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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More Firsts! Canter, Trail Ride, Jump

Feb 26, 2009

I didn’t expect that we would canter so soon, but I was really excited, and I know I was extremely tensed up and I could tell Aly was being a bit pushy for one of the first times since I’ve seen him, when we were trotting on the longe line, waiting for me to be ready. It was so incredible for me to see how after we got into that first canter, how he calmed down, back to the business-like, happy boy that he is. He KNEW that we were ready to step up to the next level, and he didn’t want any backing out on my part!

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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.

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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…

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Barnwoodbo Begins New Training Regime

Oct 25, 2008

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…

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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!…

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“Tru” Love Success Story

Jan 3, 2010

I am totally in love with my new baby – Tru Native. I don’t want to leave the barn and when I am at home, all I want to do is go back to be with “Tru”. Thank you sooooo much for your support and assistance. This happened so fast, but I knew when I saw his photo on your website that was it. I was in love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Anamericansoldier in Connecticut

Nov 17, 2009

Soldier is doing well and has settled in here. He has shoes on and is much happier. His teeth are done and he has been wormed once. He is eating and drinking well and we are giving him a bit more food.

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Titania aka “Ana” Settles Into Her New Career

Nov 28, 2008

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Titania. We decided to call her “Ana” for short, Titania became a bit of a mouthful after a day or so. She has started her training, I got on her last Saturday, November 22. She was excellent! She was a little up, but then she settled…

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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…

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Behren’s Design – Walks, Trots & Canters!

Mar 10, 2008

The first real ride went very well. He walked and trotted without a care in the world. I will be taking Behren to meet my trainer for the first time on the 21st. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks. Read more stories and see photos.

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“Special” is Way Too Dull a Word for this Day. . .

Feb 21, 2009

I have a hard time calling this a success story; to tell the truth, I have a hard time writing about it at all. Some events feel too sacred to talk about, and my 3rd day with Tucks St. Aly was one such event…The ride that day was superb, we continued our communication, and I think we are beginning to learn more and more about each other; but the best surprise I have ever had was the great highlight of the day. Who can I think of that I am more indebted to than Aly’s original owner and breeder, the person whose very desire to have him was and is responsible for his existence today.

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Bato Loco es Mucho Terrific!

Oct 17, 2008

Loco is coming along great. I am at the barn at least five days each week; two days round pen, three days ride. We’ve made a lot of progress. Loco stands perfectly still at the mounting block for me and comes in from the pasture when I call him. He has really “gotten it” in…

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