Most ex-racehorses are very tolerant of tasks such as grooming and bathing. | Photo: iStock

Q: I’m considering purchasing an ex-racehorse. Are there any common behavior problems seen in off-the-track horses I should be aware of? –Sarah, via email

A: Off-the-track horses probably have many common behavior tendencies that, contrary to our perception, are actually not unique to racehorses. One that makes perfect sense for a horse coming straight off the track or from training stables is the tendency to get wound up whenever taken out for work. We can attribute this to some racing programs’ rigid and/or rushed daily training schedules, where the emphasis is on going fast for short periods.

Another interesting behavior stems from these horses being allowed to circle around the handler when excited—usually to the left or counterclockwise. We commonly see this in young stallions transitioning from racing to breeding