Why back an ex-racehorse?

His owner was a trainer who had several at any one time, but this one had not been a huge success and so he advertised him for loan – I ended up buying him because of the sparkling letter of recommendation I’d been given from a farmer friend.

Lok-Ye was only ten-years-old, but very placid, apart from in the summer when flies landed on his sensitive skin, or another horse tried to pass him.

I’d never owned, or ridden, a thoroughbred before and the closest I’d ever been to a racehorse was watching the Grand National.

My first pony had been a hardy native breed with sturdy legs and a determined disposition.

Lok was entirely different, he needed feeding for a start, he needed to be rugged up in the winter, and in the summer to keep the flies off, and he was far more prone to injury.

But riding him was a delight. He had a wonderful, gentle temperament that eventually landed him a role in a music video, where he was required to canter along a beach with an ‘80s popstar on his back.

There are plenty of people who take on ex-racehorses – they are very athletic and make excellent showjumpers or eventers – in fact an increasing number of former racehorses are doing well in top three day events.

Pippa Funnell has three ex-racehorses, Ensign, Blue Horizon and Special Constable and Gemma Tattersall was the leading British rider on Arctic Soul, another ex-racehorse at this year’s Blenheim Palace Horse Trials.

There are also a number of charities who take in and rehome horses.

Steve Wright, from Gargrave, who took up riding in his mid 40s, bought his former racehorse, Alexander, a couple of years ago and has so far written two books all about his experiences.

“I found myself owning an ex-racehorse, Alexander, purely by chance, and my partner, Jenny, was certainly against the idea, fearing the worst,” says Steve, who stables Alexander at Wilkinsons Farm, East Marton.

“Despite a few ups and downs and bumps and bruises, owning Alexander has been a thrill and wonderfully rewarding for both myself and my horse.

“I would not want to ride anything else but a thoroughbred now.”

Steve says he would certainly recommend anyone taking on an ex racehorse, but that they should be prepared for some extra work – they are, after all, not a straightforward, hardy cob.

“You need to be prepared to give them extra care, simply because of their athleticism and physical needs.

“You wouldn’t get an ex-racer to stand it in a stable and admire it. They need to be worked and exercised, and given an occasional blast,” he says.

“Also, you need to know their background. The horse passport they are required to have will tell you everything about the breeding and medical history.

“A look on the Racing Post website will give you details of how often they have raced. Regular check ups by a back specialist are to be recommended, especially for one that has done a lot of jumping.”

Ex-racers are all thoroughbreds, which tend to be more intelligent. They are quick learners and usually adapt well to doing other things, such as showjumping and dressage.

And they are not all barmy. Far from it. They get an unfair reputation. Most ex-racers are gentle and giving.

“Owning Alexander, who is incredibly laid back, despite being a former steeplechaser, has been a pure delight,” says Steve.

“We have had success locally at showjumping, eventing and cross-country which I would not have had otherwise. But he also has a lovely, sweet-natured personality.

“He is not just my best pal, but like a big, orange four-legged son.

“He needed someone to love and care for him. Many just want the same. I’d say take a punt on them, because they will give so much back.”

Steve’s adventures with Alexander and the other horses in his life are covered in Run With Your Heart, and its sequel, Leap At The Moon, which culminates in Steve’s successful first outing at the Coniston Hunter Trials both available through the Amazon KIndle Bookstore.

There are several charities who rescue and rehome former racehorses, including the Racehorse Rehoming Centre in Somerset, and the Racehorse Rescue Centre in Carlisle. All rely on donations to keep them going.