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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Taxi to Arizona

Oct 9, 2010

Taxi’s here! She arrived bright and early, and in perfect condition. She’s amazing. Such a beautiful horse. Thank you, thank you for all your help.

Bank(er)’s Holiday is Over

Oct 1, 2009

Banker (Bank President) is doing great. His last day of stall rest is today so tomorrow he gets to go out and on Sunday I am going to get on him for the first time.

Nothin’ Much Rattles “Huey’s” Chain

Feb 5, 2009

Wanted to send some quick pictures we took over the weekend of “Huey” aka Admiration, since I’ve been promising them forever. This canter is the first time we’ve really cantered – I’ve let him gallop some just to get some energy out, but this time he actually sat back and collected. It was wonderful! As…

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…

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.

OTTB Gold’s Anatomy – Good as Gold!

Jun 20, 2009

Gold’s Anatomy attends his first school show only four months off the track.

Reign Day Goes Home!

Mar 20, 2010

Reign Day was listed on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site as a Thoroughbred Horse For SaleProspect Horse at the Track. He was purchased by John Reynolds, DVM and his wife Valeri to be a new Pony Club mount for their daughter Julia. Julia was busy with school commitments in February so we were asked to bring Reign Day to Bits & Bytes Farm for some training.

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!

First Ride Conclusion: Aly is da Bomb!!!

Feb 19, 2009

Ok, that title looks like not a very good description for a horse, especially one that behaved so fantastically on our first ride together, but he is an explosion of awesomeness for me. I’m still in that silent awe at how sweet Tucks St. Aly is, and how good he’s been to me. On the…

Bounced is OK in OK

Feb 20, 2010

Just wanted to let you know all is well. He’s put on a little weight, is very shiny, and bright-eyed. I really enjoyed the lesson. We worked on some lungeing and then walk-trot-canter circles and bending. Bounced warmed up after a while and showed off his potential. I really think he will be a wonderful…

Chilletecaux – SOLD!

Jul 31, 2009

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.

First Ride – Bareback!

Jan 12, 2013

My Isabell’s owner’s first ride on her off-the-track Thoroughbred race horse was bareback! Now she is sadly offered for sale. Read the story . . .