Buy That Horse, Kyalami Ah (2026)

12/06/2026

Bringing a Thoroughbred Home: Understanding Life on the South African Racetrack and What to Expect After Retirement

One of the biggest mistakes new owners make when purchasing an off-the-track Thoroughbred is expecting the horse to behave like a showjumper, dressage horse, or pleasure horse from day one.

The reality is that racehorses are trained for a very specific job. Their daily routines, feeding programmes, exercise schedules, handling methods, and overall management are often very different from what most sport horse owners are used to.

Understanding these differences can help create a smoother transition and set both horse and owner up for success.

A Thoroughbred’s Daily Routine on the Racetrack

South African racing yards operate with efficiency and consistency.

Many racehorses begin their day long before sunrise. Depending on the training centre, horses may be exercised between 4:00 am and 8:00 am while temperatures are cooler and tracks are quieter.

A typical day may include:

* Early morning feed
* Saddling and exercise
* Walking, trotting, cantering, or fast work
* Cooling down
* Grooming
* Veterinary monitoring
* Afternoon feed
* Evening feed

Racehorses thrive on routine and predictability.

Most know exactly when feeding time is, when work is expected, and when they will return to their stable.

They Are Used to Working in Groups

One of the first things many new owners notice is that retired racehorses often become anxious when separated from other horses.

This is completely normal.

Racehorses commonly:

* Walk to the track together
* Warm up together
* Canter together
* Gallop in pairs or groups
* Return to the yard together

Many have spent years working alongside other horses every day.

When they suddenly find themselves alone in an arena, some can become unsettled or distracted.

This behaviour is not usually naughtiness—it is simply what they have been conditioned to expect.

Mounting Can Be an Adjustment

Many racehorses are mounted while moving.

On the racetrack, a rider may receive a leg up while the horse continues walking forward. The horse is not necessarily expected to stand quietly at a mounting block for several minutes.

As a result, some retired racehorses:

* Walk off during mounting
* Fidget while being mounted
* Anticipate moving immediately after the rider gets on

This behaviour is often a result of training rather than poor manners.

With patience and consistency, most Thoroughbreds learn to stand quietly.

Circles Can Be Surprisingly Difficult

One of the most misunderstood aspects of retraining is balance.

Racehorses spend most of their careers travelling in relatively straight lines.

While they certainly negotiate bends on the racetrack, they are not routinely asked to work on small circles, serpentines, lateral movements, or collected exercises.

When first introduced to arena work, many Thoroughbreds struggle with:

* Small circles
* Tight turns
* Maintaining rhythm
* Carrying balance through corners
* Working in a consistent outline

This does not mean the horse is unsound or poorly trained.

It simply means they are learning an entirely new way of using their bodies.

They Have Been Trained to Move Forward

Racehorses are rewarded for forward movement.

When pressure is applied, the expected answer is often “go forward.”

This is why some retired racehorses initially feel sensitive to the leg.

A new owner may ask for a small adjustment while the horse believes it is being asked to accelerate.

Retraining focuses on teaching:

* Balance before speed
* Relaxation before impulsion
* Understanding of new aids
* Patience and self-carriage

Their Diets Are Often Very Different

Performance racehorses are elite athletes.

To support their workload, many South African racehorses receive carefully formulated feeding programmes that may include:

* High-quality lucerne
* Oats
* Racing concentrates
* Performance feeds
* Supplements
* Electrolytes
* Oils

These diets are designed to fuel intense athletic performance.

When a Thoroughbred leaves racing, their workload often decreases significantly.

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is continuing to feed a horse as though it is still in race training.

Many retired racehorses benefit from:

* Increased forage
* Reduced concentrates
* Slower-release energy sources
* Gradual dietary adjustments

Any feeding changes should be introduced slowly to avoid digestive upset.

Fitness Does Not Equal Strength

A Thoroughbred may arrive at its new home looking incredibly fit.

However, fitness and strength are not the same thing.

Racehorses are conditioned to travel forward at speed, but many still need to develop muscles required for:

* Collection
* Carrying a rider in balance
* Lateral work
* Pole work
* Jumping
* Dressage movements

The retraining process focuses on building a completely different set of muscles.

