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". 

Refresh this page in your Browser for even more first time stories. Each time you reload or revisit this page, the stories will change. Keep scrolling to see more stories pop up.

Dreams Do Come True

Feb 19, 2010

Having a horse and riding again after many years is a dream come true. I was so lucky to have a wonderful horse growing up, I rode just about every day from middle school through high school. I even was able to take my horse to college with me. When I went to veterinary school, I gave up riding and started showing dogs.

Read More
Great Game - First Ride!

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….

Read More

Behren’s Design – Walks, Trots & Canters!

Mar 10, 2008

The first real ride went very well. He walked and trotted without a care in the world. I will be taking Behren to meet my trainer for the first time on the 21st. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks. Read more stories and see photos.

Read More

First Ride on Gold Commander One

Aug 1, 2011

Dear Michelle and Elizabeth, UPDATE: Attached is a photo, not worthy of posting anywhere, but nonetheless evidence of my first ride. I think the trainer is being particularly cautious. I appreciate her caution, but at the same time, I know Gold and I could be making a little more progress. However, I should not discount…

Read More

“Sage” is (at) Home on the Range

Jun 16, 2009

Home…Home on the range (in Texas)…..Sage is now finally here with me and he has a new best friend Tiger. Both of them are 4 year-old OTTBs and they are both beautiful fiery red chestnuts. You would think they are long lost brothers, because they are inseparable. They don’t leave each others side….even though they are turned out with three other horses. If you take one of them away from the other they whinny at each other it’s hilarious.

Read More

OTTB Vicky Vicky Vicky Makes a Great Teacher

Apr 13, 2009

Vicky Vicky Vicky horse has such a great work ethic, which was obvious from the first ride on her.

Read More

First Ride for Cortableau

Sep 11, 2009

I rode Cor (obviously short for Cortableau and also means “heart” in Latin) yesterday. He was so good. We just walked and trotted in the round pen.

Read More

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,…

Read More
Mary Misbehavin Finally Meets Leslie

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.

Read More

Brother Ron Settles In at Home

Nov 25, 2010

Brother Ron settled in so well at his new home.  He is a nice paddock by himself for now so that he can have all the hay he wants, but also has his friends right on the other side of the fence.  He let the other horses push him around, being the sweet boy he…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More