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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“Kwinn’s” Collected Canter Pleases Mom

Sep 29, 2008

WOOHOO! We finally cantered today! After a year and half, I finally went for a canter with “Kwinn”. It was well worth waiting for though. He’s got a lovely naturally collected canter; nice and steady too. He never gained too much speed and came right back down when asked. I was so proud of him…

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Monarch’s Reign – One Month Update

Jan 18, 2010

Since Monarch’s former owners and his trainer are anxious to know how he’s doing, I thought I’d send a quick update on him (even though we talk about him almost every day!) I have to say that today was really amazing, both for me and for Monarch. We’ve been together just one month now, and…

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Atlantic Ridge and new mom Salisa

Riding Ridge

Feb 28, 2012

It has been two months since I moved Ridge to another barn, and I wanted to let you know that Ridge and I are doing great! My new barn is also located next to a lot of trails, so I am able to do trail rides with my daughter. Ridge seems to enjoy them!

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First Taxi Ride!

Oct 12, 2010

Taxi had an awesome day. It’s amazing how fast she learns. She’s getting a double whammy of the no tolerance policy between Caitlin and Pepper.

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Deny & Liz’s Success Story

Jul 25, 2011

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…

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Barnwoodbo Begins New Training Regime

Oct 25, 2008

It is hard to believe it is the middle of October already and we have had Bo for five weeks. We have been busy. My friend Staci had the last of the fall shows and her older event horse came up lame. Old age gets us all eventually. I guess the timing is perfect since…

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Cortableau Gets a Mom!

Sep 4, 2009

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.

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Dakota Spirit – SOLD!

Jul 31, 2009

Dakota Spirit was an unraced 2006, 16.2 hand bay gelding when he was purchased by Jane Chance of Locust Grove, GA!!! Watch to see her train Dakota Spirit for his new career as an eventor.

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Mr. Boston is OK in Oklahoma

Oct 15, 2010

Mr.Boston is fabulous!!!! Elizabeth didn’t want to go back to school!! She said that he would go and live in the dorm with her! We can’t wait to see what she does with him. For day 2 of riding him in our arena, they both look fantastic!

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Race Track Training Pays Off at Combined Training Event

Sep 30, 2010

Hi Elizabeth – Sorry for the no photos…just got a new camera and hopefully some photos to come soon before my lovely horse gets hairy! We did do our first event 9/17-19…Windy Wyoming. We had a ball! Jack Eleanor’s Groom) was very well behaved for such a baby and he never even thought about refusing a fence. I was so proud of him as the distractions were many! Guess it was his racetrack upbringing. He’s beginning to look for the next fence in both the stadium and on cross country and I think he really enjoys his new career. I’m certainly loving him…he’s so sweet! Thank you, thank you. Photos to follow (I hope, I’m technologically challenged!).

Lydia Dequine

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Maverick on the Move!

Mar 13, 2009

His ground manners and patience are all improving. He’s been taught to be hobbled. I only did this because he was getting to be such a handful camping and on big trail rides, I feared for his saftey and didn’t trust him not to jump to get with the herds. He struggled some, but quickly learned to calm himself. The Sunday afternoon following the Saturday that he was first hobbled it actually paid off in an unexpected way.

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Finder’s Chance Scores Well in Dressage

May 10, 2009

Finder’s Chance did great in his first show. Intro Tests A and B. I think he got 69% in Test A and 68% in Test B (even with an error). Except for the entrance and exit, he got all 7s and 8s. He really doesn’t yet have the concept of halting at attention.

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