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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Muchu and Patrick in November 2011

Muchu Cold, Muchu Good

Mar 20, 2012

Muchu (aka “Shu”) and Patrick have settled in together beyond my wildest dreams. At this point in time “Shu” has been off the track only 8 months and my son has only been riding the same 8 months, yet they are seamless in their bond. There have been periods when the girls have not been able to go out for a week at a time due to weather, and despite pent up energy, “Shu” always takes care of him the minute he puts his foot in the stirrup.

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Reign Day Goes Home!

Mar 20, 2010

Reign Day was listed on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site as a Thoroughbred Horse For SaleProspect Horse at the Track. He was purchased by John Reynolds, DVM and his wife Valeri to be a new Pony Club mount for their daughter Julia. Julia was busy with school commitments in February so we were asked to bring Reign Day to Bits & Bytes Farm for some training.

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German Import Gets American Thoroughbred

Dec 14, 2011

As soon as it was certain, that we were going to move from Munich in Germany to Huntsville, Alabama, I started searching for the “perfect” horse on the other side of the world…. and soon got hooked on 4 year old Rule My Heart. It took some time, but then Heart finally moved from Kentucky to Alabama, almost a week before we would actually be moving. So here I was with a horse, I had never seen in real life and which I would not even be able to welcome home, since his new home was still not my new home.

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Atlantic Ridge and new mom Salisa

Riding Ridge

Feb 28, 2012

It has been two months since I moved Ridge to another barn, and I wanted to let you know that Ridge and I are doing great! My new barn is also located next to a lot of trails, so I am able to do trail rides with my daughter. Ridge seems to enjoy them!

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Team “Loui” Anticipates a Long Partnership

Feb 21, 2009

Saxon Warrior (Waterloo aka Loui) is doing extremely well. I am very happy with him because of his sweet character and eagerness to learn.

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My First Ride on Brat Maverick!

Oct 26, 2009

Even though all I did was walk on a lunge line I felt an amazing thrill. The most surprising thing was how calm and collected he was. Even though I had read about it on the website, there was a part of me that still finds it hard to believe. It was only after my ride was over that I thought about the fact that I had just ridden a former race horse. Oh my gosh, what a an amazing experience.

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Anamericansoldier Gets Some TLC

Nov 18, 2009

OTTBs need TLC. Be sure to get your new off-the-track Thoroughbred looked over by a dentist, vet and farrier. A little TLC and get your new Thoroughbred started off right to a great new career.

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Atlantic Ridge and new mom Salisa

Cantering with Confidence

Mar 26, 2012

I am cantering again! I have really created a bond with Ridge, and together we are really doing well! He has been a very good boy. I have my confidence back, and am feeling comfortable enough to canter again.

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“Woody” aka “Blind Date” is Wonderful!

Aug 31, 2009

“Woody” is absolutely wonderful. We couldn’t love him more. He is very very handsome and he went to his first ‘AA’ show several weeks ago and did wonderfully. He placed 5th in one of his over fences in the Baby Greens and couldn’t have looked better or been more confident.

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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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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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Punch Says Good-bye and Hello

Apr 6, 2009

Punch is now officially an OTTB! He has said good-bye to his loving race track family and hello to his new mom(s) – Dawn and Rachel Bollinger. Punch will be starting his new career as a Pony Club mount for Rachel. They hope to compete back in Kentucky in the future – this time at the Kentucky Horse Park for the National Pony Club rally.

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