Horse Injuries

One of the most common phrases you’ll see in an off-track Thoroughbred’s history is: “Old bow” or “previous bowed tendon.” So let’s break down what a “bow” really is, what it means long-term, and how to assess whether that horse is right for you.

Just because an OTTB has a medical history doesn’t mean they’re broken. It means they’ve been a professional athlete — and like any athlete, they carry the marks of their training.

Every year, thousands of Thoroughbreds cross their final finish line—not as winners or losers, but as horses ready for a new life. At FETRP, we believe that what happens after the track is just as important as what happens on it. Thoroughbred aftercare isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a responsibility.

Lay-up time is more than a break; it’s a vital part of an OTTB’s rehabilitation journey. Before retraining ever begins, these horses need time to physically and mentally decompress from life on the track.