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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Riders Up! Oh, You Mean Me?

Jul 8, 2008

                      I am so pleased with Bubba and our first ride together. He is such a willing and sensible horse. Our first ride together couldn’t have been any better. Elizabeth lent us tack, which needed a bit of adjusting for Bubba who is lean from…

Gold’s Anatomy – SOLD! March 2009

Mar 30, 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…

Painted Black – SOLD February 2009

Feb 10, 2009

SOLD! Congratulations Gayle Weatherly of Tuscon, Arizona!

OTTB Construction Easily Adapts to New Surroundings

Aug 14, 2008

Construction (we call him “Gus”) arrived at Bits & Bytes Farm on Monday, August 11th. The nearly 30 hour journey to Georgia did not seem to upset him at all. He walked from the road to the barn without any trouble, and he even stopped to munch on some grass. We took the first few…

One Week Update for “Freeby”

Apr 26, 2013

Breaking Free aka “Freeby” has come along so quickly already. He is straighter, more confirmed in the connection, and the canter improves each ride in terms of balance and we almost have a proper transition already. He is also hacking out and trotting ground poles and exercises in my field at home.

Jumping for Joy

Aug 28, 2010

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.

Cantering with Confidence

Mar 26, 2012

I am cantering again! I have really created a bond with Ridge, and together we are really doing well! He has been a very good boy. I have my confidence back, and am feeling comfortable enough to canter again.

Game ON!

Nov 16, 2011

Also….we got Patrick fully mounted on Game today and led her around….she was a bit nervous walking with him first draped across the saddle…so after a couple of times and her settling ….I had him slip his leg over and just stay laying forward draped over her withers so he could slide sideways off if she got goofy…but she didn’t ….she was my girl….

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…

Shelby’s Hill – First Show

Sep 17, 2010

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.…

My First Ride on Brat Maverick!

Oct 26, 2009

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.

Coin Maker Makes Friends at New Home

May 18, 2007

Hi Elizabeth,  I just wanted to let you know that Coin Maker is doing great.  We had him by himself for a couple of days,  then in a pasture with our “baby” horses (2 3-year-olds and 1 2-year-old).  Yesterday,  we let him out with everyone and,  other than the usual antics,  everyone is getting along…