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.
Race Track Training Pays Off at Combined Training Event
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
Cadence Steps Up to First Show Challenges
I am so proud of Cadence! He was a trooper…after a very rocky start. It took four people two hours to load him on the trailer, which is completely out of character for him because he usually walks right on. This was the first time he’s ever seriously challenged authority, but in the end he did get on. He just was in a very sour mood – charging, throwing his weight into people, even after lunging…finally had to have one of my trainer friends put him in his place and then he loaded. On the return home, he loaded on the second try, no problems.
Whos Cindy Sue is Home!
I am very excited to report that Who’s Cindy Sue has finally arrived to her new home in Connecticut. She marched right off the trailer like a proud filly and immediately stood like a lady for pictures! She arrived safely, healthy and in good spirits. In no time, she found her hay and water in her paddock and began introducing herself to her neighboring ponies!
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
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…
Monarch’s Reign – One Month Update
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…
Finder’s Chance Scores Well in Dressage
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.
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. . .
Brett’s 2010 End of Year Wrap Up
Hi Barry & Elizabeth! So, here’s the Brett and Judi end of year round up: first place at our first ‘A’ show, fourth out of 27 in our first hunter classic-with a score of 80 in the first round, 76 in the second. Our divisions the largest in our local show association-usually 20-26 in our…
Wise Young Sage – SOLD! June 2009
OTTB Wise Young Sage has been sold to Mimi Falb of San Antonio, Texas. He will begin his second career as an event horse.
My First Ride on Brat Maverick!
Even though all I did was walk on a lunge line I felt an amazing thrill. The most surprising thing was how calm and collected he was. Even though I had read about it on the website, there was a part of me that still finds it hard to believe. It was only after my ride was over that I thought about the fact that I had just ridden a former race horse. Oh my gosh, what a an amazing experience.
Shelby’s Hill – First Show
Our first show in August! Training 1 – 64% We are now doing First Level 1 in Oct I think!!! I did have someone contact me through your website. I’m not sure these girls have enough experience though or have the resources to keep Ping healthy. PLUS not really sure I want him to go.…