There are lots of reasons why race horses might be retired. Some just aren't fast enough to compete, some are just finished with competition and there are no longer any races worth the cost of keeping them in training. Many of the mares are retired into the broodmare band, or Stallions into stud, but geldings are not able to be used for breeding so often you can get them very cheap if you're looking to have a horse. It will take lots of time and knowledge to change them over from racing to just being ridden for fun. Most likely this should be done by a trainer who knows what they are doing. If you're just looking for a pasture ornament, then you might consider adopting one that has an injury, or has become too old to be ridden anymore. Best to have two as they do much better when not alone.
If you get a horse, be ready to be taken advantage of once you have a horse. For some reason, all horse related things cost twice that of things for cattle. Not to mention that your insurance costs will fly off the charts. Seems they think you will spend any amount for your pets, and they all rip you bad. All the way from Vets to fly spray costs insane amounts. And most of the fly spray isn't worth the can/jar it comes in. Some is "guaranteed" to last 17 days. Well, something may last 17 days, but not the ability to repel flies. The very best fly repellent for horses costs $35. for less then a quart. It's wiped onto them, and it does a good job of repelling flies for about an hour. The cheaper stuff if it works at all it's only for a few minutes.
But if you really like them, you just have to have some,
, and you will spend the money even if you have to do without some other things in life.
