I am looking into adopting a rescue for the first time. I have had multiple horses over the years, but never a rescue. I have two appointments set up for this week. One is a thoroughbred, raced twice (5y/o), and the other is half quarter half thoroughbred (2y/o). Any suggestions or advice before I go? I just ordered Beyond the Track: Retraining the Thoroughbred from Racecourse to Riding Horse by Anna Ford... Thanks in advance!!

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Thank you! I'm really looking forward to it...

Well.... I went and looked at my first adoption possibility. He was the sweetest ever, but has had 2 bowed tendons (from racing), which have since healed, a big knot on his front fetlock (no idea where it came from... they said possibly from stomping), and a stiff back leg (they say they think its from running the same bend all the time and not going the other way). If I was staying on the flat, I think it would be ok, but since I want to jump, I think it is best if he can find someone that will keep him from working his legs too hard. My reputation of bad luck with legs is well known in my circle of friends, and I am worried he may buckle. He really has the sweetest disposition though I liked him a lot!

Next possibilities coming this week... wish me luck!

I'm sorry the first rescue didn't work out
Good luck next time, I hope you find what your
looking for

Rescueing something large or small gives us a wonderful feeling.
You however may be better off not going to horse rescue. You are looking to put this horse back into a competitive field, all of these horses have an "issue" some are worse than others, but they are there.
Whoever gave the story about the bend, either is trying to make you feel bad for the horse or just not know what their talking about.
Instead with the economy the way it is, there are thousands of horses people are willing to give away or sell way below market value.
And, not always but in most cases have a history to go with that horse, beyond farrier/vet/race history. But all the little things that are unimportant to a track horse.
Such as trailering,clipping,show behaviors...
I'll try to find it, but there is a 16 hand APHA mare shown level 3 jumpers in Wa state for free. Try equine.com under the free section.
If I could afford the shipping to Pa I'd already own her.