Here is Splash Protect’s, “Finnegan’s”, long overdue success story.
Well it’s been more than a year since I began my OTTB adventure. I must say that I am totally confident that I made the right decision, despite a lot of doubt in the beginning. We have been through some rough times, all of which was fueled by negative attitudes of the people who called me crazy for buying a horse I had never seen. At my previous barn a rumor actually circulated that I bought “Finnegan” off EBAY!!! I certainly got a kick out of that.
After moving to Bits & Bytes Farm, “Finnegan” has been getting better food, more turnout, and better care which has left me with a four year old OTTB who is a complete angel. We have gone on some great rides in the woods, which at my previous barn no one would trail ride with me because they were certain that he would go nuts and hurt me or someone else.
Former Thoroughbred race horse, Splash Protect aka "Finnegan" is enjoying his training at Bits & Bytes Farm.
Since being at Bits & Bytes Farm we have received so much positive feedback and support that “Finnegan” and my self’s confidence has skyrocketed. We have made more progress in the past few months than we did during the entire year at my previous barn.
Splash Protect aka "Finnegan" and his mom Lauren enjoy learning to jump.
We are now walking, trotting, and cantering in a nice, natural frame. His canter is much more collected and balanced; we are also beginning to adjust his speed with using light, simple aids. We have also begun trotting and cantering some small jumps. The ground pole work done at Bits & Bytes Farm makes a HUGE difference when you are teaching a young horse how to jump.
A happy home makes a happy horse
I wanted to give some advice to people who are thinking about purchasing a prospect horse sight unseen. The first thing you need to understand is that you are SAVING A HORSE’S LIFE. Thoroughbreds love to please and see a positive reaction from their owners. If you do purchase an OTTB, it is incredibly rewarding to see this 1,000 lbs animal watch you and react to the praise.
“Finnegan” is my third horse and I feel that I have a stronger bond with him than any horse I have ever owned. Another very important thing you should consider is how your friends and family feel about it. My parents had a lot of doubt and were incredibly weary of the entire situation. Show them the success stories; Elizabeth has seven years of stories about people who have done the exact same thing.
And lastly, find a barn that will support your decision. It is very difficult to have confidence in yourself or your horse when everyone is telling you negative things. I hope this advice helps to make people the decision of whether or not to embark on the adventure of buying an OTTB.
Thanks again Elizabeth for all of your help, guidance, support, and most of all for loving my precious guy!
Lauren purchased “Finnegan” as a Prospect Horse FOR SALE, June 2007. They have worked through challenges that have strengthened the bond they now share.
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Click here to see their previous success stories.