They Are Often Extremely Well Handled

A common misconception is that racehorses are difficult or dangerous.

In reality, many Thoroughbreds are exceptionally accustomed to handling.

Throughout their racing careers they experience:

* Daily grooming
* Veterinary examinations
* Farrier visits
* Transport
* Busy environments
* Multiple handlers

Many are remarkably professional and adaptable once they understand what is being asked of them.

Giving Them Time to Adjust

Perhaps the most important thing a new owner can do is allow time.

A Thoroughbred leaving the racetrack is changing careers.

They are learning:

* New routines
* New feeding schedules
* New turnout arrangements
* New riding expectations
* New environments

Some adapt within weeks, while others may take several months to fully settle.

Patience, consistency, and realistic expectations are often the key ingredients for success.

The Reward of Retraining

The qualities that make Thoroughbreds successful racehorses often make them exceptional riding horses.

Their intelligence, athleticism, bravery, and willingness to work can create incredible partnerships when given the opportunity to learn a new job.

Understanding where these horses come from—and how differently they have been trained—allows owners to appreciate the journey rather than become frustrated by it.

With the right education, management, and patience, many South African Thoroughbreds go on to enjoy long and successful second careers in showjumping, dressage, eventing, endurance, showing, and pleasure riding.

At Buy That Horse, we believe that understanding a horse’s previous training is one of the most important steps in creating a successful partnership. Every retired racehorse deserves a fair opportunity to learn, adapt, and thrive in its next home.

https://www.buythathorse.com/

10/06/2026

🐴 We would love for you to list your equestrian business with us! 🐴🫶🏼

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10/06/2026

Need to sell your special horse, pony, or donkey? Or perhaps you have several horses looking for their next home?

Have a look at our website and choose the option that best suits your needs:

🐴 Option 1: List your horse, pony, or donkey on our monthly online equestrian auction.
Private viewings and vet checks are welcome before the auction closes.

🐴 Option 2: Let us market your horse for sale on our website.
No upfront selling fees — we only charge 10% commission on a successful sale.

🐴 Option 3: Send your horse to us for schooling, preparation, and professional sales marketing.

At Buy That Horse, welfare comes first. All buyers are required to complete and sign contracts designed to promote responsible horse ownership and protect the welfare of every horse sold through our platform.

For more information, please contact us:

📧 [email protected]

📞 Zaskia: 079 477 7355
📞 Jemma: +44 7776 719807

Buy That Horse
Luxury Online Equestrian Auctions with Welfare at Heart

04/06/2026

What Stableyard Is Best for My Horse – And When Does a Stable Become a Toxic Environment?

Choosing a stableyard is about far more than beautiful facilities, fancy arenas, or manicured lawns.

The right yard should be a place where both horses and owners feel safe, supported, and happy.

Unfortunately, not every stableyard provides a positive environment. While some yards are welcoming communities built around horse welfare, others can become stressful places filled with conflict, negativity, and poor horse care.

So how do you know the difference?

Quick Stableyard Checklist

✅ Signs of a Good Stableyard

• Horses always have access to clean, fresh water.
• Horses maintain healthy body condition and appear content.
• Feeding schedules are consistent and reliable.
• Stables are clean, well ventilated, and safe.
• Paddocks are secure with suitable fencing.
• Horses receive adequate turnout and exercise.
• Staff are experienced, knowledgeable, and approachable.
• Injuries and emergencies are dealt with promptly.
• Yard rules are clear and applied fairly to everyone.
• Owners feel comfortable asking questions.
• The atmosphere is friendly, supportive, and respectful.
• Horses appear relaxed when handled by staff.
• Tack rooms, feed rooms, and common areas are organised and clean.
• Communication from management is professional and transparent.
• Horse welfare is always prioritised above convenience or profit.

