Characteristics of Adopted Thoroughbred Racehorses in Second Careers

Abstract

The unwanted horse issue continues to be a major concern in the U.S. equine industry. Nonprofit organizations dedicated to rescuing, retraining, and rehoming unwanted horses are critical in minimizing this problem. This study utilized data collected nationwide from organizations that provide these services for thoroughbreds retired from racing to identify individual horse characteristics that influenced length of stay at the adoption facility as well as characteristics that increased the probability that an adopted horse would be returned to the facility. The results suggested that horses with fewer activity limitations were rehomed more quickly (p < .01), as were gray horses (relative to bays, p < .03) and stallions (relative to geldings, p < .04). Older horses took longer to rehome (p < .05). Interestingly, the results also suggested that gray horses were more likely to be returned to the facility postadoption (p < .02). Results from this study could benefit thoroughbreds retired from racing, nonprofit organizations, end consumers, and the thoroughbred racing industry.

Price Determinants of Stock-Type Horses Sold at Public Online Auctions

“…While the majority of valuation studies in the equine literature have been conducted in the thoroughbred racing industry, several studies investigated attribute contribution to price for other sectors of the equine industry. Stowe and Kibler (2016) find age, physical limitations, sex, and color contribute to successful adoption of retired thoroughbreds entering second careers. One study conducted on quarter horse yearlings bred for racing finds sex and racing success of family members (dam, sire, granddams, and siblings,) to contribute to higher prices paid (Lansford et al, 1998).…”

Estimating the Availability of Potential Homes for Unwanted Horses in the United States

“…Because the characteristics of horses likely contribute to their ability to be re-homed [ 23 ], research into increasing access to services such as medical, and behavior support would provide important information in expanding the link between unwanted horses and potential adopters. This would also be important to ensure that adopters of horses with medical or behavior issues receive the counseling and support needed to appropriately care for those horses.…”

Home off the Range: The Role of Wild Horse Internet Adoptions in Informing Sustainable Western United State Rangeland Management

“…According to previous studies, buyers' preferences for gender are mixed [6,13,28]. Internet adoption events held in later months are expected to have a negative effect on whether a wild horse is adopted; managing horses is typically more expensive in the winter since feed requirements are greater, causing a decline in demand heading into winter.…”

“…The estimation approach used in this paper has been applied in other equine markets [24][25][26][27]. It was applied to estimate demand for retired Thoroughbred racehorses, which was also considered a horse in transition [28]. The authors of that study found that adopters of retired racehorses have gender, color, age, and most significantly, soundness (ability to perform) preferences.…”