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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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.
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!
Show and Tell with the Bank President
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.
Barnwoodbo Begins New Training Regime
It is hard to believe it is the middle of October already and we have had Bo for five weeks. We have been busy. My friend Staci had the last of the fall shows and her older event horse came up lame. Old age gets us all eventually. I guess the timing is perfect since…
Rap It Up’s First Ride
I rode Rap It Up for the first time today and he did great!!!!!!! He was actually pretty lazy! Not at all what I expected from him! He was pretty rowdy on Monday, but the more time he spent NOT confined to a stall, the better he was. He is adjusting to his new home very well.
A Success Story
My wife has a degenerative brain disease that is ultimately terminal, and my son is home schooled and takes on tons of responsibility–way beyond his 13 years. I and my wife both had ridden for the better part of 30 years and had excellent training…but had abandoned our own personal riding when we had a child. After all—finances and time frequently just don’t stretch to cover children and pets like horses. We found ourselves however looking for a way to give my son an outlet away from the house and the pressure of our situation at home he lived, ate, and breathed….so I did what we always used to do—took him to a riding stable and got him lessons. . .
Muchu Cold, Muchu Good
Muchu (aka “Shu”) and Patrick have settled in together beyond my wildest dreams. At this point in time “Shu” has been off the track only 8 months and my son has only been riding the same 8 months, yet they are seamless in their bond. There have been periods when the girls have not been able to go out for a week at a time due to weather, and despite pent up energy, “Shu” always takes care of him the minute he puts his foot in the stirrup.
First Ride for Cortableau
I rode Cor (obviously short for Cortableau and also means “heart” in Latin) yesterday. He was so good. We just walked and trotted in the round pen.
A June Affair Finds a Home in Tennessee
I must admit that I felt like a kid on Christmas morning as I waited for you to pull down the driveway with my new horse, A June Affair. It doesn’t seem to matter what age I get to be because I never loose the joy and love a beautiful horse gives to me. Especially….the Thoroughbred. The incredible, wonderful, big hearted OTTB!
“Rappin” on the Trails with an OTTB
Rap It Up went out for his first trail ride on Monday and he did great. We have several trails that include hills, creek crossings, ditches, logs, etc. and he passed his first test with flying colors. I took him out by himself (therefore no pictures, sorry) and he took everything in stride.
Mary Misbehavin Meets Her Mom
Leslie made it home this weekend for the first time since August and finally got to meet Mary Violet (Mary Misbhavin). It was mutual love at first real sight. MV is super sweet. Leslie rode her in the round pen – trotted and cantered, and they did great! We’re going to ride in the big arena today. I just wanted to get you some pictures.
First Ride on Icy went Very Very Nicey
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…