Some people buy horses as an investment. The horses aren't given a lot of loving attention but their basic food and medical needs are met. They run, they get put in a trailer and then the horse is placed in a stall. There are daily training sessions, more time in a trailer and more time on the track - this is the average life of a racehorse.

As long as a horse is winning races, he's an asset and his owners will continue to take care of his basic needs. However there comes a time in every racehorse's life where he can't win as many races and he might not suddenly be as valuable to his owners. If he develops a condition such as bowed tendons which can mean six full months doing little more than light walking; he might be in danger of being sold to a slaughter house or being neglected.

A former racehorse can make a fabulous companion animal. If he has the painful condition of bowed tendons, he will need months of rest and easy walking therapy but most of these horses can handle a rider for pleasure riding after their tendons heal.

If you've been thinking of adopting a horse, don't let the fact a horse was once a racehorse make you think he is unable to be trained. Any horse can be reached through love and patient training. If you're willing work with your horse on a regular basis, you can have a fantastic companion.