OTTB ... What have I done!

[Antw23uk]

Ok so the title is click bait but I couldn't resist introducing my newest addition. I've been 'umming' and 'ahhing' about a companion for my existing horse and having had an ex racer previously I've always had a soft spot for thoroughbreds, which hasn't been helped by following the funny and amazing Alicia on 'Your Riding Success' on YouTube where she is retraining an OTTB. So when this little chap came up on FB I just went for it.

He finished racing about three weeks ago, I've had him two weeks. He is 2 rising 3 in May 2022 and currently bum high. It amazes me, sadly, that these two year olds are sat on and raced, he is so young and his body is so petite! He will now sit in my fields at home and grow for another couple of years and I can play around with lots of in-hand stuff, local shows next summer etc.

I'm very excited, he is a little sweetheart and although wired when he arrived, pumped full of racing feed still, he has settled beautifully and doesn't seem fazed by much, including the electric drill rubbing on his nose the other day when i was doing fencing and he was being 'oh so helpful!' He puts the big grey to shame with his confidence! The weather really has been on our side as i am roughing him off and wont rug unless he really needs it (I'm sure he will)

I've a feeling he might be a bit too fine for me but I'm going to enjoy the process of retraining him and producing him and creating a lovely all-rounder over the next few years

So this is Cotai and I am absolutely smitten with him

 

[fankino04]

Love an ex racer ? wishing you both well for the future x

 

[asmp]

Love your big grey too!

 

[Peglo]

Love a TB! He’s lovely! I may want another when the old girls go but hopefully won’t be for a while yet ??

hope you both have a lot of fun ?

 

[Antw23uk]

Love your big grey too!

Thank you, I didnt realise how big he was until the baby arrived, lol!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Gorgeous! What a lucky boy to be allowed time to be a baby.
Best of luck to you

 

[Dave's Mam]

Oh he's lovely!

 

[Antw23uk]

Gorgeous! What a lucky boy to be allowed time to be a baby.
Best of luck to you

I honestly cant imagine getting on him, or anyone else getting on him for that matter, he is tall yes but teeny frame, spindly legs and its just so clear to me he is a very immature baby horse. He will be given plenty of time. Long term is the aim of the game with this one

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Lovely boy, would almost pass for a yearling. Thank goodness he is out of racing now.

 

[smolmaus]

He still has a wee baby face! Welcome home Cotai ❤❤

 

[Aperchristmas]

Goodness me he is so teeny isn't he! You're right that it's bonkers they're sat on and raced so young, he looks like he'd fall over with a rider at the moment! Looks like a gorgeous boy though, and very lucky to be going to a great home.

 

[SEL]

He really does look like a baby! Lovely to hear he's going to get to be one over the next couple of years and already looks settled with your grey (who is lovely btw)

 

[Hormonal Filly]

What a lovely kind face he has! Can’t wait to follow your progress, you’re giving him the best chance

 

[tristar]

nice horse, love the name, wishing you every success with him

 

[millikins]

I too love his face, I hope you have lots of fun together

 

[Xmasha]

He looks lovely, im a sucker for a chestnut ! Im also staggered that anyone would have sat on him let alone raced him. But hes landed on his hooves now.
I love the middle photo, you grey looks rather benused by his new buddy

 

[TPO]

Lovely looking boy ?

 

[HeyMich]

How lovely! You're not doing anything to quell my temptation by the way...

 

[Laurac13]

Beautiful horse I have a soft spot for a chestnut TB I am sure you will have loads of fun with him

 

[eahotson]

He is smashing.

 

[paddy555]

just want to cuddle that face. Enjoy the next 2 years. A very lucky horse that he is going to be given time to grow.

 

[humblepie]

He has a lovely face and I am sure you will have lots of fun with him.

 

[NightStock]

He does look lovely, what a lucky boy!

 

[ycbm]

He's a very lucky boy. Congratulations!
.

 

[J&S]

How lovely for him and you. You are all lucky to have each other, you, him and your grey. I am sure the older horse will teach him a thing or two.

 

[Antw23uk]

How lovely! You're not doing anything to quell my temptation by the way...

Do as I say, not as I do HeyMich lol! Its a long wait for me but i purposely kept my eye out for a 2yr old so i didnt have to do much over the next couple of years so i can enjoy my big lad properly. You need something a bit further ahead for your son Stay strong, lol!

 

[Antw23uk]

How lovely for him and you. You are all lucky to have each other, you, him and your grey. I am sure the older horse will teach him a thing or two.

God I hope not J&S ... sadly he is a rather damaged bless him but he is what he is and i love him for it

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I can see why he is an EX racer at the age of 2 already! He didn't exactly set the world on fire at the track did he ? But I am sure he will serve you well and turn into a lovely horse in time. He is lucky to have found someone that will give him the time to grow up and not just crack on again with him as a 3yo.

Good luck with him and enjoy him being a baby. You will be surprised at just how much he may well grow up and out with the time out, decent grass and decent grub.

 

[hobo]

Bless him so glad he has found a home where he will get time to grow I also think you will be surprised how much he will change. Your grey looks lovely a real leg in each corner.

 

[I'm Dun]

Hes gorgeous! I'm a recent convert to ex racers having just bought one in the summer. Hes fabulous and I hope yours turns out the same.