What Is an OTTB Horse? Exploring the Journey from Racing to Second Careers

Posted by

On 21/03/2025

Introduction

Have you ever watched a thundering racehorse streak across the finish line and wondered what happens when their racing days are over? Enter the OTTB – short for Off-Track Thoroughbred – a term that represents both an incredible journey and a second chance at life. These magnificent athletes often find themselves at a crossroads when their racing careers end, typically between the ages of 2 and 7. But instead of retirement, many embark on exciting new adventures in different equestrian disciplines. As someone who’s been around these incredible animals for years, I can tell you there’s something truly special about OTTBs. Their transition from track stars to versatile riding partners is not just a career change – it’s a beautiful transformation story that captures the heart of the equestrian community. Today, we’ll dive deep into the world of Off-Track Thoroughbreds, exploring what makes these horses unique, challenging, and utterly rewarding companions.

The Racing Background of OTTBs

From Foal to Racehorse: Understanding the OTTB Journey

Before understanding what makes an OTTB special, we need to appreciate where they come from. Thoroughbreds are born and bred for one primary purpose: speed. Their racing journey begins long before they ever set hoof on a track. From the moment they’re foaled, these horses are destined for the fast-paced world of racing, with training often beginning as early as 18 months of age.

The racing industry values these horses for their incredible athleticism, speed, and stamina – qualities that are carefully cultivated through selective breeding and intensive training programs. By the time a Thoroughbred reaches the track at age 2 or 3, they’ve already experienced more training than many horses receive in a lifetime.

Life on the Track: What Shapes an OTTB’s Experience

The track environment shapes everything about a racehorse – from their physical development to their behavioral patterns. Consider this: the average Thoroughbred racing career lasts only 2-3 years. During this time, these horses experience:

Daily structured routines focused on fitness and racing
Regular handling by multiple professionals (trainers, jockeys, grooms)
High-energy, high-stress competitive environments
Limited turnout or free movement compared to other horses
Specialized nutrition designed to fuel athletic performance

As noted equine behaviorist Temple Grandin once said, “Animals don’t think in words, they think in pictures. Their past experiences create the pictures that shape their behavior.” For OTTBs, the racetrack creates a vivid mental picture that influences everything about how they view the world.

By 2023, statistics showed that approximately 20,000 Thoroughbreds retire from racing annually in the United States alone, creating a significant population of horses in need of new careers and knowledgeable owners.

Common Physical Characteristics of Thoroughbreds

Thoroughbreds possess distinct physical characteristics that make them immediately recognizable to horse enthusiasts. Their conformation typically features:

A refined, elegant head with large, expressive eyes
Long, clean limbs with well-defined tendons
Deep chest capacity for superior lung function
Tall, rangy build averaging 16-17 hands high
Lean muscle mass built for explosive speed
Fine skin and coat that shows veins when exercising

These physical traits contribute to the Thoroughbred’s natural aptitude for athleticism and performance, qualities that make them exceptionally valuable for various equestrian sports after racing.

Transitioning from Track to Second Career

The Retraining Process for OTTBs

The journey from racehorse to riding partner involves comprehensive retraining that addresses both physical and mental aspects. The reschooling process typically follows several phases:

Phase 1: Let-down period (2-3 months)

Reduced exercise intensity
Increased turnout time
Dietary adjustments to support changing needs
Basic groundwork to establish communication

Phase 2: Foundational training (3-6 months)

Introduction to different equipment
Basic flatwork focusing on balance and rhythm
Development of new muscle groups
Establishment of new cues and commands

Phase 3: Discipline-specific training (6+ months)

Introduction to specialized skills for intended riding discipline
Progressive fitness program for new movement patterns
Mental conditioning for different competitive environments
Development of consistency and reliability

“The greatest gift you can give a retired racehorse is time,” says Steuart Pittman, founder of the Retired Racehorse Project. “Their minds and bodies need time to adjust to their new lives, and rushing this process rarely ends well.”

Common Challenges During Transition

While incredibly rewarding, the transition period presents specific challenges that new OTTB owners should anticipate:

Behavioral issues stemming from previous training
- Gate anxiety and difficulty standing still
- Rushing or anticipating commands
- Sensitivity to leg aids
- Difficulty with right-lead canter (as races run counterclockwise)
Physical rehabilitation needs
- Muscle development in new areas
- Hoof care adjustments as exercise patterns change
- Possible treatment for racing-related injuries
- Nutrition rebalancing for new activity levels
Mental adjustment
- Learning to relax in new environments
- Building confidence with unfamiliar objects and settings
- Developing focus on a single rider instead of multiple handlers

Many OTTBs display remarkable adaptability despite these challenges. With patience and consistent training, most develop into exceptional partners for various equestrian sports.

Finding and Evaluating an OTTB

Where to Find Off-Track Thoroughbreds

If you’re considering adding an OTTB to your family, several pathways can lead you to your perfect match:

Thoroughbred Aftercare Organizations These dedicated nonprofits specialize in rehoming and adoption of retired racehorses. Organizations like New Vocations, CANTER, and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation maintain networks across the country and often provide initial retraining before placement.

