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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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…

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Coin Maker Makes Friends at New Home

May 18, 2007

Hi Elizabeth,  I just wanted to let you know that Coin Maker is doing great.  We had him by himself for a couple of days,  then in a pasture with our “baby” horses (2 3-year-olds and 1 2-year-old).  Yesterday,  we let him out with everyone and,  other than the usual antics,  everyone is getting along…

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Brett’s 2010 End of Year Wrap Up

Jan 17, 2011

Hi Barry & Elizabeth! So, here’s the Brett and Judi end of year round up:  first place at our first ‘A’ show, fourth out of 27 in our first hunter classic-with a score of 80 in the first round, 76 in the second. Our divisions the largest in our local show association-usually 20-26 in our…

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Lovely Weather – Lovely Thoroughbreds!

Oct 11, 2009

This weather is so wonderful! The boyz (Chilletecaux and Dakota Spirit) have been doing so well. Nancy (the older Ms. Lane) came out to watch both horses go which is great for me given she is such a good ground person. She reminded me not to let Chille get me leading with my body, to keep open to help him stay slower. So easy without someone on the ground and she has such a good eye.

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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.

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Painted Black – SOLD February 2009

Feb 10, 2009

SOLD! Congratulations Gayle Weatherly of Tuscon, Arizona!

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Breaking Free one week off-the-track

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.

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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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Tax Hike - Thoroughbred sold by Bits & Bytes Farm

Take a “Taxi” to School

Feb 14, 2011

Tax Hike was awesome at the show. It was her first time in this environment and she was very well behaved. Cait’s been taking lessons at our place or across the street once a week but opted to go to the show without any coaching. She has so much confidence in this horse. Anyway, they were an awesome pair, did fabulous and had a ball. They got a first and a third.

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Great Games arrives in the dark of night

Great Game Arrives

Nov 4, 2011

From the cold dark depths of the Bangor Maine night….with the chill 38 degree wind blowing on a night as dark as dark—only a half moon shining feebly high in the sky—–a trailer pulls in. . . Great Game has arrived!

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Easy Going Thoroughbred Scores Big with New Family

Apr 9, 2009

Goldie is doing great, and we just love him. Everyone from the shipper to the farrier say they are impressed with how easy going he is. Laura has ridden him several times already and he was just a dream, talk about a stride!

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