ALL ABOUT OTTBS | Gateway OTTBs

First things first

first, read the horse's ad, watch the videos, look at the photos.
click on the link for the horse's race history and breeding. Note if there are gaps in race record.
text the number in the horse's ad with your first and last names, and pose any questions you have
if you'd like to proceed with a Pre Purchase Exam (PPE), please let the person you're communicating with know, you'll then call one/both vets to get pricing and timing, and coordinate timing with the seller.
most prices are somewhat negotiable, it never hurts to put forth an offer
there are no holds of horses without a 15% deposit, please ask about putting a deposit down to hold your horse

your horse will know how to stand for the vet and farrier
your horse will know how to walk, trot, canter and gallop
your horse will know how to do a flying lead change
your horse will be used to hoses and baths
your horse will know how to stand to be saddled and bridled
your horse will be used to people, commotion, and a routine
most racehorses have only had flu/rhino vaccines
most racehorses have 4 shoes. it is generally NOT recommended that you pull all 4 (at minimum leave front shoes on) until your horse has been seen by a qualified farrier. their feet typically need quite a bit of work to become "riding horse feet"
most racehorses know what a peppermint is and they love them

time, love and patience
a kind hand, teach them new things slowly and fairly
some OTTBs are quite unbalanced and be body sore and you will need to work with your vet, farrier, chiropractor, bodywork person, magnawave etc to help your horse adjust to life off the track
your horse will need a properly fitted saddle, please find a professional saddle fitter
your horse will need quality farrier services
your horse may need significant "let down" time to just be a horse.
quality high fat/low fiber feed and plenty of hay, at least 6-9 flakes a day
if you're boarding your horse, please pay for extra hay
there is about a 90% chance that your horse has gastric ulcers, please treat with Gastroguard or Abler brand omeprazole. Also talk to your vet about sucralfate.
quality turnout time in pasture