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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Mimi’s Ava Has a Busy First Week Off-the-Track

May 26, 2012

Mimi’s Ava ran her last race on May 17, 2012. She traveled to Bits & Bytes Farm on May 22. Her new owner Phil Yarbrough rode her for the first time on May 24th.The next day, on the second ride, Phil put his Western saddle on his ex-race horse and took her for a trail ride with another OTTB!

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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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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…

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“Tru’ly Amazing” – “Marvin’s” Brother Arrives at His New Home

Dec 30, 2009

I had a group of friends with me tonight celebrating Tru Native’s arrival. Not ONE of them could believe he was a OTTB! This is one of the biggest Thoroughbreds I have ever seen.

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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.

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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…

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The Newest “A Team” – Allegiant and Amanda

Jul 1, 2009

Allegiant is doing fantastic!! She is settling in great. Her pasture buddy is a 25 year old 13hh pony mare. But, right across the fence, she can also hang out with three geldings.

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First Ride on Icy went Very Very Nicey

Nov 10, 2008

                              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…

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First Taxi Ride!

Oct 12, 2010

Taxi had an awesome day. It’s amazing how fast she learns. She’s getting a double whammy of the no tolerance policy between Caitlin and Pepper.

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Barnwoodbo aka Bo has a “Purr-fect” First Ride

Sep 21, 2008

Thought I would let you know how we made out with Bo. I ran up on Friday morning to get him from the training center without my daughter because the window of opportunity was small. Now I have bought horses from pictures before but this is the first time the horse has looked better than…

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OTTB Decorative Discovers his Flair as a Florist

May 21, 2009

OTTB Decorative took a few days to asses his new home and decides everything exactly to his liking. Well, except for a little redecorating in the ring.

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“Marvin” Takes Care of Dad Too! Learning to Jump as Well

Dec 22, 2009

Me Tru’s dad gets his first ever saddle time on an off-the-track Thoroughbred.

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