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".
Refresh this page in your Browser for even more first time stories. Each time you reload or revisit this page, the stories will change. Keep scrolling to see more stories pop up.
Lovers Quarrel Loves Peppermints, Jumping and His New Career and Home!
Just a note to tell you how much we love this new boy – he constantly amazes us with how level headed and sweet he is. Took him out today to the ring and he surprised me that he knew how to longe already! After a bit of W/T/C each direction I then proceeded to…
Muchu Cold, Muchu Good
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.
More Firsts! Canter, Trail Ride, Jump
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!
Carrie Rides Again!
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.
Whos Cindy Sue – A Future Show Jumper!
She is doing well! We started lunge training this week, and she caught on quickly! I think I may have found my jumper because she jumped out of her turnout last week (it was feeding time!) the fence is four feet, and she cleared it.
Riders Up! Oh, You Mean Me?
I am so pleased with Bubba and our first ride together. He is such a willing and sensible horse. Our first ride together couldn’t have been any better. Elizabeth lent us tack, which needed a bit of adjusting for Bubba who is lean from…
Cantering with Confidence
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.
Taking It Slow Pays Off . . .
That was around 3 weeks ago. We made quite some miles in the last few weeks. From my last email till now he improved a lot and I decided to give it a try and entered in the Poplar Place schooling show last weekend. And I can tell you he was great…I had entered us in a 2′ jumper class and the Intro A Dressage Test.
First Ride on Gold Commander One
Dear Michelle and Elizabeth, UPDATE: Attached is a photo, not worthy of posting anywhere, but nonetheless evidence of my first ride. I think the trainer is being particularly cautious. I appreciate her caution, but at the same time, I know Gold and I could be making a little more progress. However, I should not discount…
First Ride for Finder’s Chance and Jim
Jim rode Chance yesterday for the first time. He fussed and threw his head and jigged for about five minutes until Jim got him settled down. When Jim rode him today, he never did so much as stick his chin out! They have really connected.
Rap It Up – Cuts Up at His New Home
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!
Painted Black – SOLD February 2009
SOLD! Congratulations Gayle Weatherly of Tuscon, Arizona!