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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Reign Day Goes Home!

Mar 20, 2010

Reign Day was listed on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site as a Thoroughbred Horse For SaleProspect Horse at the Track. He was purchased by John Reynolds, DVM and his wife Valeri to be a new Pony Club mount for their daughter Julia. Julia was busy with school commitments in February so we were asked to bring Reign Day to Bits & Bytes Farm for some training.

Anamericansoldier in Connecticut

Nov 17, 2009

Soldier is doing well and has settled in here. He has shoes on and is much happier. His teeth are done and he has been wormed once. He is eating and drinking well and we are giving him a bit more food.

“Dante’s” First Show – Poise Impresses Mom

Feb 17, 2009

I just got back from Florida with the horses. Lover’s Quarrel (aka “Dante”) was awesome down there. The Ocala Winter II Horse Trials was his first event ever. We put him in at Beginner Novice since we hadn’t even been able to school a cross country course. Three days before the event we took him to Longwood…

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!

German Import Gets American Thoroughbred

Dec 14, 2011

As soon as it was certain, that we were going to move from Munich in Germany to Huntsville, Alabama, I started searching for the “perfect” horse on the other side of the world…. and soon got hooked on 4 year old Rule My Heart. It took some time, but then Heart finally moved from Kentucky to Alabama, almost a week before we would actually be moving. So here I was with a horse, I had never seen in real life and which I would not even be able to welcome home, since his new home was still not my new home.

“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.

Rap It Up’s First Ride

Sep 5, 2009

I rode Rap It Up for the first time today and he did great!!!!!!! He was actually pretty lazy! Not at all what I expected from him! He was pretty rowdy on Monday, but the more time he spent NOT confined to a stall, the better he was. He is adjusting to his new home very well.

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…

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.

“Rappin” on the Trails with an OTTB

Sep 9, 2009

Rap It Up went out for his first trail ride on Monday and he did great. We have several trails that include hills, creek crossings, ditches, logs, etc. and he passed his first test with flying colors. I took him out by himself (therefore no pictures, sorry) and he took everything in stride.

Anamericansoldier Gets Some TLC

Nov 18, 2009

OTTBs need TLC. Be sure to get your new off-the-track Thoroughbred looked over by a dentist, vet and farrier. A little TLC and get your new Thoroughbred started off right to a great new career.

Votive – Groundwork, Schroundwork. Let’s Ride!

Aug 3, 2008

Just wanted to let you all know I have backed Votive, finally! We have done much groundwork in the month that has passed. We have a great bond with each other and I feel she completely trusts me 100%. We have now had two days of being ridden very easily. Yesterday I had someone hold…