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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Five Weeks – Our First Trail Ride

Nov 23, 2009

This weekend Maverick and I will take the next step in our journey together. We will be moving him to his new home closer to me. I am excited to think that I will be able to see him every day, but I am also sad to see him leave his wonderful, temporary home at Bits & Bytes. In addition to it being a great facility, it has been a place of real learning and confidence building for me. I have learned from an expert (Elizabeth) how to do everything from selecting tack that works best for Maverick, to ground work, to riding in the ring, to our first trail ride together last weekend.

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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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Carrie Rides Muchu!

Carrie Rides Again!

Nov 16, 2011

Here are some photos of Carrie and Shu—finally the circle is really complete!…Some of them are a bit blurry—but the essence of a rider on a horse—after all these years and in spite of all infirmities…still shows thru—some things just defy every attempt to have their light snuffed out—here is one.

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Every Adult Woman will Appreciate – Your Husband on Your Horse!?!

Feb 21, 2009

Outflankem aka “Bailey” is still learning to give to the bit, but Neil is doing a great job of keeping his hands and seat quiet, and it’s taking less and less time for Bailey to relax and reach down. I may be biased, but I think they look very handsome together!

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Bato Loco the Seahorse!

May 14, 2009

Off-the-track Thoroughbred Bato Loco enjoys swimming and riding on the beach!

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Shelby’s Hill Competes in USEA Horse Trials

May 10, 2011

“Ping” came 3rd in Beginner Novice at UNH’s USEA horse trials.

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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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Bank(er)’s Holiday is Over

Oct 1, 2009

Banker (Bank President) is doing great. His last day of stall rest is today so tomorrow he gets to go out and on Sunday I am going to get on him for the first time.

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First Lesson on Antioch

Apr 1, 2010

Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds are easy to train but it sometimes helps to have someone coaching and encouraging you. Too often all you get is criticism because of peoples’ lack of knowledge about ex-race horses.

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Dance to the Wire at the track - February 2012

Dance to the Wire is at Home in NC

Feb 23, 2012

Just wanted you to know Dance is home and tucked in his new stall. He traveled very well and arrived in excellent condition thanks to Tapp Horse Transportation! He is as beautiful as his pictures. Thank you both very much for acting as mediators to bring Dance and I together!

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Great Game - First Ride!

Game ON!

Nov 16, 2011

Also….we got Patrick fully mounted on Game today and led her around….she was a bit nervous walking with him first draped across the saddle…so after a couple of times and her settling ….I had him slip his leg over and just stay laying forward draped over her withers so he could slide sideways off if she got goofy…but she didn’t ….she was my girl….

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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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