I need to warn you, buying into a racehorse is a captivating experience. Folk who have never owned a racehorse, even if they buy a small percentage of a partnership, will find themselves embarking upon a whole new way of life they never expected would be part of the deal.

Generally speaking, the majority of owners delight in going to the track for early morning exercise. There's a lot more to a racehorse's life than competing in the afternoon; while most of us are still asleep in bed, racehorses are working, getting hot walked, washed down, fed and groomed. Standing close to the rail while watching your spirited youngster romp past provides a thrill you have to experience to truly understand. Finally, after exercise is finished comes the carrot feeding routine which indulges the owners almost as much as their horses!

In fact, racehorse ownership opens up a whole new vista of activities. Many owners become totally involved with their horses, visiting the track several times a week, subscribing to racing newspapers and trawling the web to glean new insights into their horse's pedigree and relatives.

Understandably, vesting one hundred percent into a racehorse is not an option for the average person; the purchase price and the ongoing bills would be way beyond what they could afford. Thank goodness for racing partnerships; they provide a very viable and attractive alternative.

Purchasing a percentage in a thoroughbred partnership will usually give you exactly the same rights and perks as a full owner, although some partnerships will require a minimum five percent stake before they qualify you for an official State Owner's License. An owner's license is mandatory for visits to the backstretch, free entrance to the track as an owner, using owners' parking, etc.

You will soon discover that there is a good choice of thoroughbred racing partnerships. Without a doubt, the overriding consideration will be that they have shares on offer in a horse headquartered at a track somewhere in your area, because even if you're not interested in the early morning jaunts, you won't want to travel long distances every time your horse runs. Also to be considered is the category of racehorse on offer: a claiming partnership usually indicates a more experienced racehorse with races behind him, but there's always the chance he will be claimed away again, so ownership could be short lived. A young, still untried 2-year-old is, without a doubt a more fixed proposal. His inaugural race could be weeks, possibly months away, but this will allow you lots of opportunity to really get to know with your latest "family member" and observe and delight in his advancement

Request documented information, brochures, etc., from several partnership companies, or trainers who put together partnerships. Contact the managing partner or trainer personally (after 10:30 a.m. when morning training is finished) and judge how accessible and communicative he/she is. Even if you purchase the smallest share available in a horse you will be an owner and you should expect to be treated as such.

Try not to purchase shares in a horse you've not seen. A significant quota of your ownership entails your personal dealings with the horse in the backstretch. Every racehorse is different with its own behavior traits, so you really need to feel comfortable around your purchase. If you have no experience with horses you would be advised to enlist the help of a knowledgeable owner, at least on your first visit.

Be guided by this advice and there is absolutely no reason why your racehorse ownership dreams shouldn't become a reality.