🚩 Warning Signs of a Toxic Stableyard

• Horses frequently have empty water buckets.
• Horses appear underweight, stressed, or neglected.
• Stables are dirty, unsafe, or poorly maintained.
• Broken fencing and hazardous facilities are ignored.
• Constant gossip and negativity dominate conversations.
• Bullying, cliques, or intimidation are common.
• Clients are discussed behind their backs.
• Fun is made at other people’s expense.
• New clients feel unwelcome or excluded.
• Management avoids accountability or difficult discussions.
• Horse welfare concerns are dismissed or ignored.
• Rules are applied differently to different clients.
• Owners feel anxious or uncomfortable visiting the yard.
• Communication is poor, inconsistent, or confrontational.
• There is ongoing conflict between clients and management.
• Safety concerns are repeatedly overlooked.
• The overall environment feels stressful rather than enjoyable.

The Simple Test

Ask yourself one question:

If your horse could choose where to live, would they choose to stay at your current stable yard. Sometimes the answer tells you everything you need to know.

Discussion Question

What do you believe is the most important factor when choosing a stableyard for your horse?

03/06/2026

Warmblood vs Thoroughbred in South Africa: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

Few topics create more debate in the South African equestrian industry than the comparison between Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds.

Some riders will tell you they would never own anything other than a Warmblood.

Others will argue that a good Thoroughbred can outperform horses costing several times more.

So who is right?

The reality is that both breeds have shaped the South African equestrian industry, and understanding the differences can help buyers make better purchasing decisions.

Why Are Warmbloods More Expensive?

Warmbloods were specifically bred for modern equestrian sport.

Breeds such as the Dutch Warmblood, Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Oldenburg and South African Warmblood have been carefully selected for generations to excel in disciplines such as showjumping, dressage and eventing.

Breeding Warmbloods is expensive.

Stud fees can be significant, imported bloodlines often come at a premium, and breeders invest heavily in genetics, veterinary care, nutrition and professional handling.

As a result, Warmblood foals are often born with a substantial financial investment already behind them.

This naturally contributes to their higher selling prices.

But What About Thoroughbreds?

This is where things become interesting.

Many people assume Thoroughbreds are cheap to breed because they can often be purchased for less than a Warmblood.

In reality, Thoroughbreds are anything but inexpensive.

South African racehorse breeders invest enormous amounts of money into breeding programmes, stallion fees, veterinary care, nutrition, transport, handling and preparation for sales.

Many Thoroughbred yearlings sell for hundreds of thousands of rand, while some sell for millions at racing auctions.

Yet a few years later, some of these same horses may be available off the racetrack for a fraction of their original value.

This creates one of the most unique opportunities in the South African horse market.

Buyers are often able to purchase a horse that was bred, raised and produced through a professional racing system for significantly less than the cost invested in producing it.

The horse itself has not suddenly become worthless.

It has simply reached a point where its racing career may not have met expectations, making it available for a second career.

Why Do Many Riders Choose Thoroughbreds?

For many South African riders, the answer is simple: value for money.

A Thoroughbred often offers:

✔ Athleticism

✔ Stamina

✔ Trainability

✔ Versatility

✔ Affordability

Many successful SANESA riders, showing riders, eventers, polo players and showjumpers compete on Thoroughbreds or Thoroughbred crosses.

The breed has repeatedly proven itself across multiple disciplines.

Why Do Many Riders Choose Warmbloods?

Warmbloods continue to dominate many upper-level showjumping and dressage arenas.

They are often bred specifically for:

✔ Powerful movement

✔ Natural balance

✔ Scope over fences

✔ Rideability

✔ Modern sport horse performance

Many riders feel that Warmbloods provide advantages when competing at higher levels, particularly in showjumping and dressage.

However, this does not mean every Warmblood will outperform every Thoroughbred.

The individual horse remains the most important factor.

Are Warmbloods Always Better?

Not necessarily.

A R250,000 Warmblood may not suit a rider as well as a R50,000 Thoroughbred.

Temperament, training, soundness, experience and rider compatibility are often far more important than breed alone.

South Africa has produced countless success stories where Thoroughbreds have competed successfully against Warmbloods in the same arena.

A horse’s heart, willingness and partnership with its rider cannot be measured by pedigree alone.

