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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“Tru’ly Amazing” – “Marvin’s” Brother Arrives at His New Home

Dec 30, 2009

I had a group of friends with me tonight celebrating Tru Native’s arrival. Not ONE of them could believe he was a OTTB! This is one of the biggest Thoroughbreds I have ever seen.

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.

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.

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!

“Qu” was a Good Boy This Christmas!

Dec 28, 2008

Hope everyone made it through the Holidays alright. The horses must have all been very good because Santa left 20 lbs of carrots for them! “Qu” did not know what a carrot was and wouldn’t take a piece until I finally corrupted him 2 days ago. Since he’s a youngster I of course won’t overdo…

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.

OTTB “Manages” Just Fine at His New Home

Apr 26, 2009

OTTB Manager Boire relaxed at his new home and laearning his new name “Ramone”
OTTB Manager Boire relaxed at his new home and learning his new name “Ramone”

My kids have renamed Manager Boire “Ramone”. He has settled in fine and has gone out on few rides with no trouble.

Mimi’s Ava Has a Busy First Week Off-the-Track

May 26, 2012

Mimi’s Ava ran her last race on May 17, 2012. She traveled to Bits & Bytes Farm on May 22. Her new owner Phil Yarbrough rode her for the first time on May 24th.The next day, on the second ride, Phil put his Western saddle on his ex-race horse and took her for a trail ride with another OTTB!

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!

“Special” is Way Too Dull a Word for this Day. . .

Feb 21, 2009

I have a hard time calling this a success story; to tell the truth, I have a hard time writing about it at all. Some events feel too sacred to talk about, and my 3rd day with Tucks St. Aly was one such event…The ride that day was superb, we continued our communication, and I think we are beginning to learn more and more about each other; but the best surprise I have ever had was the great highlight of the day. Who can I think of that I am more indebted to than Aly’s original owner and breeder, the person whose very desire to have him was and is responsible for his existence today.

Chipawild Does Well in “Traffic”

Sep 14, 2009

Walk, trot and canter on the lunge and walking and trotting under saddle. Chipawild is getting used to having “traffic” in the ring with her.

Voted Off: Off-the-Track in 2006 Update 2011

Nov 29, 2011

It’s been years since I sent you an update, but I thought you might like to know how Voted Off is doing. His primary job has been as my husband’s trail horse for the last 5 years. About six months ago, my 6 year old daughter started riding him too. You might remember a picture of her you posted on your web site on her rocking horse when she was 2. Well, she has swapped out the rocking horse for Voted Off.