I can't sit here and honestly say I didn't have my hesitations about getting an OTTB { Off Track Thoroughbred }, because I did. When Brittany purchased her gelding, Seton Hall, back in the early part of 2015 I thought it may not have been the best choice for a barrel horse prospect. Keep in mind I had dealt with a few Off Track Quarter Horses and they weren't real good experiences. After watching her with Seton and seeing his progress I thought to myself, he must just be a fluke. There's no way "most" OTTB's are like him. I had dealt with the "craziness" that so many of us know. The freak out moments of being saddled, having a come apart at the trailer, trying to ride and just bracing yourself for that explosion that you knew was coming. So I understand the thoughts that may go through some of your heads. I was so afraid to even give the OTTB's a shot because of the stereotype I know. It took a lot of thinking and me putting my trust into what one of my best friends was telling me. Brittany has grown up with TB's and OTTB's most all of her life, and she assured me that almost every single one she had dealt with was just like what I saw with Seton. After pondering on it, I finally decided to give them a shot. I didn't have anything to lose, but with the choice I made I gained so much. With both of my girls, Hope & Grace, I have been thoroughly impressed. Neither of them have been the "typical" off the track horse I expected. Neither of them are "hot" and they had fairly decent handles on them when we got them. Of course they don't know all the buttons we like them to know but they were more advanced than what I would call "green broke". Both of them knew how to lunge and both could catch their right lead! <--- that was one of those things I thought horses off the track couldn't do since they always ran and worked to the left. Of course there is a lot for them to learn still, but they have taught me to learn for myself. Don't let a stereotype hold you back. If I would have I would not be learning what I am about these horses. They're super smart, they're very willing and they love having a job! I hope through my journey with these horses that even if I don't make the cut to get into the Retired Racehorse Project that I can help educate people on the OTTB's while I am learning myself. Remember they're more than just a stereotype :)
4 Comments
Toni Hindall
12/30/2015 05:05:22 pm
Awesome Melanie! So glad you got this going...can't wait to see your progress and how the girls are proceeding.
Reply
Kate
12/30/2015 05:27:39 pm
Well done. Thanks for taking the chance
Reply
Jesse
12/30/2015 07:14:08 pm
This is great.... Very honest and heartfelt. Love it and can't wait to continue reading your journey with these amazing horses!
Reply
Melanie Lyell
12/30/2015 10:04:05 pm
Thanks y'all!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2019
Categories |