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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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
Riding Ridge
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!
Parked Outside Antioch’s Stall
It has been a thrilling day! We spent the majority of our time parked outside Antioch’s stall sitting in lawn chairs. I feel like I have a newborn at home who I have to watch to see when they poop and drink and eat. He finally laid down for some rest this evening. He was exhausted. He has been eating and drinking.
My First Ride on Monarch’s Reign
The last time I was on a horse was more than two years ago, so I’m not exactly an expert rider these days! Plus – and I almost hate to add this, because in retrospect it seems so silly – Monarch’s racing history gave me some reason to doubt my first ride would be a smooth one. After all, he had raced twice in his short career, and he’d lost his jockey BOTH TIMES!
Gold’s Anatomy – SOLD! March 2009
SOLD! Congratulations to Leslie Hempleman of Flagstaff, AZ Here is his Prospect Horse FOR SALE information: “Goldie” is a 2004, 16’1 hand chestnut gelding. He is clean legged with no vices. He is sound and hasn’t run fast enough to injure himself. The guy who broke him said he was one of the smartest horses…
Jumping for Joy
Just wanted to let you know that Molly has started working with her trainer to
teach Antioch to jump! He is doing fabulous so far, very willing.
Dreams Do Come True
Having a horse and riding again after many years is a dream come true. I was so lucky to have a wonderful horse growing up, I rode just about every day from middle school through high school. I even was able to take my horse to college with me. When I went to veterinary school, I gave up riding and started showing dogs.
OTTB “Manages” Just Fine at His New Home
OTTB Manager Boire relaxed at his new home and laearning his new name “Ramone”
OTTB Manager Boire relaxed at his new home and learning his new name “Ramone”
My kids have renamed Manager Boire “Ramone”. He has settled in fine and has gone out on few rides with no trouble.
Chilletecaux – SOLD!
Chilletecaux was a Bits & Bytes Farm Prospect Horse For Sale when he was purchased by Jane Chance of Locust Grove, GA. Watch to see her train Chilletecaux for his new career as an eventor.
Every Adult Woman will Appreciate – Your Husband on Your Horse!?!
Outflankem aka “Bailey” is still learning to give to the bit, but Neil is doing a great job of keeping his hands and seat quiet, and it’s taking less and less time for Bailey to relax and reach down. I may be biased, but I think they look very handsome together!
First Lesson on Antioch
Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds are easy to train but it sometimes helps to have someone coaching and encouraging you. Too often all you get is criticism because of peoples’ lack of knowledge about ex-race horses.
Cortableau in the “Lap of Luxury”
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.