Bringing Your OTTB Home: Free First-Days Checklist

The transition from the racetrack to a new home involves much more than preparing an empty stall. Your new OTTB may be adjusting to a different feed, turnout schedule, social environment, workload, and daily routine, all at once. A gradual, thoughtful transition can help the horse settle safely and confidently. Created as a companion to Tik Maynard’s OTTB Masterclass, this free checklist features practical guidance from Tik and stable manager Lindsay Hall. It walks you through what to prepare before the trailer arrives and what to consider throughout your horse’s first days at home. Inside the guide, you’ll find: What to prepare before your OTTB arrives How to choose an appropriate first stall Tips for introducing turnout gradually Considerations for selecting a turnout companion Who to include on your horse’s care team Feed, forage, and weight-management considerations Questions to discuss with your veterinarian and farrier Space to record appointments, plans, and concerns The goal is not to change everything immediately. It is to gradually introduce your OTTB to their new environment while responding to the individual horse in front of you.