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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Construction’s First Ride

Aug 16, 2008

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

Team “Loui” Anticipates a Long Partnership

Feb 21, 2009

Saxon Warrior (Waterloo aka Loui) is doing extremely well. I am very happy with him because of his sweet character and eagerness to learn.

First Ride on Icy went Very Very Nicey

Nov 10, 2008

                              Just wanted to let you know that Georgia had her first ride on Icy last Friday. She had not ridden in a while because of the situation with her previous horses, so she was a little nervous. He was so…

Show and Tell with the Bank President

Nov 7, 2009

Banker and I have had our first ride which was fun and interesting. It feels like a long way up when you sit on him, thankfully I stayed up there = ). He took the first few minutes to show me what a “feel good” horse he is and I showed him that its not my first time. After the “show and tell” time we settled into a nice trotting circle. That is pretty much all we’ve been able to do as he is still recovering and I don’t want to push it with him.

Riding Triple Lindy in the Single Digits

Jan 8, 2010

It had been three years since Anne had ridden when she got on her newly off-the-track Thoroughbred filly – Triple Lindy. It was nice to be able to sit in a saddle and hold the reins and just enjoy the ride and the view from above!

My First Ride on Monarch’s Reign

Jan 11, 2010

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!

The Newest “A Team” – Allegiant and Amanda

Jul 1, 2009

Allegiant is doing fantastic!! She is settling in great. Her pasture buddy is a 25 year old 13hh pony mare. But, right across the fence, she can also hang out with three geldings.

Midtown Manhattan’s First Ride with New Mom, Katie

May 27, 2008

I rode Mattie for the first time today. She was great. We worked in the ring for a little while and then my trainer and I took her for a walk down our street (that’s like a trail ride for us considering were just outside of Fort Lauderdale). She was awesome!!! I expected that she…

Race Track Training Pays Off at Combined Training Event

Sep 30, 2010

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

Votive – Groundwork, Schroundwork. Let’s Ride!

Aug 3, 2008

Just wanted to let you all know I have backed Votive, finally! We have done much groundwork in the month that has passed. We have a great bond with each other and I feel she completely trusts me 100%. We have now had two days of being ridden very easily. Yesterday I had someone hold…

Bato Loco the Seahorse!

May 14, 2009

Off-the-track Thoroughbred Bato Loco enjoys swimming and riding on the beach!

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!…