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  Discussion on Anybody have advise on Standardbred Adoptions/Purchase?
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Posted on Saturday, May 27, 2000 - 8:24 pm:

Hello!
I have been looking for a second horse, but don't want to spend much money for the purchase. I'd rather invest in the care and training. I started to think about and research ex-racing thoroughbreds, but the expense is abit more than I wanted to invest. I stumbed upon a web site for Standardbred adoptions, and it sounds perfect. Has anybody done this that can offer advise? Also, I live in western Pennsylvania and there is a nearby standardbred track (the one's that race with carts...sorry, I don't follow racing and don't know the terminology). There are auctions monthly and I thought I should go and see how that works. Adopt or Purchase?! Any advise will be welcome!
Vicki

Posted on Sunday, May 28, 2000 - 2:29 pm:

Hi Vicki,

I have never adopted a Standardbred but I own them now for racing purposes and I can tell you that they are very intelligent and loving horses. Many of the ones that are at those auctions are heading for the killers if they don't find homes so getting one from there would be a great idea!!! Many of them just are not able to race anymore but would be fine for riding purposes. They are easy to break; most people are riding them the first time that they put the saddle on. They are so accustomed to the things that go on at the track that being ridden is easy for them.

Good luck to you!!! There are many horses out there that are just dying for a nice home like you can provide.

Joy

Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2000 - 9:36 am:

Vicki,
One of the young ladies at the barn where I previosly boarded has an adopted Standardbred gelding that she aquired 2-3 yrs ago. He has worked out well for her - she's a very good rider and said he was supposed to be "nuts" when she adopted him. He's still on the lively side, but far from a bad horse. And absolutely beautiful.Good luck!
Sharon

Posted on Thursday, Jun 1, 2000 - 7:25 pm:

Thank you Joy and Sharon! Your imput has made my decision so much easier...I am so looking forward to owning a Standardbred! I didn't realize earlier that Standarbreds are Morgan/Thoroughbred crosses. My current horse is Morgan/Qtr cross and the Morgan makes him fabulous (though I think ALL horses are fabulous). I will let you know when I find the right one and how it goes! If anybody else can offer advise on re-training, please...I'm in need!
Vicki

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2000 - 10:17 am:

Vicki,
Keep us posted on how your adoption turns out.
Know it is a challenge, but like you, I have
looked at adopting and "retaining" retired
Standardbred trotters. May not be a great idea as
green as I am, but the thought of those lovely
animals being turned into dog food is repulsive.
You may have to spend some extra time early on
getting their conditioning and nutrition adjusted
to their new job and surrounding. Also, don't
know if the trotter owners are as bad as the other
race horse owners about juicing their animals (not
meant to hurt anyone's feelings, but seen too many
to say it isn't uncommon), but may take a few
months for that to work out of their systems.
Patience and good care goes a long way toward
settling any horse.
All the best of luck with your project.
jbowman

Posted on Tuesday, Jun 6, 2000 - 10:32 am:

I haven't adopted or gotten one straight from the track, but I own one SB and have ridden several. I find them, usually, wonderful horses, even tempered, good attitude, tough as nails, easy to work with. I used mine for trail riding, jumping, tried elementary level dressage. She has wonderful movement, great suspension and snap to her stride. My neighbor has a SB she uses for lessons, all levels, including jumping, and this year has been hunting the mare 2X week. I'd get another one in a heartbeat. Mine really looks like the Morgan-TB cross, I think.

I also have an off-track TB mare (way off the track - she's 15 now) and she still has that too much energy, let's go now attitude and sensitivity that can sometimes be a problem. I wish she was more like my SB!

Sometimes getting a canter can take forever for a SB, I had good luck just letting it happen by itself, not forcing her. Going over a small jump and cantering on landing seemed to help. Also, my mare never raced, she was taken off the trotting track at a young age, so that might make a difference.

Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2000 - 8:47 pm:

Thank you, everybody! I still haven't adopted my SB yet. Still trying. I thought I could post my interest at the local track (Meadowlands,PA) but seems like the Amish buy them up! Anyway, I sent all of my adoption forms and photos out today to a local western PA agency (via ovnt fedex). I hope to hear something soon. I'm starting to get anxious. I'm sure once I find the right one, I'll be posting quite a few questions under "training" for you all. I will keep you posted and hopefully have many success stories to share with you! Thanks again for the advise, it's always well received!!!!!! Vicki

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 28, 2000 - 4:06 pm:

Dear Vicki: I searched the internet for you and found this info. Standardbred Retirement Foundation - P.O. Box 763 - Freehold, NJ 07728 Tel. 732-462-8773 Fax 732-431-9503 internet info srfmail@bellatlantic.net I hope this helps you. Also, for training purposes I think you should check out this website: www.MontyRoberts.com I have all his tapes and use them. It is truly the greatest experience I have encountered with horses. Good Luck Kiddo. Nancy

Posted on Saturday, Oct 28, 2000 - 10:52 pm:

It's a Boy!!! After a summer of searching for that perfect Standardbred prospect. I found him. I purchased a 5yr old SB gelding...right from the Trainer. I received a call from an aquaintance at the Track and left work immediatly, with a trailor and cash...That's all it took. He's beautiful! 16.1h, black w/2 white socks...quite flashy, aside from that rather large SB head/nose. A face only a mother could love. Well that was 1 1/2 months ago. Since he was right off the track, my vet suggested some R&R, to heal the "minor" suspensory injury and to get the "whatever they gave him at the track" out of his system. He was surely a handful...and then some. Well after 1 month of rest and turn-out with the herd, a little weight-builder, and ALOT of patience...I believe I may have gotten quite a bargain. I have been riding (walk/trot)for 2 weeks, in the arena and on trails. He does great alone or with other horses. Oh, we still have some issues to "iron out", but I imagine we'll get along okay. His stable manners are not very nice, and we're now on the "bite & kick" phase of our relationship. I guess I'll continue this post on the "training menu" in the future. If anyone has some advise for us...me and "Slim Shady" (also known around the barn as "Jughead") well, I would surely welcome it. Thanks again for all of the support on this new venture!
Vicki

Posted on Monday, Oct 30, 2000 - 9:58 am:

Congrats Vicki! Sounds like you're off to a great start....good luck with everything. I look forward to reading more posts from you on your developing relationship with Jughead!
Daisy
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