Buying an OTTB straight off of the track yourself and retraining them a new career can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you have the time, resources and experience to do so. But there are other ways to partner with OTTBs in their ex-racing lives, including taking the reins of a Thoroughbred who has already out there making their way in the eventing world.
For this week’s edition of OTTB Wishlist, as we did last week, we’re taking a departure from our usual MO of featuring Thoroughbreds just recently off the track or still very green in their secondary careers. Instead, we’re skipping ahead a few months or even years to spotlight OTTBs available for sale that have already gotten a jump start on eventing.
Here are three OTTBs that are startbox ready, via EN’s classifieds site Sport Horse Nation. We’ve included the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and more information.
Photo courtesy of Katie Murphy via Sport Horse Nation.
Desert Sonorous 2009 SAFE TB Preliminary – Confidence Builder
“Deszi,” whose Jockey Club registered name is Katelyn’s Desert (Wild Desert – Julia Singing Bear, by Diligence), never raced but instead found her calling in the event world. She is the ideal lady’s ride, and would be a lovely partner for someone returning to riding, looking for confidence, or the adult/young rider seeking an experienced horse.
She is elegant under saddle, and soft and supple to the aids. A quiet mind, Deszi is always composed. Her stride is soft and smooth, with a rhythm that is easy to settle into and jump from. She never says no, and does not get frazzled from rider mistakes. Despite her young age, she is incredibly quiet and focused in the ring, on trails, roads, open fields and at competitions. Deszi has extensive Preliminary experience and has competed at two CIC*s.
Sound, sane, and kind, Deszi will build your confidence, keep you safe, and allow you to enjoy the ride.
Located in Epping, New Hampshire.
Photo courtesy of Anne Aryadne Walker via Sport Horse Nation.
Sporty chestnut 6-year-old, actively competing at Novice, upper-level prospect!
Fantastic opportunity to get an excellent horse just as she’s coming into her prime! 15.3-hand OTTB mare — her Jockey Club registered name is Nomorewar (More Than Ready – War Charm, by War Chant). Fun, talented, athletic mare with a superb work ethic. Correctly started, loads of potential. Poised to move up through the levels!
Delta is a bold, careful, straightforward jumper who holds her own rhythm to fences. Doesn’t need a lot of ‘whoa’ or a lot of ‘go,’ more inclined to add a stride then leave one out. Has a great metronome canter over fences, semi-automatic flying lead changes, and is extremely handy. Jumps 3’6’’ at home and has plenty of scope to go higher.
Great mover with an awesome attitude about dressage, consistently scores in the low 30s. Started on leg yield and shoulder-in, loves to stretch long and low. Experienced cross country, jumps ditches, banks, and water — loves it and shows great aptitude! Hacks on the buckle, alone and in groups.
Recently moved up to Novice at schooling horse trial and finished on her dressage score. Primarily focused on eventing, but also excels in jumpers – won her division at a schooling show and loved it! Would excel in eventing, jumpers or hunters.
Perfect for a competent and ambitious junior/AA or young professional — anyone looking for a fun, athletic prospect to move up through the levels.
Delta is sound and a pleasure to work with both in the saddle and on the ground, loves being groomed and pampered. She lunges/ties/clips/trailers and is UTD on everything. Continuing to compete until sold, price will increase with training.
Would not be selling, but we plan to buy a house in the spring and I need to act like an adult and contribute to the down payment. My loss is your gain! Serious buyers feel free to message me for all the details.
Located in Great Falls, Virginia.
Photo courtesy of Mogie Bearden-Muller via Sport Horse Nation.
Urban Star (Carson City – Global Star, by Relaunch) is a 13-year-old, 15.3 -and Thoroughbred gelding. Urban has evented through Novice very successfully. Schooled Training. Very uncomplicated, ready to take his next rider up the levels and be a successful hunter as well.
Urban is a super sweet and always wants to please. Has spent the last few years doing hunters and being a part-time school horse. Started his eventing career by winning his first recognized Beginner Novice in March. A+ Temperament.
Located in Centreville, Maryland.
