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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Midtown Manhattan’s First Ride with New Mom, Katie

May 27, 2008

I rode Mattie for the first time today. She was great. We worked in the ring for a little while and then my trainer and I took her for a walk down our street (that’s like a trail ride for us considering were just outside of Fort Lauderdale). She was awesome!!! I expected that she…

Mary Misbehavin Meets Her Mom

Nov 6, 2011

Leslie made it home this weekend for the first time since August and finally got to meet Mary Violet (Mary Misbhavin). It was mutual love at first real sight. MV is super sweet. Leslie rode her in the round pen – trotted and cantered, and they did great! We’re going to ride in the big arena today. I just wanted to get you some pictures.

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…

TK’s Turn Wins Blue at First Dressage Show!

Dec 13, 2010

Hey E and B, TK (TK’s Turn) and I got first place in our dressage test class! Granted, there were only two of us in it, but still! We did Intro A and got a 63. It was only our third ride together since TK came off-the-track. Leslie and Coin Maker won their class also,…

Da’Boyz First Horse Show

Nov 22, 2009

I took Dakota Spirit and Chilletecaux to a schooling show at Ashland Farm. They were so good. First time in the horse show atmosphere had them big eyed and on their toes. Even laid back Dakota got an extra burst of energy! We did two show jump classes each as I didn’t want to over do it the first time away from home jumping.

Titania aka “Ana” Settles Into Her New Career

Nov 28, 2008

Just wanted to give you a quick update on Titania. We decided to call her “Ana” for short, Titania became a bit of a mouthful after a day or so. She has started her training, I got on her last Saturday, November 22. She was excellent! She was a little up, but then she settled…

Brat Maverick Arrives at Bits & Bytes Farm

Oct 19, 2009

Brat Maverick aka former Prospect Horse -“Maverick” has arrived at Bits & Bytes Farm to meet his new mom Jodi Penn. We took a tour of Kentucky and Ohio to see the fall foliage and to pick up Brat Maverick. It was a whirlwind weekend of fun. Brat Maverick met his new mom today! Be…

Cadence Steps Up to First Show Challenges

May 22, 2008

I am so proud of Cadence! He was a trooper…after a very rocky start. It took four people two hours to load him on the trailer, which is completely out of character for him because he usually walks right on. This was the first time he’s ever seriously challenged authority, but in the end he did get on. He just was in a very sour mood – charging, throwing his weight into people, even after lunging…finally had to have one of my trainer friends put him in his place and then he loaded. On the return home, he loaded on the second try, no problems.

First Ride – Bareback!

Jan 12, 2013

My Isabell’s owner’s first ride on her off-the-track Thoroughbred race horse was bareback! Now she is sadly offered for sale. Read the story . . .

Coastside’s First Ride – New Mom Full of Pride

Dec 20, 2008

I rode Coast today and was pleasantly surprised! I lunged him first then mounted him in the round pen and he was so patient! He stood for me to mount him and I actually had to work at getting him going. He is listening fairly well to both leg and vocal cues. I trusted him…

Construction’s First Ride

Aug 16, 2008

Meredeth and Construction enjoy their first ride together at Bits & Bytes Farm.

Construction’s Checklist: Canters (check), Crosses Creeks (check), Coups (check) and Carrots (check, check, check….)

Oct 8, 2008

“Gus” (Construction) is so incredibly happy with his new career and new home at Bits & Bytes Farm. His personality comes out more and more everyday and I absolutely adore him. He has recently perfected the art of rolling (every single inch of his body gets covered with dust) and decided he has a LOVE…