The Real Question Buyers Should Ask

Instead of asking:

“Which breed is better?”

Perhaps the better question is:

“Which horse is better for me?”

For some riders, a purpose-bred Warmblood may be worth every cent.

For others, an off-the-track Thoroughbred represents one of the best value purchases available in the South African horse market.

Both breeds cost significant amounts of money to produce.

The difference is that many Thoroughbreds become available after their racing careers at prices that often do not reflect the true cost of breeding, raising and producing them.

That is why many experienced horse people continue to see tremendous value in the Thoroughbred.

Final Thoughts

The South African equestrian industry is fortunate to have access to both exceptional Warmbloods and exceptional Thoroughbreds.

Neither breed guarantees success.

The best horse is the one that suits your goals, budget, experience and personality.

Because at the end of the day, ribbons are not won by breed alone.

They are won by the partnership between horse and rider.

02/06/2026

Buy That Horse Community Guidelines

1. Be respectful to all members. Personal attacks, bullying, harassment, intimidation, badmouthing, discrimination, racism, threats, or abusive language will not be tolerated.
2. Keep discussions relevant to horses, the equestrian industry, and the purpose of this page.
3. No spam, scams, misleading information, or repetitive promotional content.
4. Horse welfare must always come first. Content promoting neglect, abuse, or unsafe practices may be removed.
5. Do not post defamatory, false, misleading, or damaging statements about individuals, businesses, trainers, riders, breeders, organisations, or horses.
6. No illegal, offensive, inappropriate, hateful, racist, or discriminatory content.
7. Healthy discussion and differing opinions are welcome. Arguments, drama, trolling, and intentionally disruptive behaviour are not.
8. Buy That Horse may use AI-generated content, including images, graphics, marketing materials, and educational content. This page is not a platform for debating AI. Comments made solely to argue about, criticise, attack, or repeatedly debate the use of AI may be removed, and members may be removed from the page.
9. Buyers and sellers are responsible for conducting their own due diligence. Always view, inspect, and vet horses where appropriate before purchasing.
10. Administrators reserve the right to remove posts, comments, or members at their sole discretion to maintain a positive, professional, and welcoming community.

02/06/2026

🏆 Which Horse in Your Yard Is Most Likely To...? 🇿🇦🐴

Let's be honest.

Every yard has them.

The drama queen 👑

The escape artist 🏇

The horse that requires a vet visit for a scratch 🩺

The horse that could probably run a criminal organisation if given the opportunity 🦹

If horses had yearbook awards, we all know exactly who would win them...

🏆 Most Likely To Cost More Than Your CarAnd somehow still needs another supplement, a new rug, and a different saddle pad.

🏆 Most Likely To Need the Vet on a Public HolidayNever on a normal Tuesday afternoon.Always Christmas Day.Always.

🏆 Most Likely To Lose a Shoe 24 Hours Before a ShowCoincidence? We think not.

🏆 Most Likely To Pretend They Are StarvingBreakfast was 15 minutes ago.The horse disagrees.

🏆 Most Likely To Spot a Plastic Packet From 2 Kilometres AwayBut completely miss the jump standing directly in front of them.

🏆 Most Likely To Turn a R3,000 Rug Into a Collection of Strings

🏆 Most Likely To Roll Immediately After a BathBecause your hard work means absolutely nothing.

🏆 Most Likely To Find the Only Hole in the Fence

🏆 Most Likely To Eat the Most Expensive Plant in the Garden

🏆 Most Likely To Humble Their OwnerEspecially after you've spent the entire week telling everyone how well they are going.

🏆 Most Likely To Refuse a Tiny Cross PoleThen jump the paddock gate later for fun.

🏆 Most Likely To Act Like RoyaltyEvery meal must be served on time.Every rug must fit perfectly.Every human must cater to their needs immediately.

🏆 Most Likely To Pull the Groom Across the YardWhile maintaining complete innocence.

🏆 Most Likely To Pretend They Are Lame When It's Time To WorkThen perform Olympic-level zoomies in the paddock ten minutes later.

