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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The Bank President is On Vacation at the Spa

Sep 16, 2009

“Banker” (Bank President)is doing very well and seems really happy to be here. He enjoys languishing in his stall then going out and rolling in the dirt.

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Brett’s 2010 End of Year Wrap Up

Jan 17, 2011

Hi Barry & Elizabeth! So, here’s the Brett and Judi end of year round up:  first place at our first ‘A’ show, fourth out of 27 in our first hunter classic-with a score of 80 in the first round, 76 in the second. Our divisions the largest in our local show association-usually 20-26 in our…

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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…

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Mimi’s Ava Has a Busy First Week Off-the-Track

May 26, 2012

Mimi’s Ava ran her last race on May 17, 2012. She traveled to Bits & Bytes Farm on May 22. Her new owner Phil Yarbrough rode her for the first time on May 24th.The next day, on the second ride, Phil put his Western saddle on his ex-race horse and took her for a trail ride with another OTTB!

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TK’s Turn Turns Up For Dinner

Nov 29, 2010

TK (TK’s Turn) is such a character – he figured out that my appearance often means dinner or at least treats, so he comes right up to check. He sticks his head through the tack room window while I’m getting dinner ready. He gets along great with Cor (Cortableau) and Tilla (my Appy mare who…

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Riders Up! Oh, You Mean Me?

Jul 8, 2008

                      I am so pleased with Bubba and our first ride together. He is such a willing and sensible horse. Our first ride together couldn’t have been any better. Elizabeth lent us tack, which needed a bit of adjusting for Bubba who is lean from…

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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.

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Coin Maker Makes Friends at New Home

May 18, 2007

Hi Elizabeth,  I just wanted to let you know that Coin Maker is doing great.  We had him by himself for a couple of days,  then in a pasture with our “baby” horses (2 3-year-olds and 1 2-year-old).  Yesterday,  we let him out with everyone and,  other than the usual antics,  everyone is getting along…

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OTTB Construction Easily Adapts to New Surroundings

Aug 14, 2008

Construction (we call him “Gus”) arrived at Bits & Bytes Farm on Monday, August 11th. The nearly 30 hour journey to Georgia did not seem to upset him at all. He walked from the road to the barn without any trouble, and he even stopped to munch on some grass. We took the first few…

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“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…

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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…

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Mr. Boston is OK in Oklahoma

Oct 15, 2010

Mr.Boston is fabulous!!!! Elizabeth didn’t want to go back to school!! She said that he would go and live in the dorm with her! We can’t wait to see what she does with him. For day 2 of riding him in our arena, they both look fantastic!

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