First OTTB Success Stories for

For a new off-the-track Thoroughbred owner there are lots of "Firsts". First Ride, First Show, First Canter or even their First Success Story posted to this site. If you are wondering what it is like to own and ride your own OTTB, read these stories from our buyers about their "Firsts". 

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Cortableau – One Month Update

Oct 5, 2009

Cortableau handled being in an unfamiliar place at the hunter pace – new horses and different terrain with no problem. We actually had our first canter ever a few minutes into the ride, and we did a couple of canters up hills. So I got braver and, when we got to the really big field, we cantered again.

Well Worth the Wait – First Ride!

Feb 2, 2008

The first real ride went very well.  He walked and trotted without a care in the world.  I will be taking Behren to meet my trainer for the first time on the 21st.

Chilletecaux – SOLD!

Jul 31, 2009

Chilletecaux was a Bits & Bytes Farm Prospect Horse For Sale when he was purchased by Jane Chance of Locust Grove, GA. Watch to see her train Chilletecaux for his new career as an eventor.

Cortableau in the “Lap of Luxury”

Sep 8, 2009

Cortableau catches on very quickly and is so calm. He is also extremely polite – walks with you nicely, waits while you put his food down, etc. I sat on the mounting block in the round pen, and he came over, put his head down for a scratch, then pretty much put his head in my lap.

First Ride on Gold Commander One

Aug 1, 2011

Dear Michelle and Elizabeth, UPDATE: Attached is a photo, not worthy of posting anywhere, but nonetheless evidence of my first ride. I think the trainer is being particularly cautious. I appreciate her caution, but at the same time, I know Gold and I could be making a little more progress. However, I should not discount…

Painted Black – SOLD February 2009

Feb 10, 2009

SOLD! Congratulations Gayle Weatherly of Tuscon, Arizona!

Some Great Firsts

Mar 7, 2009

I can now say that my high-strung, drama queen Thoroughbred is calmer than a wild burro! Wanting to introduce Aly to his supposed to be future pasture buddy, the burro,Junior, I held Aly’s halter in the big pasture, while my dad held the burro; I walked up to them, Aly was pretty calm, eager to reach out and meet the burro, the burro was very stolid and looked suspicious, as soon as Aly reached out to touch noses and say hi, the burro wheeled around and freaked out; dad got him calmed down and we tried again several times. Then, Aly being quite laid back through all the ruckus, moved forward again, this time just to munch a piece of grass off the ground, as he did he hit a piece of the siding on the shop and it set the burro off like an explosive! he started backing up and pulling my dad across the pasture Aly, on a medium longish lead, just turned slowly, but interestedly around, as if to say, “wow this is entertaining, what is that crazy animal getting himself worked up about??” Seriously, Aly’s attitude really seemed like that, his eye was relaxed, head down, leg cocked, and totally at ease, in a pasture that, even in a halter, he was freaking out in the day before. I was very proud of my boy.

Construction’s First Ride

Aug 16, 2008

Meredeth and Construction enjoy their first ride together at Bits & Bytes Farm.

Hollywood Vic and Cheri’s First Canter is Thrilling!

Oct 6, 2008

Sunday has gone down as one of the best days of my life! This was the first day I cantered on my beautiful OTTB, Hollywood Vic! Last week I wrote that I have been working on balance. The work has finally paid off with Hollywood and Elizabeth’s’ patience, we cantered today for the very first…

Starting Stiff as a Rod

Jul 13, 2011

Am thinking also to keep the mounted “work” to a couple of times a week for now and focus on continuing to loosen her and get her shifted and “right” in her work–loose flexible and relaxed with just enuf saddle work to make sure she continues to feel comfortable with it. Does any of this sound right to you guys? and any other suggestions? I am giving her back and haunches good deep rubs whether we have worked or not to try and make sure she stays muscularly as loose as I can….funny—was massaging her poll and upper neck the other day—she started yawning over and over and twisted her neck around to me some much she practically turned herself inside out…lol. Was the funniest goofiest thing, she was practically looking up at the ceiling.

Titania aka “Ana” Settles Into Her New Career

Nov 28, 2008

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Titania. We decided to call her “Ana” for short, Titania became a bit of a mouthful after a day or so. She has started her training, I got on her last Saturday, November 22. She was excellent! She was a little up, but then she settled…

Anamericansoldier in Connecticut

Nov 17, 2009

Soldier is doing well and has settled in here. He has shoes on and is much happier. His teeth are done and he has been wormed once. He is eating and drinking well and we are giving him a bit more food.