🏆 Most Likely To Ignore a R20,000 SaddleBut panic because a leaf moved.

🏆 Most Likely To Cause a R10,000 Vet Bill From a Tiny Scratch

🏆 Most Likely To Be Worth More Than Their Owner's Retirement Fund

🏆 Most Likely To Make You Miss a BraaiBecause horses don't care about your social plans.

🏆 Most Likely To Financially Ruin Their Owner While Being Loved UnconditionallyThe true champion of every yard.

🐴 Special Mention: The Pony Division

🏆 Most Likely To Have a Criminal Record

🏆 Most Likely To Be the Reason New Yard Rules Exist

🏆 Most Likely To Convince Everyone They Are Innocent

🏆 Most Likely To Start a Revolution

🏆 Most Likely To Teach Children New Swear Words

At the end of the day, every horse owner knows one thing:

No matter how much they cost us.No matter how many grey hairs they give us.No matter how many rugs, shoes, supplements, vet bills, lessons, and emergency phone calls they create...

We wouldn't change them for the world. ❤️

🐴 Now tell us...

Which horse in your yard wins each award?

Tag a friend whose horse deserves a special mention! 🤣

31/05/2026

Buying an Off-The-Track Thoroughbred: What Are You Really Letting Yourself In For?

There is no denying the appeal of a Thoroughbred.

They are athletic, elegant, intelligent, and often available at a fraction of the price of purpose-bred sport horses. Many successful showjumpers, eventers, dressage horses, polo ponies, endurance horses, and pleasure horses started their careers on the racetrack.

However, before falling in love with a beautiful Thoroughbred fresh off the track, it is important to understand exactly what you may be taking on.

An off-the-track Thoroughbred is not simply a horse purchase. In many cases, it is a retraining project that requires time, patience, education, experience, and financial commitment. While the rewards can be extraordinary, buyers should understand that they are often purchasing potential rather than a finished product.

They Are Athletes, Not Finished Riding Horses

A racehorse is trained for one specific purpose: racing.

Most Thoroughbreds leaving the track have been educated to travel forward at speed in a highly structured environment. They have not necessarily been taught many of the skills expected from a pleasure horse or competition horse outside racing.

Simple concepts such as:

* Standing quietly at a mounting block
* Riding on a loose rein
* Accepting leg aids correctly
* Working in an outline
* Moving away from pressure
* Hacking out calmly alone
* Standing quietly at shows and events

may all need to be taught from the beginning.

Many buyers mistakenly believe that because a horse has been ridden, it is already fully trained. In reality, retraining often means starting over and building an entirely new foundation.

Every Thoroughbred Is Different

One of the biggest misconceptions is that all Thoroughbreds are “hot” or difficult.

Some are exceptionally quiet, forgiving, and suitable for amateur riders.

Others may be sensitive, reactive, and require experienced handling.

Just because a horse raced successfully does not automatically make it suitable for a beginner rider, and just because a horse did not perform well on the track does not mean it lacks talent for another discipline.

Each horse should be assessed as an individual.

Physical Soundness Matters

Before purchasing any off-the-track Thoroughbred, buyers should conduct appropriate veterinary examinations and inspections.

While many Thoroughbreds retire from racing completely sound and ready for a second career, others may have underlying issues that are not immediately visible.

Areas commonly assessed during a pre-purchase examination may include:

* Tendons and ligaments
* Joints and overall limb soundness
* Hoof quality and balance
* Previous injuries or scars
* Back and neck comfort
* Signs of kissing spine
* Heart function and potential heart murmurs
* Overall conformation and suitability for the intended discipline

A thorough veterinary examination can help buyers make informed decisions and understand any management requirements the horse may have going forward.

They May Need Time to Recover and Adjust

Many Thoroughbreds leave racing in excellent condition, while others may require time to adapt physically and mentally to a completely different lifestyle.

Some horses may arrive carrying excess stress, muscle soreness, or conditions commonly seen in performance horses, such as gastric ulcers. This does not mean the horse cannot go on to have a successful second career, but it may require appropriate veterinary treatment, management changes, and patience.

