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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Barnwoodbo aka Bo has a “Purr-fect” First Ride

Sep 21, 2008

Thought I would let you know how we made out with Bo. I ran up on Friday morning to get him from the training center without my daughter because the window of opportunity was small. Now I have bought horses from pictures before but this is the first time the horse has looked better than…

“Rappin” on the Trails with an OTTB

Sep 9, 2009

Rap It Up went out for his first trail ride on Monday and he did great. We have several trails that include hills, creek crossings, ditches, logs, etc. and he passed his first test with flying colors. I took him out by himself (therefore no pictures, sorry) and he took everything in stride.

Muchu Cold, Muchu Good

Mar 20, 2012

Muchu (aka “Shu”) and Patrick have settled in together beyond my wildest dreams. At this point in time “Shu” has been off the track only 8 months and my son has only been riding the same 8 months, yet they are seamless in their bond. There have been periods when the girls have not been able to go out for a week at a time due to weather, and despite pent up energy, “Shu” always takes care of him the minute he puts his foot in the stirrup.

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.

A Success Story

Jul 11, 2011

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. . .

“Marvin’s” First Ride – Me Tru(ly) Wonderful

Oct 20, 2009

I am totally, completely, crazily in love with Me Tru (aka Marvin). He is everything that Becky said he was…and so much more.

Voted Off: Off-the-Track in 2006 Update 2011

Nov 29, 2011

It’s been years since I sent you an update, but I thought you might like to know how Voted Off is doing. His primary job has been as my husband’s trail horse for the last 5 years. About six months ago, my 6 year old daughter started riding him too. You might remember a picture of her you posted on your web site on her rocking horse when she was 2. Well, she has swapped out the rocking horse for Voted Off.

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.

Take a “Taxi” to School

Feb 14, 2011

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.

“Tru’ly Amazing” – “Marvin’s” Brother Arrives at His New Home

Dec 30, 2009

I had a group of friends with me tonight celebrating Tru Native’s arrival. Not ONE of them could believe he was a OTTB! This is one of the biggest Thoroughbreds I have ever seen.

Great Game Arrives

Nov 4, 2011

From the cold dark depths of the Bangor Maine night….with the chill 38 degree wind blowing on a night as dark as dark—only a half moon shining feebly high in the sky—–a trailer pulls in. . . Great Game has arrived!

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!