Direct from Racing Connections Some trainers and owners prefer to place their horses directly with new homes. Building relationships at local tracks can open doors to horses before they officially retire or enter adoption programs.

OTTB Specialty Trainers Professional trainers who specialize in OTTBs often maintain inventories of horses in various stages of retraining, allowing you to find one that matches your experience level.

Online Platforms Websites like OTTB United, Retired Racehorse Project’s Marketplace, and even general equine sale sites frequently list OTTBs available for new homes.

What to Look for in a Potential OTTB

When evaluating an OTTB for purchase or adoption, consider these crucial factors:

Health and Soundness

Comprehensive pre-purchase exam by an equine veterinarian
Review of racing history and any documented injuries
Assessment of overall condition and any maintenance needs
Evaluation of current soundness and long-term prognosis

Temperament and Trainability

Natural curiosity and willingness to engage
Reasonable reaction to new stimuli
Ability to settle and focus
Compatibility with your riding experience and goals

Conformation and Physical Suitability

Appropriate build for your intended discipline
Balanced movement and natural way of going
Good basic structure to support athletic demands
Size appropriate for your needs

By 2024, studies showed that OTTBs who underwent professional evaluation before placement had a 78% higher success rate in transitioning to new careers compared to those who didn’t receive such assessment.

The Importance of a Pre-Purchase Exam

The pre-purchase exam represents one of the most critical steps in finding the right match with an OTTB. This comprehensive evaluation typically includes:

Full physical examination
Movement assessment
Flexion tests
Diagnostic imaging of critical structures
Blood work
Dental examination
Respiratory evaluation

While no horse is perfect, understanding any existing conditions helps you make an informed decision and create appropriate management and training plans. Remember that some common racing conditions may not affect certain disciplines – a horse with minor ankle changes might not succeed in high-level jumping but could excel in dressage or trail riding.

OTTB Success in Various Equestrian Disciplines

OTTB Versatility in Competition

The remarkable versatility of OTTBs has made them standouts across virtually every equestrian sport. Their natural athleticism, intelligence, and work ethic translate beautifully to new careers:

Show Jumping: The Thoroughbred’s natural jumping ability, courage, and speed make them exceptional competitors in this high-energy discipline. Their quick reflexes and bold approach to obstacles create the perfect foundation for jumper success.

Dressage: Though not the traditional choice, many OTTBs excel in dressage due to their sensitivity, forward movement, and intelligence. Their natural impulsion creates expressive gaits when properly balanced and collected.

Eventing: Perhaps no discipline showcases the OTTB’s talents better than eventing. The combination of dressage precision, cross-country courage, and show jumping technique perfectly matches the Thoroughbred’s diverse abilities. In fact, approximately 70% of upper-level event horses have significant Thoroughbred bloodlines or are full OTTBs.

Hunter Jumper: With proper retraining, OTTBs develop the smooth, measured movement valued in hunter classes while maintaining enough scope and bravery for the jumping courses.

Other disciplines where OTTBs frequently succeed include:

Fox hunting
Polo
Competitive trail
Endurance riding
Western disciplines

Famous OTTB Success Stories

The equestrian world is filled with inspiring success stories of OTTBs who became champions in their second careers:

Snowman: Perhaps the most famous OTTB success story, this former plow horse (after racing) was purchased for $80 off a slaughter truck and went on to become a champion show jumper and Hall of Fame inductee.

Neville Bardos: After a modest racing career, this OTTB became a five-star eventing competitor under rider Boyd Martin, even surviving a devastating barn fire to return to international competition.

Blackfoot Mystery: This California-bred Thoroughbred raced only three times before finding his calling in eventing, eventually representing the United States at the Olympic level with rider Boyd Martin.

Metro: With only four starts on the track, this OTTB found his true calling as a therapy horse, becoming the first horse inducted into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame for his work with disabled children and adults.

These stories represent just a fraction of the OTTBs who have gone on to remarkable second careers, proving the extraordinary potential these horses possess when given the right opportunities.

Training and Care Considerations for OTTBs

Specialized Training Approaches for Former Racehorses

Effective training programs for OTTBs recognize and respect their unique background while helping them develop new skills:

Building New Neural Pathways

Reschooling an OTTB isn’t about erasing their past but rather about adding new options to their understanding. Effective approaches include:

Consistent, predictable training sessions
Clear transitions between “work mode” and relaxation
Reward-based training that acknowledges try and effort
Gradual introduction of new concepts with plenty of repetition
Focus on developing self-carriage and balance

Progressive Training Timeline

Most successful OTTB trainers follow a progressive timeline that might look like:

Groundwork fundamentals (1-2 months)
Basic flatwork focusing on rhythm and relaxation (2-3 months)
Introduction of collection and lateral work (3-6 months)
Discipline-specific skills (6+ months)
Competition preparation (when fundamentals are solid)

“Training an OTTB is like learning a new language,” explains Olympic eventer Phillip Dutton. “You need to understand what they already know, teach them your vocabulary, and then build complex conversations from there.”

