Our trainer texts me a video with zero details other than, “It’s an eventer who could make up into a cute hunter.” 

I watch the short clip. It seems like a lovely horse. 

“This one is cute. Can we try it? Any other details?”  

“It’s a five-year-old TB,” she responds, already predicting my response. 

 I’m ashamed but send an immediate text back. 

“Oh gosh. A five-year-old TB… So cute, but I’m a terrible person, so prob not.” 

I’m prepared for crucifixion because I’m going to share what others may be thinking but are unwilling to say aloud: I’m not inclined to buy a thoroughbred in the current market. Especially a young, green one. Yikes!

Here’s why….

Growing up, I rode thoroughbreds, mostly young and fresh off the track. A few were good eggs, but plenty bucked me off, gifted me black eyes, and essentially scared the crap out of me. I often lit them up like a human match in the saddle. I lacked the finesse. 

Sure, there were quiet horses, like Josh, a sweet little black gelding. But he presented other challenges. This guy was marginally sound upon retiring from racing life. 

Mind you, at this time, warmbloods were just beginning to gain popularity. They weren’t the “in” breed. But as time went on, I found I rode warmbloods better. I liked their feel, their width, the kick-and-spur-type ride. 

You know how you gravitate to a certain brand of jeans for your body type? Just like I’m a girl with curves, something I can’t change, I’ll never be a super-slick rider. Warmbloods seem to fit me better.

Fast forward to the present, and I’m the mother of a teenager, searching for a suitable mount that we can both ride. We are on a limited budget, so one might automatically think that means I’m open to the more cost-effective breed.  But I am not considering thoroughbreds. 

I struggle with my negative associations.  My thoroughbred memories from the past, though unfair, are seared into my brain. The fear. I recognize I’m lumping the entire breed together—even the ‘never been raced’ and ‘homebreds.’ This is clearly a me problem.

But there is a bigger issue at play here: An us problem. 

©Courtesy of Jamie Sindell

As an adult, I have ridden some very nice thoroughbreds, so I could likely overcome my phobia if that were my one and only concern. 

More important than my own prejudice about thoroughbred attributes are the financial ramifications of buying one.  We are on a tight budget for a reason. The money is important. 

In the unfortunate event that we are forced to sell, I’m concerned about resale. Thoroughbreds often aren’t seen as desirable in the current market. They are harder to resell and often go for less money, even when they have a successful record. 

I know I’m not the only one thinking about resale. I see people selling thoroughbreds who omit naming the breed in pertinent details in their ads. They sometimes preface with, “If you will consider a TB…”

I also see ISO ads written by folks like me in the trenches online, horse shopping: 

“NO TBs. Warmbloods only.” 

“No TBs, will consider crosses.” 

“Sorry, not looking for TBs at this time.” 

This type of verbiage is relatively common, even among individuals who don’t have big bucks. Perhaps these buyers are harboring their own worries over temperament, but my thought is they are also concerned about the big picture. 

That not only includes resale value, but how a more refined thoroughbred typically stands up to warmbloods in the show ring.  In the hunter ring, like it or hate it, optics matter. You often need to look the part to pin well. 

I’m realistic. If I buy a horse to show in the hunters, I want it to be competitive. 

©Courtesy of Jamie Sindell

I know there are gallant efforts to showcase this breed and make it more desirable again. I applaud the Thoroughbred Makeover, thoroughbred-specific classes, etc. But it’s not enough to change my mind—yet. It’s not enough to disrupt the big-bodied warmblood trend without the buy-in of bigwigs in the industry. 

Here’s what I do think would make a significant difference: Big-time hunter riders could engage in more promoting and endorsing of the breed. Thoroughbreds need to be more visible in bigger derbies and at higher-end shows, not as a backup breed, but as a breed of choice. Equestrians with influence need to be proud to ride good-minded, good-jumping thoroughbreds, and to share them on their feeds.

Judges could help by stepping up more often, using nice thoroughbreds, even if they aren’t ‘all the rage.’ If judges are willing to pin typier thoroughbreds, buyers may be less inclined to believe they can’t compete if they go this route. They won’t be hung up on thinking that, no matter how lovely the horse is, or how well they ride, they will be penalized if their horse doesn’t quite look the part.

What I dislike most about myself when it comes to my feelings about thoroughbreds is that I am fully aware these guys often end up at auctions or in shady situations. Horses who don’t make it on the track, or do make it and then retire, deserve a safe and appropriate landing spot.

I’m also realistic. Not every thoroughbred belongs in the hunter ring. It’s our collective responsibility to recruit horses with the natural inclination to be “hunter-y” rather than force them into the mold. It’s also our responsibility to handle these horses with care, providing them with appropriate downtime and training.

Thrusting thoroughbreds into the ring when they are ill-prepared or unsuitable does not enhance their reputation or make them more appealing to people on the fence, like me. It further mars their reputation. 

Please don’t lay into me if you despise my view on thoroughbreds. I’m on your side. I’m aware it’s a myopic view. Instead, this is your chance to convince me why you love thoroughbreds. 

Better yet, to convince bigger names—who matter a lot more than little old me—that thoroughbreds don’t deserve to be pushed aside… 

Is it naïve to think that perhaps, one day, thoroughbreds can be trendy again? I don’t know. But I look forward to the time when we won’t only be saying, “In your budget, you should consider a thoroughbred.”