First off, I am new to the forums but I have been here before… so hi! I have been speaking with different trainers on the topic of buying my first horse (an OTTB) and I want to get some different insight. Sorry in advance if this gets too long.
I’m 20. Started taking lessons at age 7, and continued until I was 18 because my trainers left for college and for other reasons.
I showed a few horses for 2 years, I did H/J, Dressage, and Show Jumping. I have also trained/retrained 7 horses and a few of them being OTTBs newly off the track. I have worked at my local barns to help care for horses and to help give lessons to young children.
Most of the boarders/trainers told me to get a $25,000 show horse or I should lease a horse for a few months. I have looked into leasing a horse but I am financially in a solid position to be able to manage board, vet care, etc. I will be getting a vet check on any horse that I do buy by the way.
Because I have worked with green horses, training my own project horse is where my heart is. I keep finding myself drawn to OTTBs which brings me to being on the CanterUSA site all the time. Most organizations in my area prefer not to adopt to first-time horse owners so I have no luck there. I plan on having a trainer work with me and I will also take lessons in the future with my new OTTB once he is trained a bit.
My biggest fear is that a trainer won’t want to sell me an OTTB straight from the track because I am 20 and I am 4’11 and look like I’m 12. But do you have to be approved or will they let me buy the horse of my dreams?
Also, I have been reading up on what people think about stalling or pasture boarding a new OTTB. I do want to have my horse out 24/7 but I do know how that can be stressful for a horse that is stalled 23 hours a day. Many people say their new OTTBs do well being out 24/7 and some people stay they keep their OTTBs in a stall. I will be watching my OTTB once he is brought home and turned out. If he can’t be out 24/7 at the start, will a month of living in a stall be long enough for him to get use to his pasture?
Any thoughts or tips?