Buying a Thoroughbred

Question
Hi,I have just bought a 6 year old mare, just off the track. I want to 'Try' bring it around to my way of thinking. I want it as a pleasure/Leisure horse and eventually a bit of jumping. Can you tell me is it dangerous to go buying a racehorse for pleasure and how hard is it to calm/tame him? Paula, Dublin, Ireland

Answer
hi paula from ireland, well any horse you buy, most likely has it's own personality by now. she is already trained to gallop ,and work out and run in a race, so it should not be too dificult to get her to come around to your thinking.  so you will just have to work around the horse and get to know it's traits and see what is likes and dislikes. just take your time working around her, give her treats and praise every timer she is a good girl and does what you want her to do. kindness is a great help in getting along with a horse,i am sure with time you will have the horse doing what you need of her to enjoy her for pleasure, riding etc.  hope this helps you thanks ED HESS