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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Antioch Arrives in Arizona
Antioch arrived late last night! He is gorgeous even if he is thin and woolly! He began eating hay and found the automatic waterer right away. We are heading over there in a few minutes to try some beet pulp. We will take some pictures when we get there!
“Dante’s” First Show – Poise Impresses Mom
I just got back from Florida with the horses. Lover’s Quarrel (aka “Dante”) was awesome down there. The Ocala Winter II Horse Trials was his first event ever. We put him in at Beginner Novice since we hadn’t even been able to school a cross country course. Three days before the event we took him to Longwood…
Rap It Up’s First Ride
I rode Rap It Up for the first time today and he did great!!!!!!! He was actually pretty lazy! Not at all what I expected from him! He was pretty rowdy on Monday, but the more time he spent NOT confined to a stall, the better he was. He is adjusting to his new home very well.
Brett’s First A Show Gives Him the Blues
Brett and I went to our first A show this weekend. Blistering heat–105 degrees. He was wonderful, and we got a nice ribbon in the equitation class.
Judi
Lovers Quarrel Loves Peppermints, Jumping and His New Career and Home!
Just a note to tell you how much we love this new boy – he constantly amazes us with how level headed and sweet he is. Took him out today to the ring and he surprised me that he knew how to longe already! After a bit of W/T/C each direction I then proceeded to…
Da’Boyz First Horse Show
I took Dakota Spirit and Chilletecaux to a schooling show at Ashland Farm. They were so good. First time in the horse show atmosphere had them big eyed and on their toes. Even laid back Dakota got an extra burst of energy! We did two show jump classes each as I didn’t want to over do it the first time away from home jumping.
A+ on First Ride for OTTB Leader Board aka “LeeBo”
Here is a picture we took the day he arrived at the farm. “LeeBo” started training today and he did Great! Victor, the trainer, gave him an A+ today! He was so quiet and didn’t seem to care about much. We took him to the ring with the jumps and he barely even looked at…
Lovely Weather – Lovely Thoroughbreds!
This weather is so wonderful! The boyz (Chilletecaux and Dakota Spirit) have been doing so well. Nancy (the older Ms. Lane) came out to watch both horses go which is great for me given she is such a good ground person. She reminded me not to let Chille get me leading with my body, to keep open to help him stay slower. So easy without someone on the ground and she has such a good eye.
Five Weeks – Our First Trail Ride
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.
Is That You Joe Bear?
Tucks St. Aly has made it home to Texas and his new mom Alex Kemper! Dearest Elizabeth and Barry, Well I’ve gotten a few pics here, I know there aren’t any of him in the stall or anything yet, but those will come soon. I was mostly just trying to get these ones uploaded so…
Carrie Rides Again!
Here are some photos of Carrie and Shu—finally the circle is really complete!…Some of them are a bit blurry—but the essence of a rider on a horse—after all these years and in spite of all infirmities…still shows thru—some things just defy every attempt to have their light snuffed out—here is one.
Take a “Taxi” to School
Tax Hike was awesome at the show. It was her first time in this environment and she was very well behaved. Cait’s been taking lessons at our place or across the street once a week but opted to go to the show without any coaching. She has so much confidence in this horse. Anyway, they were an awesome pair, did fabulous and had a ball. They got a first and a third.