayer7557]

We used to have ex racers in the riding school, and, if you chose to retrain ones with nice calm temperaments, they made the most amazing horses for casual hacking out. Most people think they're 'hot' and only for experienced riders, but get the right one and they are truly amazing, soft mouthed, forward going but controllable, and really in tune with you. Mind you I took one hunting on my very first (and only) time out, and frightened myself half to death, lol (I'm only a 'happy hacker').

[@anniemurray5174]

OTTB's are the BEST! I've ridden a lot of them over the years since it seems a lot of my trainers I've had over the years have had them as lesson horses or their own horses that I've had the privilege of riding! We are also located near a race track in the US in southern California so I feel like that plays a huge role as well. It's been so fun watching you produce Ember and seeing how far you two have come as a team!

[@chelsigardner9056]

Amazing vlog there just the most amazing charity I loved it when I went there ❤❤

[@izzistock6807]

What a great vlog. I really enjoyed seeing such a wonderful charity. Thank you for raising awareness of their work!

[@hannesofie6071]

Many years ago I visited my ex. job, a sales barn, with a friend that wasen't a confident rider. We where going for a quiet hack, but the horse they chose for my friend didn't work out! She got pretty scared! I was riding a hot mare and the 3. girl riding a big (175ish), recently off the track thoroughbred...... The two of them swaped horses...... Watching that big 4yo thoroughbred take care of my friend the rest of the hack was impressing!!! ❤❤ He was such a sweetheart and the perfect "babysitter"!!! She even had a gallop on him, steady as an old ridingschool horse!!! Loved him!!! ❤❤ The other two horses on the hack where sweedish warmbloods, I think?? I'v also been riding several off the track thoroughbreds myself and they all have huge personalities!!! ❤❤ Though they require some work and can be quite hot, the right one is your friend for life!!! ❤❤

[@marybannister4629]

Brilliantly done Lucy.

[@hannahmele-andrews4948]

Thank you for sharing. What a wonderful facility and second home for former race horses.

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

I'm American and come from the stock horse world, mainly Quarter Horses, but the bravest, boldest and most athletic horse I ever owned was a TB. Once I earned her trust, respect and yes.. friendship, she would have jumped through fire for me, and done it with great gusto! After all these many decades I still dream of her.

[@colleenw8756]

What a wonderful organisation. Often wondered what happens when they are no longer needed. Heard some terrible stories - true or not - I don't know. To know there is such a wonderful place is heart warming. Don't know what happens in my country but I'd like to think there is something similar. I'm too old and so are my joints. But I loved this vlog Lucy.

[@harrietoram293]

Nice to see Grace recognises a good person when she sees one. Any horse would be so lucky to join your herd at home u are such a kind gentle patient rider xx

[@Nancy-mi3xe]

My horse was an OTTB, too. I rode him over jumps , then, later, as a trail horse which he enjoyed.. He was huge but he thought he was a lap dog, he like to cuddle....In the USA if they don't win enough, they can go into the horse meat pipeline to Mexico.

[@KhrystynaBraverman]

Give Ember a big hug and kiss 😘

[@makingithappenltd7138]

A behind the scenes story, good that it was rewarding!

[@amandaneuherz]

Loved this, great insight 😊

[@kudapooda9993]

Thank you Lucy ,for sharing such a great day . That was such an amazing invention .saying thay would like to work with you . Take care and all the best .😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍💖💟

[@taniarobinson6429]

Amazing place just down the road from where we used to live when we were in the UK. Not too far of a drive for you to take another little "Jolly" clone of Ember back to yours surely😉🤩 Excellent ambassador work there BTW👏

[@elizpert6689]

Super vlog, so interesting!

[@kippen64]

I have previously owned a Thoroughbred and currently own a Standardbred. Standardbreds are even more stigmatised than Thoroughbreds. My plan is to help change that. There is another Thoroughbred in my future. I don't have to prove anything as regards Thoroughbreds because I'm Australian and Australians ride a lot of Thoroughbreds.

[@chalc8882]

In Australia the thoroughbred really is the sports car of the horse world. I'm not supportive of racing but have owned 8, including my beautiful 18hh events I currently ride. They really are regaining their position as the most versatile all-rounder after a stint of people preferring warmbloods. Thoroughbreds have a willingness that warmbloods just don't have. The Australian Stock Horse is essentially a thoroughbred, selectively bred to have sturdy legs and feet, and in my opinion the pick of them all!

[@toniwheelersmith6392]

Well done , wonderful worthwhile video Amazing place and people As for the chestnut you’d have a matching pair😂why not?!!!!❤

[@janl8683]

Heroes is a wonderful place and do a fantastic job. That Chestnut in the arena was so handsome and would make a great big brother to Ember 😅❤

[@pamelahowe9138]

Wonderful video

[@gabriellalyte606]

He is lovely! Even tho you're tall you don't look bad together ❤

[@cathyd3012]

I take dressage lessons on an OTTB. He also happens to be a gorgeous chestnut, has a wonderful temperament & is a student favorite.

[@sueguyan8101]

I worked in racing for years, started riding racehorses in training when I was 12! TB's are just the best, i have never had any other breed and tbh as I have contacts in the industry I was given both my horses . Owners and trainers have a responsibility to try and find these horses a good home after racing, but a few don't care, they just want them gone. That's why ex racehorses had a bad press, because unscrupulous people would place them with novice owners and riders, and these people had no idea what they were taking on. TB's are different, they generally have their quirks and problems but managed correctly generally they can be overcome, then you will have a horse of a lifetime. And contrary to popular opinion they are not delicate wallflowers that need wrapping in cotton wool, they are tough, brave and gorgeous to look at! ❤❤❤

[@egeegee7146]

If I were back in the market for a horse I would be taking an OTTB. For sure.

