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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Gold’s Anatomy – SOLD! March 2009
SOLD! Congratulations to Leslie Hempleman of Flagstaff, AZ Here is his Prospect Horse FOR SALE information: “Goldie” is a 2004, 16’1 hand chestnut gelding. He is clean legged with no vices. He is sound and hasn’t run fast enough to injure himself. The guy who broke him said he was one of the smartest horses…
A Success Story
My wife has a degenerative brain disease that is ultimately terminal, and my son is home schooled and takes on tons of responsibility–way beyond his 13 years. I and my wife both had ridden for the better part of 30 years and had excellent training…but had abandoned our own personal riding when we had a child. After all—finances and time frequently just don’t stretch to cover children and pets like horses. We found ourselves however looking for a way to give my son an outlet away from the house and the pressure of our situation at home he lived, ate, and breathed….so I did what we always used to do—took him to a riding stable and got him lessons. . .
Punch is a Knock Out!
We rode him for the first time the third day he was here and he was great! He’s very calm about everything and we walked and trotted around for a while. Yesterday he went on his first trail ride with our other gelding around our property and he really enjoyed it.
Cortableau – One Month Update
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.
Cortableau Gets a Mom!
Cortableau spent a few days of well earned R&R at the Bits & Bytes Farm “Spa” where he received laser treatments, stretching exercises and lunging. He learned to eat grass and run free again! And he chilled with the other ex-racers on the farm who, we’re sure, told him that his racing days were over. Stevie Loverboy chatted with “Bleau” over the fence, “There’s no track here. These people are nice.” By the time his new mom Laura arrived on Friday he was feeling good and ready to meet his new family.
Hollywood Vic and Cheri’s First Canter is Thrilling!
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…
A June Affair Finds a Home in Tennessee
I must admit that I felt like a kid on Christmas morning as I waited for you to pull down the driveway with my new horse, A June Affair. It doesn’t seem to matter what age I get to be because I never loose the joy and love a beautiful horse gives to me. Especially….the Thoroughbred. The incredible, wonderful, big hearted OTTB!
Baileysontherocks – Rockin Update
It’s been a full year since we met at the hunter pace in Kingston! Where did the year go?!? It was great meeting you and the Bits & Bytes family and I hope we’ll see you again in 2009.
It’s been a fun past year with Bailey. Last February he went to our first “away” show . . .
TK’s Turn Turns Up For Dinner
TK (TK’s Turn) is such a character – he figured out that my appearance often means dinner or at least treats, so he comes right up to check. He sticks his head through the tack room window while I’m getting dinner ready. He gets along great with Cor (Cortableau) and Tilla (my Appy mare who…
Deny & Liz’s Success Story
I have been riding and competing in the hunter/jumper world my whole life and leased an OTTB during high school and college. I knew that when it was time for me to get my next horse I definitely wanted a thoroughbred! As I was researching barn and sale horses I kept coming back to the…
Cortableau in the “Lap of Luxury”
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.
Barbo and Erica Thrilled with First Jump – and Their Close Partnership
This is long overdue, but I wanted to say “thank you,” Elizabeth and Barry, for helping me make one of my childhood dreams come true. Ever since I can remember I have dreamed of having a horse and hoped that one day it would be fulfilled. You have no idea how happy, excited, and thrilled I am…