OTTBs: Sporthorse Bloodlines vs. Racehorse Bloodlines

[Big_Tag]

I am posing this question here as I am not 100% sure where to get the best answering crowd across the Forum; hopefully will get some thoughts.

I know there are certain thoroughbred lines that are better known for producing really nice ‘second career’ horses; whether it be as hunters; dressage; eventing; etc. I admittedly don’t know which ones specifically, but I try to educate myself here on COTH as much as possible.

But I’m curious - do you find the ones that are blue-blooded for racehorse purposes, but don’t pan out on that front, are any more athletic or better suited to second careers than something that’s a bit more modestly bred, all other things being equal? By all things being equal, I mean normalizing conformational issues and the like. Does good, racing athlete blood generally transfer to good second-career potential? Or, are there TB bloodlines that are very modest or borderline non-competitive in the racing world that just really excel in second careers?

Really just curious more than anything and interested for others’ opinions. Thank you!

[Scribbler]

I personally would look at conformation first. Being somewhat downhill is effective for a race horse. Not so much for dressage or even jumping. So look at where the neck ties in and the angle of the upper arm.

I would say the athleticism of a great race horse could be valuable channeled to other sports, at least for a pro rider. But a warhorse might have cumulative injuries that limit later achievements.

Anyhow I would look at conformation first.

Also the way breeding goes, probably every TB has a “great horse” ancestor a few generations back.