[@JoanneFisher-zb4wj]

They are the best! Always had them after professionally braking yearlings in racing. They only get a bad name when un experienced riders buy them not understanding there personalities much like dog owners 😂 just brought home my new ex racer 4 weeks ago he's the most amazing boy I've ever owned! And I have ms!! They are truelly amazing characters! Xxx

[@ChristineKirk-ci7by]

I had an ex race horse. I got her quite by accident because she was too much for a friend of mine. Not that I was a better rider, I just loved her energy and took to her straight away.

[@carolynevans7676]

I think Tommy could be a lovely event horse, you'd just have to wrestle him off Charlie

[@debbieredmon5063]

I've owned mostly OTTBs. Honest, athletic and actually not mean-minded. They can be a spirited choice but who wants a boring ride every day? Mostly, it is the same fire that drives them in everything they do. They are beautiful and elegant. They aren't for everyone but if you and an ex-horse match up? Look out world!

[@lousylvester923]

That is one of the best decisions I've ever made in buying a retired thoroughbred

[@suzannechance5876]

Stressing re-education is marvelous. I would need more info on what thet are learning. What do they need? When I adopted my Greyhound she had to learn things like stair climing, auto traveling...etc. is it much the same for horses?

[@5foot3rodeo5]

Pre mumhood I used to re-educate OTTBs here in AUS, I would compete more educated OTTBs and rode and educated other breeds as well; appendix, QH, clydie x etc and I will ALWAYS say if someone wants versatility, trainability with talent and sportiness to progress in chosen disciplines, I will ALWAYS say thoroughbreds.

[@gabriellalyte606]

Tbs also are absolute athletes so wouldn't want any thing else to not compete!

[@righthoofforward6718]

Love my not so little racehorse :) You definitely need to have a sit on him I think you'd love him x

[@CandidaPratt]

Hi thankyou got ,worried , but your fine, that was a brilliant blog, I think we like a mix up now and again.the chestnut is GORGEOSE

[@RosieMatthew-b2x]

^gorgeous and ^you're

[@MissJools11]

Thoroughbreds make the best event Horses, especially at International level. They keep galloping till the end of the x-country, unlike warmblood Horses who run out petrol 3/4's of the way round. At the last World Eventing Championships the New Zealand team had two Thoroughbreds in the Eventing team, and they were galloping till the end of the X-country.

[@justinneill5003]

I’m considering buying another horse after a 20 year hiatus, and seriously contemplating taking on an ex racehorse. My beloved previous horse was a TBX with strong Thoroughbred characteristics and whilst he is irreplaceable, I’m excited by the idea of recreating some of that experience with a new horse. My only concern with thoroughbreds (especially racehorses) would be old injuries that may come back to haunt us and a predisposition to further injury (splints, ligaments etc) and as the feet are quite vulnerable (thin soles/walls etc.) Was there any mention of these issues during your visit? Having a horse vetted is always a no-brainer but even more so in this case.

[@ForceFreeTrainergirl06]

Really interesting episode Lucy. Great to see how well cared for they are at this charity. However, my OCD is working overtime because the charity is called "Heros" and you pronounce it "Heroes". Did they forget the "e" in their name?

[@Lealea64]

❤❤❤

[@Rondel4]

Sepoy and My Gelding are born and bred by stud

[@AdamWright8fool]

This year might be even worse than the last. Last year, I lost a lot of money on bad investments that I never would have made if I hadn't been so worried about my portfolio. I didn't know if I should continue to invest or pay my mortgage off. After selling my investments, I discovered that the house needed more work than I thought it would. I don't know how long I can keep doing this

[@ArchieJohnson5h]

We have all made mistakes, therefore keep it simple.

[@RhysHuntoffice]

Invest in firms that provide current cash flows to diversify your portfolio. I hired a planner at the end of 2023 to help me develop my portfolio, and over the previous eight months, I've gained in over 50,000 different markets. If 2023 tells us anything, it's that luck doesn't last long. Even in times of growth, we should put more effort into planning for worst case scenarios.

[@SOFIACAULIFLOWER-l3mstudy]

Okay, so where can i locate a reliable financial planner? I have no trouble finding out the expert who assisted you. In two years, I'll be retiring, and I could need guidance managing my possessions. Not ready to take a chance.

[@RhysHuntoffice]

June Renae Matthysse. When you check her up online, you are likely to find more details

[@AdamWright8fool]

She seems to be kind and well educated. I looked up her name online and discovered her website, thank you for sharing 👍

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

I dont have a problem with them but I am 5ft 1 and arabs are my heart and soul specifically arab mares. But I'd absolutely consider an ex racing arabian

[@markglonek490]

Do you guys take donations like financial

[@laurenShilling]

I've seen some horrible things working on a race yard, horses showing visible signs of pain through they back and quarters among the cuts all over their legs and the ones that never come back breaking their necks/pelvis and heart attacks after the race... a cruel and gruelling 'sport' no real horse lover would condone. And all this before the age of 6 for many.

[@petadee4373]

You do you boo. Your horse, your choice.

[@fun----]

Bitless is the way to go. To me, it is wrong to put a bit in. Lots of owners, now gping bitless and their horses love it. We care right.

[@RosieMatthew-b2x]

You can't do Dressage without a bit.

[@Tommy_The_Connie]

First, pls can I have a pin

[@laurenschenck5355]

Thanks for taking us behind the scenes lucy! This was amazing inspiring and remarkable 🎃👻❤️🍁❤️🎃🎃🍂🍃🖤🐴🍁🍁🍁🐴🖤🖤🍂👻👻🎃🎃🍁👻🎃🎃🐴🐴🐴🖤🍁👻👻🍂🍂🍂💛🤎❤️❤️