What happens to racing horses when they retire?

According to the Retired Racehorse Project, most horses sold to new owners are used as riding horses. Some will head into the dressage ring or take to the trails as trail riding horses. Still, other horses (like 2009 upset winner Mine That Bird) will live out their days on ranches, guiding and controlling livestock.

How long is a race horses career?

Some of the greatest Thoroughbred racehorses, including Seabiscuit and Man O’ War, raced for only two years before retiring. Others, like 16-consecutive race winner Cigar, continued racing as a 5-year-old, but for the most part a horse’s racing life will last perhaps three or four years.

How old do race horses live to?

Genetics, Diet & Lifestyle Influence A Horse’s Lifespan This might surprise you, but most racehorses will live between 22 and 28 years. The reason it’s a surprise is that we rarely hear of horses still taking part in races after the age of about 12 or 13.

Do racehorses go to slaughter?

The Thoroughbred-racing industry sends an estimated 10,000 horses to slaughter annually, meaning that half of the 20,000 new foals born each year will eventually be killed for their flesh.

What happens to race horses after they retire?

Many of those horses will never become successful racehorses and those that do will be retired soon after their careers begin. A racehorse’s career is often short-lived and after retirement, their lives can go in different directions depending on their success.

How do you find a new job for a retired racehorse?

The equine placement agency, New Vocations is one of dozens in the US which accepts retired racehorses and trains or finds new homes for them. So far, they have fulfilled this function for around 5,000 former track animals. Unfortunately, many horses are not lucky enough to be bought to do a new job.

What is the best age to stop horse racing?

Most successful geldings can race until 7 or 8 years old, sometimes even older. Mares can continue racing till that age too. However in my experience, mares can be much more moody than geldings and some become broody and lose interest in racing before they reach 5 or 6.

Should you retire your horse from barrel racing?

After all, going back to the competition analogy earlier if your goal is to be the fastest barrel racer and your horse is heading towards retirement he’s not going to be able to meet those goals so gently retirement may be the best solution for him.