Figure eights on a 10M circle with flying transitions at the trot and canter. A wonderful hunter pace with exhilarating–but controlled–gallops across green fields. Gymnastic exercises over jumps and through water obstacles, adjusting strides and pace as asked…Can I simply gush a little about just how great my OTTB is???
My mare is a wonderful horse to ride: willing, balanced, athletic and game. She is fluid and pretty to watch.
I know that many people dismiss OTTBs as “crazy” or “all lame” or “too hot to trail ride”…On the hunter pace I rode with a CANTER adoptive horse who happily tackled every jump–even obstacles that the warmblood cross with us refused. He never quit, and never misbehaved. He hunts regularly and happily bumps along in company–quite content to move with the pack, loving every minute of it.
My OTTB has been ridden by beginners and advanced riders, and in the words of my coach “she is as much horse as you ask her to be”. She knows just how much her rider can handle, and she is careful.
When I tell people that I meet that she is an ex-racer, I am often met with surprise–and puzzlement. I think that people are expecting my “crazy Thoroughbred” to be dancing on her toes and breathing fire.
I know that I am not alone in adoring my OTTB. I invite you to share YOUR story of versatility, heart and partnership.
I love these type of stories. I work at an equine clinic and people call me looking for horses all the time and when I suggest an OTTB they think I am crazy or any TB for that matter. I have a 14 yr old Tb who raced for 10 years and I hunter pace him and just pretty much trail ride. He is the most loving and personable horse I have ever had. When I took him Fox hunting everyone thought I was crazy but he stood like a gentleman when he was supposed to, did not kick at the hounds and galloped right along with everyone else beautifully. The difference is his gallop is soooo much nicer than all the draft crosses and Wbs. I also have a 2 yr old TB filly that I have started western and hope to be working cows with by next year. She is as well behaved as any cow horse out there. So I hope people learn TB’s have gotten a bum rap and can have the best work ethics of all the breeds. At least that has been my experience.