The transition from a structured racing environment to life as a riding horse is often a significant adjustment.

Many buyers also assume that because a racehorse travels regularly, it will automatically load into any horsebox. However, racehorses are often accustomed to travelling in larger commercial transport vehicles, and some may require additional training and patience when introduced to smaller horseboxes for the first time.

The horse that arrives at your yard on day one is often very different from the horse you will have six to twelve months later. Successful retraining requires patience, consistency, and realistic expectations.

The Risk of “Too Much Freedom”

One challenge many new owners do not anticipate is that recently retired racehorses can sometimes be accident-prone during their first few weeks or months off the track.

Most racehorses have spent much of their lives following strict daily routines. They are typically stabled for large portions of the day and exercised in a controlled environment.

Suddenly turning a horse out into a large paddock with newfound freedom can occasionally result in:

* Cuts and scrapes
* Pulled shoes
* Muscle strains
* Fence injuries
* Soft tissue injuries from excessive play

For this reason, many experienced retrainers introduce turnout gradually, allowing the horse time to adjust safely to its new surroundings.

Nutrition Requires Careful Management

Racehorses are often fed specialised diets designed to support elite athletic performance.

These diets are usually significantly higher in energy, calories, and protein than what many pleasure horses require.

A sudden change in feeding programme can sometimes lead to:

* Weight loss
* Digestive upset
* Behavioural changes
* Poor condition
* Increased stress
* Colic

Owners should work closely with their veterinarian or equine nutritionist to transition the horse onto a suitable feeding programme gradually.

The horse’s digestive system also needs time to adapt to new forage, grazing, feeding schedules, and management routines. What works for a horse in a racing yard may not necessarily be appropriate for that same horse six months later in a sport horse or pleasure riding environment.

The Costs Continue After Purchase

Many people focus solely on the purchase price.

Ironically, the purchase price is often the cheapest part of horse ownership.

A horse purchased for R30,000 may still require significant additional investment in:

* Schooling and professional training
* Veterinary care
* Chiropractic treatment
* Dentistry
* Saddle fitting
* Farrier work
* Nutritional support
* Ulcer treatment if required
* Rehabilitation and conditioning programmes

The true cost of producing an off-the-track Thoroughbred into a successful riding horse can easily exceed the initial purchase price.

Time Is Your Greatest Investment

One of the most valuable things you can give a Thoroughbred is time.

Many racehorses leave training yards after years of structured routines. Their bodies, minds, and muscles need time to adapt to a completely different lifestyle.

Rushing the process often creates problems.

Successful retraining focuses on:

* Building trust
* Developing balance
* Improving strength
* Teaching new skills
* Establishing confidence
* Allowing the horse to mentally relax

The horses that are given time to adjust often become some of the most rewarding partners imaginable.

The Rewards Can Be Incredible

Despite the challenges, many riders remain fiercely loyal to Thoroughbreds.

They are known for their intelligence, willingness to learn, athletic ability, courage, and heart.

Across South Africa, former racehorses continue to excel in:

* Showjumping
* Eventing
* Dressage
* Polo
* Endurance
* Showing
* Pleasure riding

Some of the country’s most successful competition horses have Thoroughbred blood running through their veins.

Buy With Your Head Before Your Heart

The beautiful face, expressive eye, and affordable purchase price can be incredibly tempting.

However, buyers should carefully consider:

* Their riding ability
* Their experience level
* Their budget
* Their available time
* Their access to professional support
* Their long-term goals

A Thoroughbred can become an extraordinary partner when matched with the right rider and given the correct support.

But like any horse, success comes from realistic expectations, proper management, and a commitment to the journey ahead.

Because buying an off-the-track Thoroughbred is not simply purchasing a horse.

It is investing in a project, a partnership, and often one of the most rewarding adventures a horse lover can experience.

Have you ever owned an off-the-track Thoroughbred? What was the biggest challenge — and the biggest reward?

29/05/2026

Why Have Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds Become So Expensive in South Africa?

29 May 2026
By BTH Editorial Team

There was a time when finding an off-the-track Thoroughbred was relatively easy.

