There are a lot of off the track racehorses available for adoption. There are a lot of rescue organizations dedicated to off the track horses. Do your homework when looking for a horse, and adopt from a reputable rescue. If you feel able to deal with retraining an OTTB, adopt from a rescue, or straight off the track, not from someone who is going to make a profit. I do advise having a veterinarian check the horse out. Personalities and backgrounds run the gamut. If you do adopt one of these wonderful horses, they will almost all have some common experiences that may affect how you train and deal with them, and they may differ from your previous horse experiences.

If your horse comes straight from the track, he may have injuries that need to heal before he is retrained. Lameness, swelling or heat is usually a clear indication of a problem. Consult a veterinarian to establish a course of treatment.

Ulcers are common in OTTBs. The only definitive way to diagnose ulcers is with a fiber-optic scope. This exam will likely require a clinic visit, and therefore be costly. If you suspect an ulcer, you can spring for the exam, or treat for an ulcer and see if it alleviates symptoms. Treatment won't hurt and could help. Consult your veterinarian. Symptoms may include failure to gain weight, off feed, obvious discomfort during meals and generally being stressed.

Your horse may need "let-down" time. While some feel you can and should get right on your horse and ride, a lot of trainers feel some rest time is needed. Your horse will be racing fit, and probably thinner than you'd like a riding horse. This rest time will allow the horse to adjust to a new environment, a new routine, a new owner, gain some weight and clean any drugs out of his system. A few weeks or even months of time to bond with you and work on the ground is often the best way to ease an OTTB into his new life. If, and how long you give the horse should depend on your expertise and the horse's personality.

Racehorses spend close to 23 hours a day in a stall, only going out to the track to gallop or work. Ground manners are not a priority on the track, and your horse may come to you mouthy, pushy and generally not well mannered. Exercise riders and jockeys are often legged up while the horse is walking. Your horse will probably need to be taught to stand for mounting. Remember that a lot of these behaviours are not the horse trying to be bad, he just hasn't been taught. Patience and consistency are important.

Many new OTTB owners adopt horses that start out quiet and docile when they first arrive, only to show their "hot" side after they settle in, get healthy, and gain some weight. Because of this, it is important to establish boundaries right away. Any discipline must be appropriate, consistent, and happen immediately. Shanks or stud chains are routinely used at the track. While some feel their use is cruel, that is only true if used improperly. Invest in a shank and learn how to put it on properly. It's far better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. You can transition your horse to a rope halter, or whatever you prefer, as he learns.

Grooming:

Track horses are generally groomed in the stall. Your horse may need to be taught to tie for grooming. Thoroughbreds are usually very sensitive, and may try to bite or kick when they are groomed. A curry mitt is preferable to a hard curry on your horse. If he offers to kick or bite, a verbal warning or a growl will usually stop him. If needed, a smack with an open hand works. You won't hurt him! That is how another horse would warn him he's gone too far.

Shoeing:

Track horses are shod regularly, and generally their heels are kept very low. Find a good farrier and treat him well. A good farrier is worth his weight in gold. If you prefer to keep your horse barefoot, keep in mind it may be a rough transition. Toughening up the hoof with Venice turpentine may help as well as some form of hoof boot. Not all horses can stay barefoot, some do need shoes to stay sound. Thoroughbreds have a reputation for having bad feet. Good hoof care is important.

Socialization:

Your horse has probably not been allowed to socialize with other horses since he was a yearling. He may have no idea how to behave in a herd situation. Transitioning into a herd or group turn out should be done cautiously and probably in short sessions at first.

Diet:

A horse straight off the track will be race fit. Probably ribby and quite lean.  A lot of thoroughbreds are hard to keep weight on even after coming off the track.  Good quality hay, fed free choice if possible the best way to get some weight back on.  Rice bran (stabilized)and/or rice bran oil are both good for adding fat to the diet and also improve coat condition.  Look for a low protein/high fat pelleted feed if you plan to supplement hay rations.  Beet pulp or weight gain supplements are also possibilities.  Feed changes should be done gradually, and monitor weight gain as he settles into a routine.

Riding:

If you are not experienced with off track horses or an inexperienced rider, do seek help from a professional. If at all possible, ride your horse in an enclosed arena or round pen until you get a feel for him. Your horse may only know "GO". Lunging or working in the round pen on transitions, "whoa" and discipline may be a better way to establish a relationship than mounted. Your horse may surprise you by being calm around some "spooky" things. Racehorses are exposed to all sorts of trucks and machinery at the track. While a backhoe may not faze him, a jackrabbit may send him over the edge. Be aware of what he is used to, and what you need to desensitize him to.

Be sure to work your horse evenly in both directions. Horses race counterclockwise (in the U.S.), and he will likely be very "one sided". Contrary to popular belief, racehorses do change leads during a race or work. They run on the right lead on the straight and switch to the left in the turns. So, your horse knows both leads and how to do a flying change, but he may need a lot of help applying that to arena work. Your horse may also be confused by company in the arena. Horses passing in the opposite direction may upset him a bit at first. Slowly working up to this at a walk and trot may be needed. Your horse may also speed up to pass horses going the same direction. He was bred and trained to compete. Once you have an idea what to expect from your horse, trail rides are a wonderful break from arena work. Most love the change in scenery and end up being good trail horses.

OTTBs require patience, consistency and understanding. The work is well worth it. Thoroughbreds are beautiful, willing and versatile horses. No matter what discipline, a thoroughbred can become the best horse you've ever ridden.