Nutrition and Health Management

OTTBs often require specialized nutrition and health management to thrive in their new careers:

Nutritional Transitions

As OTTBs move from the high-energy demands of racing to different work patterns, their nutritional needs change dramatically:

Reduced caloric intake while maintaining quality protein sources
Balanced vitamins and minerals to support muscle development
Appropriate fat sources for sustained energy rather than quick bursts
Consistent forage access to support digestive health
Supplements targeted to individual needs (joint support, hoof health, etc.)

Health Considerations

Common health management areas for OTTBs include:

Gastric ulcer treatment and prevention
Joint maintenance programs
Hoof care transitions as movement patterns change
Dental care to address issues from racing bits and practices
Physical therapy to address muscle imbalances
Regular veterinary monitoring during transition periods

With proper care, most OTTBs develop excellent health in their second careers, often competing well into their late teens or twenties.

Building the Human-Horse Partnership

Beyond physical training, successful OTTB ownership depends on building a strong partnership:

Developing trust through consistent handling
Creating clear boundaries and expectations
Providing mental stimulation and engagement
Recognizing and rewarding try and effort
Building confidence through incremental challenges
Creating positive associations with new experiences

This partnership development takes time but creates the foundation for everything else you’ll accomplish together.

Frequently Asked Questions About OTTB Horses

What does OTTB stand for?

OTTB stands for Off-Track Thoroughbred, which refers to any Thoroughbred horse that was previously trained and raced but has since retired from the racing industry. These horses range from those who had extensive racing careers to those who might have only trained for racing without ever competing.

How much does an OTTB horse typically cost?

The cost of an OTTB can vary dramatically based on factors like age, racing record, conformation, temperament, and any retraining they’ve received. Generally, you might find:

Recently retired OTTBs with minimal retraining: $500-$2,500
OTTBs with several months of professional retraining: $3,000-$7,000
Well-established OTTBs with proven performance in a new discipline: $7,000-$15,000+

Some rescue organizations also offer adoption programs with fees ranging from $500-$2,000, often including initial veterinary care and basic retraining.

Are OTTBs suitable for beginner riders?

While there are always exceptions, most OTTBs are not ideal matches for true beginner riders. Their specialized racing background, sensitivity, and often reactive nature typically require a rider with:

Confident, balanced seat
Independent hands
Understanding of natural horsemanship principles
Experience working through training challenges
Ability to ride forward, energetic movement

That said, some OTTBs with professional retraining and naturally quiet temperaments can be appropriate for advancing intermediate riders under professional guidance. The most successful OTTB owners are often those who partner with experienced trainers regardless of their personal experience level.

What disciplines are OTTBs best suited for?

OTTBs excel in numerous disciplines, with their natural athleticism, intelligence, and work ethic making them particularly well-suited for:

Eventing – Their speed, endurance, and jumping ability create the perfect foundation
Show jumping – Natural jumping ability and bravery serve them well
Fox hunting – Stamina and forward movement are highly valued
Dressage – While requiring more balancing work, many develop beautiful, expressive movement
Hunter jumper – With proper retraining, they develop the necessary style and technique
Endurance riding – Their natural cardiovascular efficiency is a significant advantage

The best discipline for any individual OTTB depends on their conformation, movement preferences, and temperament.

How long does it take to retrain an OTTB for a new career?

The retraining timeline varies widely depending on the horse’s individual background, temperament, and intended discipline. Generally:

Basic let-down period: 2-3 months
Foundational flatwork and new skill development: 3-6 months
Discipline-specific training: 6+ months
Competitive readiness in a new discipline: 1-2+ years

Many OTTBs continue developing and improving for several years after transitioning from racing, often not reaching their full potential in new careers until age 8-10 or even older.

What health issues are common in OTTBs?

Due to their racing backgrounds, OTTBs may have higher incidences of certain conditions:

Arthritis or joint changes, particularly in the ankles and knees
Tendon or ligament injuries from previous racing stress
Gastric ulcers (extremely common in racehorses)
Hoof issues related to racing plates and exercise patterns
Back soreness from racing posture and movement patterns
Dental issues from racing equipment

A thorough pre-purchase exam is essential to identify any existing conditions, but many OTTBs with proper management go on to long, sound careers despite previous injuries.

Conclusion

The journey of an OTTB from the high-intensity world of racing to a fulfilling second career represents one of the most remarkable transitions in the equestrian world. These horses carry with them the heart of athletes, the curiosity of perpetual students, and the willingness that makes them incredible partners. While the path of retraining and rehabilitation presents its challenges, the rewards of partnering with these exceptional animals far outweigh the investment of time and patience required.

For those considering adding an OTTB to their lives, the key ingredients for success include education, realistic expectations, appropriate support systems, and perhaps most importantly, a genuine appreciation for the unique history and perspective these horses bring. Whether you dream of competitive success in show jumping, dressage, eventing, or simply wish to enjoy the companionship of a remarkable equine partner on trail rides, an Off-Track Thoroughbred might be your perfect match.

At Dream Horse, we proudly support the OTTB community through our collection of equestrian jewelry and practical accessories designed for the unique needs of Thoroughbred enthusiasts.

Remember, each OTTB represents both a rich history and limitless potential – the perfect embodiment of the phrase “dream horse.”

Our Favourite Products