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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 966
  
Location: Loco,Ok | Â Way the horse is bred can play in this some more important is the way the horse was started. Been on some so shell shocked it took a while. They come into.the world with run built in. And a poor start can.scar one for life. Good hand on a colt for 90 days or so make all.the difference. I.started race Colts years ago for two operations by W. Falls. And they wanted them broke to ride first. Punch cows on them first. | |
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 Scorpions R Us
Posts: 9586
 
Location: So. Cali. | Ive had straight off the track, turned out to pasture for years after track, and used for trails only after track for barrel prospects. Defiantly prefer the straight off the track. If possible, send them out for a good 30-60 days of just basics. Alot suggest to turn them out after the track, I never have unless sore/hurt. I've always been on them the next day, just preference I suppose, but they have such a big work ethic they long for something to do. I love the easy seasoning. Most have a been there done that attitude so generally not spooky and make good trail horses. I ride a free runner style best so the OTT horses work for me, the know how to run, so you've just got to teach them how to slow down and use themselves. Would do it again in a heart beat. Do your research. Look up results, watch races, pay attention to long breaks inbetween runs or alot of back to back running in claimers, usual red flags. Check vet lists (I know CA's are accessible online) to see if the horse has ever been on it. They are alot of work, but I love it. | |
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 Member
Posts: 9
Location: Winslow, IN | I have 2.. both by Corona Cartel sons (they are different sires) and I will not by anything else! The first one I bought as a 3 year old that only ran AA and won almost $10k on the track. He is by a son of Corona Cartel whose momma is by Streakin Six and out of an own daughter of First Down Dash whose momma is by Six Fols.. all on papers! I took my time with him because I wasn't showing at the time and I didn't know how fragile OTT horses could be. He is a solid 1D (2D with rider mistakes) barrel horse who is afraid to run by a barrel but boy that quick 1st step sure makes a difference! He lacked confidence which I believe affected him on the track. On the other hand I recently bought a 2 year old filly by a son of Corona Cartel and Coup De Kas out of a Fishers Dash and Streakin Six mare and she is not afraid of anything! However, both are gritty and have tons of try and want to along with pure athletic talent. I have not been disappointed on personalities on either horses and will continue to buy OTT. Just make sure who you're buying from, the reason WHY they're selling them, confirmation - thick boned to hold up from time spent on track from a young age to have a lengthy career as a barrel horse, IMO bloodlines - what works in the barrel pen, and most importantly whose hands you're putting them in. I agree with the others.. let them learn how to be a horse for a few months after coming off the track. I got my filly a week after her 1st and only out on the track and she had no idea how to "play." It has been entertaining to watch her figure it out. Also, coming from someone who doesn't like to break horses, I feel comfortable crawling on these horses and getting them going. Good luck if you decide to try one! | |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Speedy Buckeye Girl - 2016-08-23 8:21 AM Great advice and suggestions on here...it's definitely helpful that you have some trainers you know. Research prior to buying is huge. I've never taken on one with too many outs, too much risk IMO. Thorough vet check is CRUCIAL...I learned this the hard way with my first one.
My experience with them is a little different as I was picking up OTTB's for hunter/jumpers. But I think one thing you have to keep in mind is they basically need to be brought back to ground zero in training. I started with the round pen and went on from there. The good thing is most things they do well with so it's not going to take near as long as an unbroke colt, but it's important to establish the basics so you don't have holes down the road. Personally I think suppling and flexing is the biggest challenge I had with them. My first time doing it I was worried I would have a run away...totally not the case. But getting her into a decent frame...that was a bigger challenge.
They really are fun though so I wish you luck!
I cannot tell you how many frends of mine have rushed through basics because the horse was "technically already broke" so why even do ground work?
They had MAJOR holes in training down the road. It's not worth it to rush through the basics. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | Scrudat has been having tons of success. His SI is only like a 69 I think. SI is not necessarily an indication of what kind of horse they are. If you can find descriptions of their races or videos and see them break fast and go to the lead quick, even if they don't win, this shows they have quick early speed and probably the right kind of gas you need for barrels which is short distances.
Everyone else has had great advice. Good vet check, low race numbers, keep in mind they are missing many basics.
Everyone also seems to comment on the specific personality of their animal. OTT horses are just like all other horses. They are individuals. The things that are true about nearly all of them is that their bodies are used harder at a young age frequently leading to injuries that can affect them long term, and most are only given enough training to run down the track so lack a good foundation. Another thing that is frequently true is that many of them lose weight right after they leave the track. Trainers give them all kinds of souped up nutrients and vitamins and high power feed. When they come to your house, all that is gone, and they may lose that sleek fit look they had until they adjust to your program. But they will adjust OR (lol) you will.
Best of luck. Many people have had luck with OTT. Before breeding specifically for barrels was a thing, many successful ones came from just this path. DTF was a track sire first. He is still one of the leading broodmare sires for track horses too. | |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Three*C*Champs - 2016-08-23 12:14 PM
Ive had straight off the track, turned out to pasture for years after track, and used for trails only after track for barrel prospects. Defiantly prefer the straight off the track. If possible, send them out for a good 30-60 days of just basics. Alot suggest to turn them out after the track, I never have unless sore/hurt. I've always been on them the next day, just preference I suppose, but they have such a big work ethic they long for something to do. I love the easy seasoning. Most have a been there done that attitude so generally not spooky and make good trail horses. I ride a free runner style best so the OTT horses work for me, the know how to run, so you've just got to teach them how to slow down and use themselves. Would do it again in a heart beat. Do your research. Look up results, watch races, pay attention to long breaks inbetween runs or alot of back to back running in claimers, usual red flags. Check vet lists (I know CA's are accessible online) to see if the horse has ever been on it. They are alot of work, but I love it. Â
See and our experience is they have zero work ethic. Of course that is comparing them to ranch horses that will go all week and then some. They would want to work and have those motors revved for the first hour into the ride checking cows at a fast trot. Then it was poking with spurs to keep them moving to finish the last 2 hours. About 5-7 days of this and they would come around just great. And have all the work ethic in the world, but they sure didn't at first. | |
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Expert
Posts: 4766
Location: Bandera, TX | I like to put them to work. Ranch work that is. Ride them everyday but Sunday if you can and have them come down off the supplements easy. I still give them a squirt of redcell as they are working hard. Back when I took them in we had the hands all ride into different pastures checking fences then they would bring them to me and I would ride them for about 20 min. teaching them the bascis to being a barrel horse . If I came across a good deal on one I would have it x-rayed. Just be confident in your vet to help you on purchasing. I would go to they guy that rarely "passed" a horse. | |
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