I am working on a longer post in the OTTB Myth Busting series, but I thought that I’d just take a quick minute to start a list that will take my mind off of this storm: here’s a short list of what I love about OTTBs.
- Admit it: they’re simply gorgeous!
- Who else will run across a pasture at 40mph to say hello to you at the end of a hard day???
- They’re athletic (I know, stating the obvious, right?)
- After years of one-on-one with a groom, they get the “you’re MY human” thing…
- They try hard, even when they’re: tired, don’t understand what you want, would rather not do what you’re asking…
- My OTTB is sooo comfortable to canter around a field on!
- My OTTB is a pro for the farrier, dentist and vet (she had a lot of experience with that growing up)
- I know more about my OTTB’s family tree than I do about my own…and she has more important ancestors too!
- Nothing is an ice breaker at a party like saying “I ride an ex-racehorse”
- She’s smart and quick to learn, which keeps me thinking when I ride
Just my quick list…What’s on yours?
1. Nothing is better looking than a OTTB
2. It is a thing of beauty to see them gallop.
3. OTTB’s are smart. Sometimes too smart.
4. They have a great work ethic.
5. OTTB’s try hard too please.
6. OTTB’s have a sense of humor. (Overturned wheel barrows, hats stolen etc.)
7. They are athelets.
8. OTTB’s are tough.
9. OTTB’s are versitile.
10. OTTB’s are my friends.
I love their bravado.
1. You never have to spend a ride urging them more forward.
2. They have no trouble with a semi bearing down on them, blowing his air brakes. But that butterfly that just wafted by? That thing’s a killer.
3. Just when you think they’re going fast, they go faster.
4. A whirl-kick-buck-fart is much easier to sit when the perpetrator has balance.
5. You get to perfect your horse weight management skills.
6. You get to perfect your injury triage and management skills.
7. You learn to spot an abscess at 200 yards.
8. You learn to be an expert on bug management.
9. OTTB’s don’t just listen, they talk back.
10. I could give an injection, take out stitches, soak, hose, tube, touch/prod/clean/stretch/poke any part, anywhere, any time, by myself, no problem.
1. They know how to forgive and forget… for the right person.
2. They have hearts bigger than Texas.
3. They’re super-sensitive – and therefore very intuned with they’re people.
4. They each have their own personality – and tons of it!
5. They try, try, and try again.
6. They can do ANYTHING.
7. They “stay young.”
8. They make sure to earn their retirement.
9. They become your best friend.
10. They have more soul than any person I know.