You’ve done your research, bought your first OTTB and put a solid foundation of exposure and ground work on your horse: how do you move forward now in training? Clare Mansmann takes the OTTB relationship to its next level. →
Search Results for: So You Want to Get An OTTB
So You Want to Get an OTTB, Part II: The First Few Dates
Retraining your OTTB for a second career after racing can be a rewarding process (plus a lot of hard work). Clare Mansmann details exactly what your OTTB might already know (spoiler: a lot!), and what holes in his experience you should expect. →
So You Want to Get An OTTB, Part I: Swipe Right or Left
Off-track Thoroughbreds are becoming increasingly popular as versatile sporthorse projects that are often fairly inexpensive — but finding the perfect partner can be intimidating. Clare Mansmann, an OTTB professional, brings us a new series to help you get started! →
Triple Trouble: Getting Beat by a Nine-Year-Old
“I’m not sure how much more motivation I need than my nine-year-old niece beating me on my own horse — and making sure I know it. Do I want to whoop on a nine-year-old? Yes. Am I anywhere close to being able to do it? No, I don’t think so. But, it’s fun trying…” →
Thoroughbred Logic: Use Your Core
“The combination of core and confidence make a positive-reinforcing cycle that lead to greater strength, and for lack of a better synonym, greater confidence. Together they allow a rider to sit up, add the necessary leg, take a deep breath and release while staying centered over the horse.” →
Barn Aisle Chats: OTTB Rehabilitation With Erin
In the series Barn Aisle Chats, we meet equestrians from all walks of life and disciplines. Today, we chat with Erin about racehorse rehabilitation and rehoming. →
Barn Aisle Chats: OTTB Rescue with Donna
Barn Aisle Chats is a series where we meet equestrians from all walks of life and disciplines. Today, we chat with Donna Keen, founder of the Remember Me Retired Racehorse Program. →
I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means: Equestrian Edition
“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” There are a lot of those words in the equestrian world. Here are just a few that people love to misuse. →
Horse Nation Writers Share Their New Year’s Resolutions
From personal goals to those with our horses, our staff writers are ready to bid farewell to 2022 and take on 2023. Check out our New Year’s Resolutions and share your own in the comments section! →
Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by OTTB United: Buying The Appropriate Horse (A Seller’s Perspective)
“… if that barefoot, forage-only Thoroughbred needs shoes as the ground gets harder, or needs grain to help supplement their hay and grazing, I want to make sure mine are in a position where the owner will simply run to the feed store or call their talented farrier and make sure they get what they →
OTTB United: Thoroughbred Buying and Selling Made Easy
“It sounds hyperbolic, but the app has taken all of the challenges and frustrations from trying to sell horses on social media and found productive ways to make it easier, better and more streamlined.” →
Four Things Every OTTB Owner Should Know About Saddle Fit
Congratulations — you’re the proud owner of a new OTTB! But one thing you didn’t quite expect? The fun and games of trying to get a saddle that fits. Fortunately for you, we’ve got all the advice you need, thanks to our friends at CommonWealth Saddles. →
Three Things to Love About OTTB United, the New Marketplace for Thoroughbred Lovers
OTTB lovers, this one’s for you! The OTTB United app has created a marketplace and a source of community — and it’s got all the convenience buyers and sellers need. Learn more in the first part of our review series: →
Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by OTTB United: Trust, Patience and a Little Smarts
“Trust and patience help transform the off-track horses that come here into quiet and manageable creatures on the ground, even if some have some pretty sh*t… errr…I mean… pretty “complicated” tendencies when they arrive.” →
Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by OTTB United: Lunge Right
“There’s always more to do, always more ways to do it. But, even if you’re like me and you hate lunging, getting the horses through this basic set of skills is worth it in the long run.” →
Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by OTTB United: Three Ground Work Essentials
Today’s Thoroughbred Logic addresses three key ground work exercises: working on a loose lead, giving, and moving over. →
Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by OTTB United: Get the Image
“…being present as vets bring internal equine data to light has made me realize just how complicated these creatures can be. See, such images are important for what they say about what the problem is… and equally, for what they say about what it is not.” →
Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by OTTB United: Incremental but Effective
“Ever see someone assume that they can just kick into the trot on a spicy horse? I bet that went… interestingly. Incremental asks folks, incremental.” →
HN Blogger Contest: Sorry Mom
“I found out much later on that Pat told my mom that she thought I wasn’t going to stick with horses for very long. Boys would come along and I’d get tired of the horses and move on with my life and all of this wouldn’t have to be a bother to her… I guess →
Lessons of Grit and Grace: Kate & Luis
“I have used this event to set goals for myself and it has kept me on track to push for that 1% improvement every ride. I was struggling to even make time to ride prior to setting these goals. I want to express my gratitude for their commitment to such a noble cause — repurposing →
It’s Never What You Expect: Catherine & Nova
“As soon as I saw the name on the phone, I knew this vacation wasn’t going to be what I expected… I knew there was a problem. “ →
Let Your Child Lose: Teaching Sportsmanship
Raising a child who is both a good loser and a good winner is hard. Teaching perseverance, determination and good sportsmanship is nuanced and difficult. The conclusion I’ve come to? Don’t be afraid to let your child lose. →
4 Questions to Ask Before Retraining Your OTTB
In this excerpt from her book Beyond the Track, Thoroughbred Program Director for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program Anna Ford explains the four things you need to consider before beginning a retraining program for your off-track Thoroughbred. →
Horsemanship With Lindsey Partridge: Liberty Lies Exposed, and How They Are Holding You Back
If you’ve tried but struggled with liberty training, there might be a reason. Harmony Horsemanship founder Lindsey Partridge discusses how she moved forward with liberty training. →
Doing Your Best, Better: Aubrey & Boomer
“We’re all in this for the journey. And hell, good stories are made more from the rough trails and comedy of the challenges than from the easy wins and smoothly paved roads.” →