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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Riding Ridge

Feb 28, 2012

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!

Da’Boyz First Horse Show

Nov 22, 2009

I took Dakota Spirit and Chilletecaux to a schooling show at Ashland Farm. They were so good. First time in the horse show atmosphere had them big eyed and on their toes. Even laid back Dakota got an extra burst of energy! We did two show jump classes each as I didn’t want to over do it the first time away from home jumping.

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…

The Bank President is On Vacation at the Spa

Sep 16, 2009

“Banker” (Bank President)is doing very well and seems really happy to be here. He enjoys languishing in his stall then going out and rolling in the dirt.

Why Ride in a Car when You can Ride a CarMAC?

Nov 4, 2008

Carmac is still doing great! I am continuing his lunging and the side reins and he is getting better and better everyday. I haven’t gotten any good pictures, as it’s hard to take pictures while lunging a horse at the same time, must work on my timing. Anyway my mother did come out one afternoon…

“Woody” aka “Blind Date” is Wonderful!

Aug 31, 2009

“Woody” is absolutely wonderful. We couldn’t love him more. He is very very handsome and he went to his first ‘AA’ show several weeks ago and did wonderfully. He placed 5th in one of his over fences in the Baby Greens and couldn’t have looked better or been more confident.

Helmet – check, Phone – check, Brakes – check, Seatbelt?

Dec 29, 2008

December was full of new experiences for Tux (aka Bato Loco) and me. We went on our first field trip to another farm to ride. He loaded beautifully; however, he whinnied the entire drive. I wonder if he thought I was sending him back to the track! We were both nervous, but I think we…

Sunny is BIG!

Sep 23, 2010

Sunny, now known as “Mr. Big (Big for short 🙂 ” due to how handsome he is and how confident he is in himself, haha, is doing really well!! I LOVE this horse, I bought him as a re-sale project but he has so much potential that it looks like I will probably end up…

First Ride on Gold Commander One

Aug 1, 2011

Dear Michelle and Elizabeth, UPDATE: Attached is a photo, not worthy of posting anywhere, but nonetheless evidence of my first ride. I think the trainer is being particularly cautious. I appreciate her caution, but at the same time, I know Gold and I could be making a little more progress. However, I should not discount…

OTTB Gold’s Anatomy – Good as Gold!

Jun 20, 2009

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

Living the Life of “Riley” at His First Recognized Horse Trial

Jul 8, 2010

One year off-the-track, Golds Anatomy placed second in his first recognized Area X Horse Trials. The dressage rings were actually on a race track and he didn’t bat an eye!

Cortableau Gets a Mom!

Sep 4, 2009

Cortableau spent a few days of well earned R&R at the Bits & Bytes Farm “Spa” where he received laser treatments, stretching exercises and lunging. He learned to eat grass and run free again! And he chilled with the other ex-racers on the farm who, we’re sure, told him that his racing days were over. Stevie Loverboy chatted with “Bleau” over the fence, “There’s no track here. These people are nice.” By the time his new mom Laura arrived on Friday he was feeling good and ready to meet his new family.