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 Joins AVA Productions, Inc.

May 22, 2012

Phil did not know Mimi’s Ava’s full name when he began the buying process. It soon became clear that Mimi was meant to be his horse when her full name turned out to be the name of Phil’s audio visual company – AVA Productions, Inc. Coincidence or divine intervention?

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!

More Firsts! Canter, Trail Ride, Jump

Feb 26, 2009

I didn’t expect that we would canter so soon, but I was really excited, and I know I was extremely tensed up and I could tell Aly was being a bit pushy for one of the first times since I’ve seen him, when we were trotting on the longe line, waiting for me to be ready. It was so incredible for me to see how after we got into that first canter, how he calmed down, back to the business-like, happy boy that he is. He KNEW that we were ready to step up to the next level, and he didn’t want any backing out on my part!

Helmet – check, Phone – check, Brakes – check, Seatbelt?

Dec 29, 2008

December was full of new experiences for Tux (aka Bato Loco) and me. We went on our first field trip to another farm to ride. He loaded beautifully; however, he whinnied the entire drive. I wonder if he thought I was sending him back to the track! We were both nervous, but I think we…

June is a Doll

Dec 8, 2010

June (A June Affair)  is an absolute doll and has settled in very well!  She is one of the sweetest horses I have been around and her “racehorse” ground manners are improving tremendously! I did get on her this weekend for the first time and she was as good as I could have hoped for. …

“Marvin’s” First Ride – Me Tru(ly) Wonderful

Oct 20, 2009

I am totally, completely, crazily in love with Me Tru (aka Marvin). He is everything that Becky said he was…and so much more.

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!

Gold’s Anatomy – Ready Set Show!

May 21, 2009

Former race horse, Gold’s Anatomy is coming along really nicely and we are taking him to his first local schooling show the end of this month – less than two months off-the-track!

Dakota Spirit – SOLD!

Jul 31, 2009

Dakota Spirit was an unraced 2006, 16.2 hand bay gelding when he was purchased by Jane Chance of Locust Grove, GA!!! Watch to see her train Dakota Spirit for his new career as an eventor.

Painted Black – SOLD February 2009

Feb 10, 2009

SOLD! Congratulations Gayle Weatherly of Tuscon, Arizona!

Antioch and Molly Canter for the First Time!

May 18, 2010

Molly cantered Antioch for the first time tonight and he was fabulous! He learns everything so fast. He now longes with voice commands and goes at the walk and trot over poles and now she can work on his canter leads! We just love him. I hope all is well at Bits & Bytes Farm.

Jumping for Joy

Aug 28, 2010

Just wanted to let you know that Molly has started working with her trainer to
teach Antioch to jump! He is doing fabulous so far, very willing.