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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Hollywood Vic and Cheri’s First Canter is Thrilling!

Oct 6, 2008

Sunday has gone down as one of the best days of my life! This was the first day I cantered on my beautiful OTTB, Hollywood Vic! Last week I wrote that I have been working on balance. The work has finally paid off with Hollywood and Elizabeth’s’ patience, we cantered today for the very first…

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Lovely Weather – Lovely Thoroughbreds!

Oct 11, 2009

This weather is so wonderful! The boyz (Chilletecaux and Dakota Spirit) have been doing so well. Nancy (the older Ms. Lane) came out to watch both horses go which is great for me given she is such a good ground person. She reminded me not to let Chille get me leading with my body, to keep open to help him stay slower. So easy without someone on the ground and she has such a good eye.

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Baileysontherocks – Rockin Update

Mar 3, 2009

It’s been a full year since we met at the hunter pace in Kingston! Where did the year go?!? It was great meeting you and the Bits & Bytes family and I hope we’ll see you again in 2009.
It’s been a fun past year with Bailey. Last February he went to our first “away” show . . .

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Rap It Up – Cuts Up at His New Home

Sep 1, 2009

I haven’t gotten on Rap It Up yet. By the time I got home Sunday evening, it was too dark to let him get much exercise, so it was yesterday afternoon before I could let him out for a good romp! And boy did he romp! We just missed snapping a pic of him when all fours were LITERALLY 3 feet off the ground!

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Win For Morgan Is Better Than Expected

Dec 9, 2012

Win For Morgan’s first Success Story: Tall and young was what I was interested in and that’s what Win For Morgan (now known as “Fitch” in the barn) was. That didn’t convince anyone that buying him was a good idea though. The whole “sight unseen” part of buying him made everyone nervous, but then again none of them had talked to Elizabeth but me. . .

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Breaking Free one week off-the-track

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.

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Team “Splash Protect” Flourishing After First Year Together

Oct 3, 2008

Here is Splash Protect’s, “Finnegan’s”, long overdue success story. Well it’s been more than a year since I began my OTTB adventure. I must say that I am totally confident that I made the right decision, despite a lot of doubt in the beginning. We have been through some rough times, all of which was…

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Cortableau – One Month Update

Oct 5, 2009

Cortableau handled being in an unfamiliar place at the hunter pace – new horses and different terrain with no problem. We actually had our first canter ever a few minutes into the ride, and we did a couple of canters up hills. So I got braver and, when we got to the really big field, we cantered again.

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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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Finder’s Chance Scores Well in Dressage

May 10, 2009

Finder’s Chance did great in his first show. Intro Tests A and B. I think he got 69% in Test A and 68% in Test B (even with an error). Except for the entrance and exit, he got all 7s and 8s. He really doesn’t yet have the concept of halting at attention.

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OTTB “Manages” Just Fine at His New Home

Apr 26, 2009

OTTB Manager Boire relaxed at his new home and laearning his new name “Ramone”
OTTB Manager Boire relaxed at his new home and learning his new name “Ramone”

My kids have renamed Manager Boire “Ramone”. He has settled in fine and has gone out on few rides with no trouble.

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OTTB - Breaking Free in Georgia!

Breaking Free in Georgia!

Apr 19, 2013

Our Prospect Horse Breaking Free aka “Freeby” has made it to his new home in Good Hope, GA just outside of Atlanta to his new mom is Kerry Tracey.

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