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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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.

Punch is a Knock Out!

Apr 10, 2009

We rode him for the first time the third day he was here and he was great! He’s very calm about everything and we walked and trotted around for a while. Yesterday he went on his first trail ride with our other gelding around our property and he really enjoyed it.

“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.

Barnwoodbo aka Bo has a “Purr-fect” First Ride

Sep 21, 2008

Thought I would let you know how we made out with Bo. I ran up on Friday morning to get him from the training center without my daughter because the window of opportunity was small. Now I have bought horses from pictures before but this is the first time the horse has looked better than…

Starting Stiff as a Rod

Jul 13, 2011

Am thinking also to keep the mounted “work” to a couple of times a week for now and focus on continuing to loosen her and get her shifted and “right” in her work–loose flexible and relaxed with just enuf saddle work to make sure she continues to feel comfortable with it. Does any of this sound right to you guys? and any other suggestions? I am giving her back and haunches good deep rubs whether we have worked or not to try and make sure she stays muscularly as loose as I can….funny—was massaging her poll and upper neck the other day—she started yawning over and over and twisted her neck around to me some much she practically turned herself inside out…lol. Was the funniest goofiest thing, she was practically looking up at the ceiling.

First Taxi Ride!

Oct 12, 2010

Taxi had an awesome day. It’s amazing how fast she learns. She’s getting a double whammy of the no tolerance policy between Caitlin and Pepper.

Hollywood Vic and Cheri’s First Canter is Thrilling!

Oct 6, 2008

Sunday has gone down as one of the best days of my life! This was the first day I cantered on my beautiful OTTB, Hollywood Vic! Last week I wrote that I have been working on balance. The work has finally paid off with Hollywood and Elizabeth’s’ patience, we cantered today for the very first…

Gold’s Anatomy – SOLD! March 2009

Mar 30, 2009

SOLD! Congratulations to Leslie Hempleman of Flagstaff, AZ Here is his Prospect Horse FOR SALE information: “Goldie” is a 2004, 16’1 hand chestnut gelding. He is clean legged with no vices. He is sound and hasn’t run fast enough to injure himself. The guy who broke him said he was one of the smartest horses…

Is That You Joe Bear?

Mar 5, 2009

Tucks St. Aly has made it home to Texas and his new mom Alex Kemper! Dearest Elizabeth and Barry, Well I’ve gotten a few pics here, I know there aren’t any of him in the stall or anything yet, but those will come soon. I was mostly just trying to get these ones uploaded so…

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.

Game ON!

Nov 16, 2011

Also….we got Patrick fully mounted on Game today and led her around….she was a bit nervous walking with him first draped across the saddle…so after a couple of times and her settling ….I had him slip his leg over and just stay laying forward draped over her withers so he could slide sideways off if she got goofy…but she didn’t ….she was my girl….

Nothin’ Much Rattles “Huey’s” Chain

Feb 5, 2009

Wanted to send some quick pictures we took over the weekend of “Huey” aka Admiration, since I’ve been promising them forever. This canter is the first time we’ve really cantered – I’ve let him gallop some just to get some energy out, but this time he actually sat back and collected. It was wonderful! As…