Illinois State University master’s student Madalynn Camp completed her thesis on what was needed for retiring racehorses to have successful second careers, and what factors affect their prices.
A larger study grew out of her thesis and discovered that a Thoroughbred racehorse’s career typically lasts about 4.5 years. It also determined that color, discipline, and age affect price. Horses which have show records within a recognized membership organization can also command higher prices. These include the United States Equestrian Federation, the United States Eventing Association, and the United State Hunter Jumper Association.
The research found that the most valuable horse is a 5- or 6-year-old grey or chestnut gelding which is retrained in dressage or jumping with a clean bill of health. Horses listed as trained in “trail” commanded lower prices than horses trained in other disciplines.
Study authors stress that understanding the value of the horse makes it easier to set realistic prices and expectations, and to sell. Retired racehorses are not destined only for nonprofit rehoming organizations or to be sold at a loss, they conclude. Educating racehorse owners is imperative to ensuring equine welfare and that horses don’t end up in a lower-end auctions that put their safety at risk.
Facilitating horses into their second careers and showcasing their market value is imperative to ensuring Thoroughbred racing’s social license to operate does not disappear.
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