Many were given away, sold for nominal amounts, or placed into new homes simply to ensure they had a future after racing.

Today, however, the landscape has changed dramatically.

Buyers looking for an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) are often surprised to discover that some trainers and owners are now asking substantial prices for horses that have never been retrained, never jumped a fence, and in many cases cannot even be ridden by prospective buyers before purchase.

This raises an important question:

Why have off-the-track Thoroughbreds become so expensive?

The Supply of Thoroughbreds Has Changed

One of the biggest factors is simple economics.

South Africa has fewer horses in training today than it did years ago. Breeding numbers have declined, racing has faced economic pressures, and fewer horses are entering the system overall.

When supply decreases, prices generally increase.

As a result, retiring racehorses have become more valuable than they once were.

Thoroughbreds Have Proven Their Worth

The perception of Thoroughbreds has also changed significantly.

For many years, some riders viewed Thoroughbreds as difficult, hot, or unsuitable for amateur riders.

Today, however, Thoroughbreds have earned tremendous respect within the sport horse industry.

They are successfully competing in:

• Showjumping
• Eventing
• Dressage
• Endurance
• Polo
• Mounted games
• Pleasure riding

Many riders actively seek Thoroughbreds because of their athleticism, intelligence, bravery, trainability, and value compared to imported warmbloods.

As demand increases, prices inevitably follow.

Buyers Are Paying For Potential

One argument frequently made by trainers is that buyers are not necessarily purchasing the horse’s current level of training.

They are purchasing its potential.

A well-bred Thoroughbred with good conformation, soundness, movement, and an attractive temperament may represent an excellent future prospect.

Certain bloodlines are particularly sought after, making some horses more valuable before retraining has even begun.

The Risk Is Being Shifted To The Buyer

This is where opinions often become divided.

Unlike a trained riding horse, many off-the-track Thoroughbreds are sold directly from racing yards.

In many cases:

• Buyers cannot ride the horse.
• Buyers cannot assess its jumping ability.
• Buyers have limited information about its future suitability.
• Buyers may have only seen the horse under race training conditions.

Essentially, the buyer is taking on much of the risk.

The horse may become an exceptional showjumper, eventer, dressage horse, or pleasure mount.

Equally, it may not suit the buyer’s intended purpose at all.

For some buyers, paying a substantial purchase price while assuming most of the risk feels increasingly difficult to justify.

The Cost Of Retraining Is Significant

What many buyers forget is that retiring a horse from racing is only the beginning of the journey.

Once purchased, costs quickly accumulate.

A typical retraining programme may involve:

• Letting the horse down from racing
• Veterinary assessments
• Dentistry
• Farrier work
• Nutrition adjustments
• Schooling and reschooling
• Professional riding
• Competition exposure

It is not unusual for a buyer to spend many thousands of rand before discovering whether the horse will ultimately suit its intended career.

Has The Market Reached A Turning Point?

Increasingly, buyers are beginning to ask difficult questions.

If a horse cannot be tried under saddle, cannot be jumped, and has not yet been assessed as a sport horse, how much should buyers realistically be expected to pay?

Some argue that current prices reflect genuine market demand and the increasing value of Thoroughbreds.

Others believe the pendulum may have swung too far, placing too much financial risk on the buyer.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

The Reality

There is no doubt that many off-the-track Thoroughbreds go on to become exceptional horses.

Some become top-level competitors.

Others become treasured family horses.

The challenge for buyers is determining which horses justify premium prices and which are being marketed primarily on potential.

As with any horse purchase, careful research, independent advice, veterinary assessments, and realistic expectations remain essential.

One thing is certain:

The days of easily acquiring a quality Thoroughbred directly off the track for next to nothing are becoming increasingly rare in South Africa.

And whether that is good or bad for the future of Thoroughbreds is a debate that continues to divide the equestrian community.

Question for our readers:

🐎 Do you believe off-the-track Thoroughbreds are fairly priced in South Africa, or has the cost of buying directly off the track become too expensive for the level of risk buyers are expected to take?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Buy That Horse

12/06/2026

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