JMO and you have to see them in person but…I’d pay more for the grey at this point in time, she’s farther along in her job transition. She appears to be sounder moving comfortably and squarely at a brisk trot on very hard ground (you can hear her moving evenly). I see signs of a willing attitude. She sure looks like an easy keeper, some of that’s hair but she’s in good weight. That’s strictly first impression and could be way off in person.
I barely ever post, but I can’t help it when a good OTTB thread comes along! I agree, the grey looks much nicer and seems to have the winning disposition. I see a wonky stifle/hind end on that bay… not a fun thing to start dealing with.
A good thing to remember, I bough my guy off the track as a 4 year old and he was 15.2 on a good day. Now as a 10 year old he is a solid 16 hands. Sometimes they surprise you with a growth spurt!
Yes, they do tend to grow more. Mine was 16.3 at 5 1/2 years. At 10 he was 17.1 1/2. Not a whole lot of growth but do expect a little.
I really like the grey. She seems to have a good mind. She might be small but if the horse is for you, not a resell project, then get the size YOU want. If you can find out if her sire/dam are big, you might be able to project if she might get taller. I like seeing a horse willing to “stroll” for lack of a better word under tack.
The bay does appear off behind. If it’s something chronic (which it often is in the hind end, scar tissue in a joint, arthritis etc) it will be a long term hassle.
I give the gray bonus points for trotting down a hard packed winter road with dogs and not losing her mind! Yes she seems a bit small, but you’d have to see her in person. The bay is off behind. Now, that video was days after her last race, but I would be wary. VERY important to have a PPE on a horse off the track (any horse, but especially one that’s raced). Also with any OTTB, look at their race records to see if they’ve had any long breaks – often that implies there’s been an injury. You can do that research at www.equibase.com for free as long as you have the horse’s registered name.
there really is not you can tell about the bay. frozen back and inverted that is an issue that can be resolved with proper flat work and conditioning. Overall I like the look of the bay. She will likely finish more refined
I ended up going to see the grey! She was very sweet and super laid back, she actually is turned out now with yearlings as a babysitter. The owner sticked her while I was there and she is an even 16 hands. I’m not terribly familiar with TB bloodlines but Exchange Rate is her sire and I don’t believe he is any more then 16h, Danzig was small too I think, as was Storm Cat so she may not grow much more if at all. http://www.pedigreequery.com/swimming+pretty
Anyway, if all goes well I will be buying her. Maybe not as refined as the bay and not right for a resell project, but I think she will be a good fit for me and the level I ride at. Have to think of a barn name though 
Thank you very much everyone, I truly appreciate all of your input!
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Very exciting, I hope it works out for you!
Good luck! She looks like a fun horse. A good mind is essential.
Looks like she is well bred. Sold for $35K as a yearling but lackluster starts. Guess she wants to be a sport horse.
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Like to see a family tree with a lot of branches…this one is certainly bushy:).
An honest 16h is a good sized horse and with her build, she should suit all but the tallest riders. Hope she vets as suitable for your intended purpose. You know we will need updates and before pictures…although they won’t be as dramatic as with the ribby ones. And a 'what should I name her" thread if/after all goes well and you get her home. Fingers crossed.
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