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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“Dante’s” First Show – Poise Impresses Mom

Feb 17, 2009

I just got back from Florida with the horses. Lover’s Quarrel (aka “Dante”) was awesome down there. The Ocala Winter II Horse Trials was his first event ever. We put him in at Beginner Novice since we hadn’t even been able to school a cross country course. Three days before the event we took him to Longwood…

The Dr. Is In!

Mar 13, 2012

Dr. Sidney has arrived safe and sound and is gorgeous!! So much nicer in person then in the pictures, that neck is to die for!

Slower Thoroughbreds and “Ghosts” to the Right Please

Aug 7, 2008

Rode Familiar Ghost for the first time today. He’s absolutely wonderful. Taking it slow, slow, slow. Will be emailing you for advice. Thank you again–so very much.

Well Worth the Wait – First Ride!

Feb 2, 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.

Callie’s Wright – First Ride!

Mar 14, 2012

I couldn’t wait to e-mail you because today’s first ride on Callie’s Wright went fantastic!!! I was very pleased that she moves really good off my leg, so I don’t have to use much hands. We practiced circles, bending, changing directions. . .

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.

Painted Black – SOLD February 2009

Feb 10, 2009

SOLD! Congratulations Gayle Weatherly of Tuscon, Arizona!

First Ride on Great Game!

Dec 19, 2011

OK—I know am jinxing myself—can feel it—am positive of it—but…… My girl has had a couple of very good days…..Sat brought her in and she was pretty tense and wound tacking her up but once she was outside and she trotted off a few of her nerves(she was under saddle) I hooked up the long…

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.

OTTB Construction Easily Adapts to New Surroundings

Aug 14, 2008

Construction (we call him “Gus”) arrived at Bits & Bytes Farm on Monday, August 11th. The nearly 30 hour journey to Georgia did not seem to upset him at all. He walked from the road to the barn without any trouble, and he even stopped to munch on some grass. We took the first few…

“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.

Allegiant – SOLD! June 2009

Jun 15, 2009

OTTB Allegiant retires from Thoroughbred racing to begin her second career in dressage and eventing.