frequently asked questions

A racing syndicate is a collaborative ownership model where multiple individuals combine their funds to purchase shares in a racehorse. Syndicate members contribute financially towards the initial purchase of the horse and ongoing expenses like training fees, travel costs, and veterinary care. With Equine Sales, all these expenses are conveniently covered in a single upfront payment for the year, with no hidden charges or additional fees.

Absolutely yes! The Equine Sales "My Stable" feature allows you to have your very own virtual stable with your collection of equine racehorses.

A syndicate term typically lasts between 6 months and a calendar year, but this can vary massively depending on the syndicate's agreement. We advise to check the specific syndicate terms for each horse before making a purchase.

This depends on the syndicate themselves. They break down ownership into percentages up to themselves. 

Once payment is completed, you will receive an email receipt of the transaction. Depending on the syndicate, you will also receive a second confirmation of ownership email. Additionally, you may receive a welcome pack from the syndicate.

At the end of the syndicate term, typically the shareholder will have the option to renew the share at a reduced price to continue following the racehorse's career. In some cases, the horse may be retired or sold, a decision usually made by the majority shareholder where shareholders may have the right to vote depending on the terms of their agreement. Typically, shareholders must seek permission from the syndicate before selling their share.

This varies by syndicate. As per the British Horseracing Authority's Rules of Racing legislation, 3.5-8% of race winnings go to the jockey and 6-10% to the trainer depending on the finishing position. The rest is distributed according to the syndicate's rules which are detailed in the shareholder agreement. We recommend reading the syndicate's terms carefully.

We partner with syndicates that are transparent in their obligations. You will find a share price breakdown on the horse listing page (once you clicked on the listing card). The only potential extra costs you might encounter are related to travel and any personal expenses during in-person visits.

Each syndicate has different rules and provides varying features so horse insurance varies syndicate to syndicate. Before you buy check on the listing page to see whether your horse is insured or not.

Please contact enquiries@equine-sales.com and let us know your issues and we will endeavour to fix the problem as soon as possible

Please contact enquiries@equine-sales.com to let us know and we will endeavour to fix the problem as soon as possible.

We will email you with notifications letting you know there has been an update created on one of your horses. You can also login on the website and receive notifications in the My Stable feature.

Customers are responsible for notifying the syndicate if they possess owners’ tickets, enabling them to offer the chance to other owners to attend races. While we have no control over the horse's racing location, it's unlikely to be limited to one racecourse. Throughout the season, multiple opportunities arise for participation.

You will be informed as soon as possible via an email update. Alternatively, you can check the "my stable" feature, where an update will be created to notify you.

No, there is no obligation to retain any/all of the shares owned in any horse. However typically syndicates charge a lower fee after the first year as the capital cost of the horse isn't included in the price. 

This varies by syndicate. The listing pages will specify whether the arrangement is a lease or full ownership.

Each syndicate operates differently. For a fully micro-syndicated horse, ownership can be divided into 1,000 to 5,000 shares. However, in some cases, not all shares are divided into fractional ownership, resulting in significantly fewer shareholders.

You can only bet on your horse to win or place. It is not allowed for owners to Lay (bet against) your horse as per the BHA Rules of Racing Chapter J.

Click on the red "CARD EXPLAINED" button. If you are using a mobile you will have to accept/reject cookies to see the card explained button.

• Purple: flats. A discipline of horse racing held on a level track without obstacles. The Flat season typically occurs in the UK & Ireland between March to November.
• Green: jumps. A type of horse racing - also known as National Hunt racing - where horses compete by jumping over obstacles such as fences and hurdles on the track. Jump season typically occurs between October to April in the UK & Ireland.
• Turquoise: flats & jumps. Able to compete in both flat racing and jump racing, demonstrating versatility in racing without obstacles as well as over fences and hurdles.

Understanding horse personalities is fascinating and essential for anyone interacting with these animals. Horses, like humans, have diverse temperaments: some are spirited and energetic, others calm and composed. There are stubborn horses with great determination, laid-back ones needing extra motivation, and friendly, social horses enjoying human interaction. Appreciating these traits enhances the bond between humans and horses, making the experience more rewarding.

In horse racing, understanding the personalities of horses is crucial for trainers, jockeys, and owners. Horses, like humans, exhibit a range of temperaments that can significantly influence their performance on the track

We have pointed to 7 fun personalities having researched and spoken to people who know horses. They are:

1. Hot-head: Easily excitable and fiery. Always on high alert and ready to react at the slightest provocation. Thinks every shadow is a monster.
2. Nonchalant: Super chill and laid-back. Takes everything in stride and rarely gets worked up.
3. Introvert: Quiet and reserved. Prefers alone time and minimal interaction. Takes a while to warm up to new friends.
4. Warrior: Brave and bold. Faces any challenge head-on with a fearless attitude; the hero of the herd.
5. Aloof: Cool and distant. Not easily impressed and keeps to themselves.
6. Rascal: Mischievous and playful. Always getting into trouble with a cheeky, curious nature. Needs a watchful eye and lots of distractions.
7. Diva: Loves attention and being pampered. Expects special treatment and can be quite dramatic if ignored.

British racing is committed to enhancing horse safety and welfare. The vast majority of horses (99.8%) return home safely after races, with 99.5% completing races without long-term injuries. Although racing involves some risk, the fatality rate is very low, with 0.2% of all runners experiencing fatal injuries in 2023. Specific measures include ongoing research, such as changing jump markings from orange to white to improve visibility for horses, based on studies of equine vision. Each incident is thoroughly investigated to improve safety further.

The whip used in horse racing, known as "ProCush," features a foam-padded, energy-absorbing design. 

It was developed with experts to ensure it is lightweight and minimises harm, creating a loud noise upon impact rather than causing pain. 

Despite inconclusive scientific evidence about its welfare impact, strict regulations govern its use, including limitations on frequency, force, technique, and the specific body areas where it can be applied. The whip must never be used coercively, with severe penalties for rule violations.