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". 

Refresh this page in your Browser for even more first time stories. Each time you reload or revisit this page, the stories will change. Keep scrolling to see more stories pop up.

Helmet – check, Phone – check, Brakes – check, Seatbelt?

Dec 29, 2008

December was full of new experiences for Tux (aka Bato Loco) and me. We went on our first field trip to another farm to ride. He loaded beautifully; however, he whinnied the entire drive. I wonder if he thought I was sending him back to the track! We were both nervous, but I think we…

First Ride on an Off-the-Track Thoroughbred

Mar 28, 2010

Tips and tricks to riding your new off-the-track Thoroughbred.

Love at First Meeting!

Feb 18, 2009

….I didn’t even quite realize who was over in that pasture, until Barry said “now Aly….stays over in this pasture” and I just about exploded in a scream, I don’t think words can describe what happens when you feel the soft muzzle of an Aly BaYboy for the first time, I felt so quiet when I first touched him, I think its because such feelings, just can’t be expressed, that’s all there is to it.

Anamericansoldier Gets Some TLC

Nov 18, 2009

OTTBs need TLC. Be sure to get your new off-the-track Thoroughbred looked over by a dentist, vet and farrier. A little TLC and get your new Thoroughbred started off right to a great new career.

Five Weeks – Our First Trail Ride

Nov 23, 2009

This weekend Maverick and I will take the next step in our journey together. We will be moving him to his new home closer to me. I am excited to think that I will be able to see him every day, but I am also sad to see him leave his wonderful, temporary home at Bits & Bytes. In addition to it being a great facility, it has been a place of real learning and confidence building for me. I have learned from an expert (Elizabeth) how to do everything from selecting tack that works best for Maverick, to ground work, to riding in the ring, to our first trail ride together last weekend.

When That Little Voice Says “Do It!”…

Oct 1, 2008

Today was such a thrill! It’s been a week and a half. Loco and I have been working very hard in the round pen every day. They say thoroughbreds naturally tend to move forward in the pen. Not mine. We’re getting much better, but he’d really like to just look at me and follow me…

Rap It Up – Cuts Up at His New Home

Sep 1, 2009

I haven’t gotten on Rap It Up yet. By the time I got home Sunday evening, it was too dark to let him get much exercise, so it was yesterday afternoon before I could let him out for a good romp! And boy did he romp! We just missed snapping a pic of him when all fours were LITERALLY 3 feet off the ground!

First Ride on Whos Cindy Sue

Sep 4, 2009

Who’s Cindy Sue was very good…she quickly relaxed and we were able to walk and trot around the ring smoothly!

OTTB Decorative Discovers his Flair as a Florist

May 21, 2009

OTTB Decorative took a few days to asses his new home and decides everything exactly to his liking. Well, except for a little redecorating in the ring.

Construction’s First Ride

Aug 16, 2008

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

Runaway Groom – I think not.

Oct 19, 2008

I’m forwarding some pics my daughter took of me and my new groom. I’m having a wonderful time with him. We had our first canter today! He is very quiet (hasn’t done anything stupid at all!), smart and willing. In fact, I’m reading the book “Beyond the Track” and he doesn’t fit in at all!…

Painted Black – SOLD February 2009

Feb 10, 2009

SOLD! Congratulations Gayle Weatherly of Tuscon, Arizona!