If you have been among horses at all, I'm sure you've heard of at least one or two of these stereotypes, if not all of them. Thoroughbreds are-
* Hot blooded
* Too sensitive (personality/body)
* Mentally ruined/crazy
* Difficult to handle/don't want to work
* Not easy keepers (require too much feed)
* Or that they are prone to having bad quality feet/legs.
There may be more, but these are the most common assumptions that I think we all come across at some point.
When taking on an OTTB I think many people focus more on the negative stereotypes that surround this breed. For example, our own vet was adamant that Charlie was 'dangerous' just because she is a young Thoroughbred. She has never been especially difficult for him to deal with, but he's had some negative experiences with other young thoroughbreds, so he's extra careful around her. I would never say that horses aren't dangerous, I just don't think a Thoroughbred is any more or less dangerous than any other breed.
Another example I have is when I was introduced to a man who had owned and raised Gypsy horses for many years. I love Gypsy horses, and I talked with him for a while about them. He asked me what kind of horse I had, and I very proudly told him I had a Thoroughbred that we had rescued. His immediate response was, "Oh, I'm sorry." and his tone had that 'ick' factor in it. I won't lie, my heart sank a little when he said that, but I don't think he meant any disrespect. It was just another experience that showed me just how poorly Thoroughbreds are viewed in the horse world. What I have noticed in all of my time owning horses, is that most Equestrians view Thoroughbreds as a 'garbage' breed.
What I did not know, when I first took on Charlie, is that there are a few Equestrians out there trying to prove to all horse enthusiasts that these horses are not garbage. At least not always. Like many other things in life, you have to look at things in a case-by-case basis. It's no secret that the racing industry does not often do these horses many favors. While there are some stables that treat their horses very well, it just doesn't seem like it's a majority. With the right nutrition, and some patience they can be some of the best horse partners you could ask for.
In my own personal experience with Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred cross horses, I can at least address some of these stereotypes.
TB's are too hot blooded. - False. No Thoroughbred or mix of any kind has just been straight up 'hot blooded'. Playful, yes. Powerful, yes. Anxious, most likely. A lot of a horse's behavior will reflect what has been expected of them, and if that has required a lot of stressful situations. Not because they choose to be high strung.
TB's are too sensitive (personality wise). - Depends. Some Thoroughbreds don't mind a firm handed approach, and I have seen a few thrive under a strict leader. I have had a personal experience with a Thoroughbred that actually pouted at me when I picked up a lunge whip, though so it's varied.
TB's are too sensitive (Body wise). - Likely True. There's a really big contribution to the reason, though, and that is that a lot of Racing Thoroughbreds are inbred to varying degrees. Look at almost any pedigree of any Racing Thoroughbred and it will most likely have repeater ancestors. This sort of practice will always contribute to health/body issues in any animal. I do not know why this is so common in Racing Thoroughbreds.
TB's are mentally ruined or crazy horses - False. I have never met a crazy Thoroughbred. There are several reasons one might appear to be crazy, but it will usually come down to anxiety, confusion, or pain/illness.
TB's are difficult to handle, or don't want to work - False. If it seems like your Thoroughbred doesn't want to do anything or is balking at an activity there is probably a reason. You just have to figure it out. Not one of my previous Thoroughbred crosses, nor either OTTB we have now, have ever refused to try something new.
TB's are not easy keepers - Depends. I'm absolutely sure there are some Racing Thoroughbreds, or OTTB's that do not end up requiring much in the way of extra feed or supplements. I've had Thoroughbred crosses that were very easy keepers, and only ever needed regular amounts of hay. Both of our current OTTB's are hard keepers, but with time, and a lot of trial and error we have found cost effective enough ways to maintain their weight and health.
TB's have bad hooves/legs - Depends. This can be true, especially if you're getting a horse from a rescue situation. The feed quality makes a difference, and sometimes you will have to provide supplements that will bolster the health of your Thoroughbred's hooves, but this isn't an issue that makes or breaks this breed. Once a Thoroughbred is on a good, steady diet that does not include heavy amounts of grain, hooves usually get better.
God bless you and thank you for reading.
A.W.
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