Re: racing arabs

["Mary" <boulwarm@cadvision.com>]

Hi all.  New to Ridecamp
I have been involved with Arab racing since early 1980's in Western Canada
and NW USA.  Last few years I am more involved with endurance and CTR but
still exercise and own one racing Arab.
Arabs are not started until they are 3years and these days most owners and
Trainers have come to realize the large amount of growth an Arab can obtain
until they are 5 years.  The first and the best fellow I was involved with
started at the age of 5.  He hadn't even been ridden until then.  He never
had a problem and was top Race Arab here for a while winning many Stakes
races including the Canadian Cup Arabian Classic as a 9 and 10 year old.
During his race career he was also worked in the hills and did a few CTR
competitions to help alleviate the boredom of the track. He retired from the
track @ 10 yrs and continued in endurance and CTR's with a few Wins, Grand
Champions and BC's until he retired to stud. He was tuff to hold and very
competitive but soon learned to pace himself and always had drive to go on.
We since have started others younger but found they were just too immature
mentally and physically and now may race them once as 4 year old but really
start their careers at 5 now with greater success.  I have a mare now who
has so far had 7 starts and won 5 as a 5 year old and no health issues.
The other important thing to keep in mind is that I find Arab owners of race
horse's want to be able to continue that animals future on in other sports
such as endurance and they are treated as pets.  You see very few Claiming
races in the Arabian races as they don't have a large interest in giving up
a horse unless it is sold for a specific career to promote the horse's
bloodlines etc.  Therefore I feel the care of the horse is a little more
particular in most cases.  This is not to say Thoroughbred are treated worse
just that racing in their life is usually their career goal.
Of coarse you should have a complete Vet check regardless.
I now do much more in endurance mostly on ex-race Arabs and feel the
training,conditioning and the exposure (talk about bomb proofing! Think
about the noise and crowds etc.) they received in the proper hands is a huge
advantage to their endurance life.
Sorry for the ramble hope you this helps to you feel at ease in any use of
ex-race Arabs.
Mary
"Keep riding, don't look back you might hit a tree."