Starting Strong: The Initial Phase of Off-The-Track Thoroughbred Transition

Off the track Thoroughbreds can make terrific partners in a wide range of disciplines. They are extremely versatile, and more and more we are seeing them showcased in a broad range of equestrian pursuits, as well as other less competitive careers.

Thoroughbreds coming directly from racing generally require a period to “let down” or spell. This is what humans would see as a holiday, a time to rest and recover for the body and mind. This time can assist with the horse’s body recovering from muscle soreness. It allows the horse’s brain to decompress and “chill out” and allows the digestive system time to adjust to a new diet with less grain and energy. 

Whilst the letdown period is important for the horse’s well-being, it can also play an important role in the horse’s assessment, training and rehoming. We find with most horses there can be variation in how they feel from day one off the track, day seven off the track and day 70 off the track. And this has an impact on assessment and finding a suitable future. There are a lot of experienced riders capable of taking Thoroughbreds directly off the track, however, for the horses that do not fit in this bracket for the experienced homes, the spelling and re-training assessment is extremely important.

Each horse has a unique background. Every story is different, so there isn’t a “one size fits all” model. Information is key and really helps us. A lot of valuable information can be found online about the horse’s racing history, length of last prep, gear changes, as well as steward reports, and this is good info. This paired with anything you can find out from trainers, track riders, jockeys, ground staff, horse transport drivers etc. as these people have often seen the horse a lot! We love working with trainers who provide us with relevant management, vet history and clinical notes, as this helps us formulate a plan, including the length of spell required.

As a rule of thumb, a horse coming from race work, 8 – 12 weeks is a good amount of time for a horse to let down and spell. Some horses with a shorter racing career or a short last prep may not need as long. A lengthier spell that could include rehabilitation may be needed for horses with extended or overseas racing history, tendon or ligament injuries, fracture surgeries, etc. Depending on the specifics, some require box rest and controlled exercise for a period of time for the best chance of recovery. If done correctly, these horses have a higher chance of long-term soundness and better prospects provided with more opportunity.

In a perfect world with a money tree growing out the back, we would x-ray everything and scan anything of concern, as well as scope and treat for ulcers when needed.

When a horse comes to us directly from racing, it can be a big change. They have been stabled, fed a high grain diet and been in full work. It is quite a transition for the body and brain, and each horse will cope differently.

We have a busy yard, but not as intense as a race yard. A new horse will spend their first days in undercover yards next to the arena with a pony for company. Horses thrive from consistency, and they have come from an environment with routine. To help the horse settle in, we aim to provide stability from a new routine – i.e. the same pony next to them in the yard and the same feed times every day – to help them settle in. Again, every horse is different, and some will settle in immediately, whilst others may take a bit of time.

WEEK ONE

In this initial week, we worm and vaccinate, as well as have their teeth checked. We assess the horse from the minute they come off the truck, and we can learn a lot about their behaviour and personality. If the horse has retired sound, we like to have a look at their paces on the lunge or in the roundyard and we often free jump them. This gives us terrific insight into not only paces, ability, technique and scope but also their attitude and how they react and learn.

We often have a few rides in the first week. They can be quieter in those first few days as they can be a bit overwhelmed with the new place and change of feed and routine. Once settled in the day yards, the horse will be moved to a smaller paddock with one other horse for a few days to weeks, and then we take off their racing plates/shoes, trim their feet and turn them out in the herd spellers paddock. Where possible, we take off everything: rugs, shoes and halters, so there is less chance for them to get into mischief! Where we are it can get pretty cold, so we have to rug in colder months. Especially a clipped horse arriving from Darwin in July. They definitely need a few layers! We run the mares and geldings in separate spelling paddocks when possible for less drama.

FEEDING A NEW OTT

Racehorses will have been on a high-energy diet, and their digestive system will go through quite a change in the letting down stage. Good and constant access to quality pasture and hay is vital.

We are sponsored by BARASTOC and our staple feed is BARASTOC Breed & Grow, which we find great for spellers and those in training. This feed has high-quality protein, which assists with muscle growth and development and helps them build muscle back up. Classified as a low glycaemic feed, it is high in digestible fibre and oils and low in starch content, which reduces the risk of gastric ulcers.

We love this feed as it provides the horses with what they need without heating them up. As a complete feed it has all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Don’t make the mistake of mixing too many feeds and supplements. Plenty of good quality hay, pasture and a quality complete feed is a great start. Reach out to your feed company, and they will be able to direct you to their nutritionist to provide advice. (And don’t take nutritional advice from Facebook!)

Horses undergo big changes in this period. Physically, they can look a bit less than fabulous. They will lose muscle and top-line, their coat may break or appear dull, their tummy may drop down a bit and they may initially lose weight or arrive from the track in light condition.

It is often said, “buying the horse is the cheapest part of owning them”, and this couldn’t be more true in regard to OTT Thoroughbreds, especially in the current climate.

Be diligent with your homework, seek out information as well as look at the long-term costs of feeding and caring for a horse and be realistic. It is a big commitment and financial responsibility to care for an OTT.

To correctly spell a horse for 8 – 12 weeks and tend to their feet, teeth, vaccinate and worm as the basics costs are around $1,100 - $1,500 working on $15 day. This is before any added veterinary costs. Obviously there is variation in feed cost depending on how much land and access to quality pasture there is. With a dry period approaching for some parts of the country, it is a good time to look at your hay and feed options.

A horse correctly spelled is set up to have its best chance at finding a new pathway.

There is a lot of great information and support for OTT horses in different states, so reach out to and see what your state provides.

Article: Louise Abey, 2023 Racing Victoria Acknowledged Retrainer of the Year

You might also like:
Transitioning Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds: Effective Strategies for Bringing Them Back Into Work
Training Strategies for Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds: Preparing for Your First Competition

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