OTTB on Tap

In this special Halloween-themed episode of OTTB on Tap, hosts Niamh and Emily mix things up with a fun and spooky game of "Myth or Fact?" Joining them are returning guest Madeline Conley and her business partner, Cat Boiler, from Bridge the Gap Equine. Together, they tackle popular OTTB myths, from whether Secretariat’s heart made him a champion to the legend of the "chestnut mare curse." It's a lighthearted break from the usual, with plenty of laughs and surprising truths!

Plus, Madeline and Cat share updates on their latest venture—a new stable in South Jersey! Stick around for listener shoutouts, spooky horse tales, and a preview of next week’s exciting season finale with Jessica Redman. Don’t miss it!

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References:

"Beware, Beware a Chestnut Mare!" The Fact Behind the Myth

The Secrets of Whorls in Horses

Horsey Folklore - The Prophet's Thumbprint

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we welcome back Jessica Redman of Benchmark Sporthorses, one of the leading OTTB resellers in the U.S. Jessica shares her expert take on Thoroughbred bloodline trends for sport horses in 2024, offering insights into sires she’s seen produce top eventing and sport horse prospects. From popular sires to those she steers clear of, Jessica breaks down what buyers should prioritize when evaluating bloodlines. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, focusing exclusively on Thoroughbred bloodlines. Stay tuned for Part 2 in a couple weeks, where Jessica will share her thoughts on the current buyer trends, pricing, and the all-important topic of pre-purchase exams (PPEs).

Jessica’s unique perspective as an industry leader offers invaluable advice for anyone looking to retrain or purchase an OTTB for sport. Whether you're new to the world of Thoroughbreds or an experienced buyer, this episode has plenty of actionable insights straight from a trusted source.

For more insights from Jessica, check out our previous episodes:

• Ep. 5: From The Reseller's Mouth: How to establish yourself as a reputable buyer
• Ep. 8: Assessments and First Rides, The Benchmark Way
• Ep. 13: What's a price tag? The value of buying an OTTB from a trusted reseller

Or, just click here to view and listen to all OTTB on Tap episodes with Jessica Redman

Visit www.ottbontap.com and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with bonus content, upcoming episodes, and more!

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we’re rounding up all the action from the OTTB world this month! We’re revisiting the feedback from our first OTTB On Tap Evaluates episode, where we evaluated listener-submitted horses based on their conformation and pedigree. Hear how Baybuilt, Floo Powder, and Dragon Moon's owners felt about our assessments, and enjoy shout-outs from our listeners, including stories about their OTTB journeys.

Next, we’ll recap the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover, spotlighting standout performances and sharing behind-the-scenes insights from the trainers: Annika Greaney-Stanger with Egoli & Tizso Majestic, Chelsey O'Brien and Unbeknownst to Me, and Julianne Pangal and Ashley Olin with Brooklawn.

Finally, we’re previewing the upcoming Maryland Five Star, highlighting the Thoroughbreds competing in this prestigious event. Whether you’re following the latest in OTTB news or looking for insight into what’s next for these off-track Thoroughbreds, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t miss our shout-outs, listener feedback, and exciting previews!

In this debut episode of our new series, OTTB on Tap Evaluates, Niamh and Emily dive into the conformation and pedigree of listener-submitted Thoroughbreds. In Volume 1, we take a closer look at three Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs): Baybuilt, Floo Powder, and Dragon Moon.

Using only conformation photos and their Jockey Club pedigrees, we analyze their physical structure, racing lineage, and discuss what their conformation could suggest about their future in equestrian disciplines. Along the way, we explore key bloodlines, including famous sires like Love of Money, Exchange Rate, and Super Saver, connecting these pedigrees to each horse's conformation and temperament.

This educational and entertaining episode is perfect for anyone interested in Thoroughbred conformation analysis, learning about bloodline impact on horse suitability, or evaluating OTTBs for their next discipline. Whether you're a new OTTB owner or a seasoned OTTB trainer, this clinic-style episode offers insights that can help guide your assessment process.

Tune in to discover:

• Pedigree breakdowns of Baybuilt, Floo Powder, and Dragon Moon
• How Thoroughbred conformation influences suitability for different equestrian disciplines
• Fun insights into Thoroughbred racing lineage and influential sires
• Emily and Niamh agree and disagree on a lot of the above!

Be sure to visit our website www.ottbontap.com for additional resources, including detailed conformation photos and pedigrees for each OTTB featured. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future episodes in the OTTB on Tap Evaluates series!

Reference material & links:

Mitchell, Eric. “The Legacy of Not for Love.” BloodHorse.com, 1 June 2016, www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/212102/the-legacy-of-not-for-love.

“Not For Love (Horse).” American Classic Pedigrees, www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/not-for-love.html.

This has interviews with people who have Not For Love progeny: https://equiery.com/not-for-love-marylands-leading-thoroughbred-sire-retires/

“Danzig (Horse).” American Classic Pedigrees, www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/danzig.html.

Tdn. “Exchange Rate Euthanized.” TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions, 11 Jan. 2016, www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/exchange-rate-euthanized.

“Storm Cat (Horse).” American Classic Pedigrees, www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/storm-cat.html.

“Yes It’s True (Horse).” American Classic Pedigrees, www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/yes-its-true.html.

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, co-hosts Niamh and Emily dive into Emily’s first experience at the 2013 Retired Racehorse Project Makeover. Back when it was known as the Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP), Emily reflects on the unique challenges of transitioning from city life in Philadelphia to preparing her OTTB, Victory Money (aka "Prima"), for the Pimlico Showcase. Emily also shares how she selected Prima based on her pedigree, movement, and conformation, and why she believed Prima was the right horse for the challenge. Tune in to hear about the training process, the key decisions that shaped Prima’s progress, and Emily’s journey leading up to the track at Pimlico.

Discover the steps involved in preparing a Thoroughbred for the RRP Makeover, the pivotal moments, and what Emily’s experience can teach today’s OTTB enthusiasts.

Don't miss the special announcement about our tailgate event at the Maryland Five Star this October, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. Visit our website, https://www.ottbontap.com/ to sign up for our newsletter and get the latest episode alerts!

Join us for the latest episode of the RRP Trainer Chronicles, where hosts Niamh and Emily sit down with Julianne Pangal and Ashley Olin to check in on their OTTB, Brooklawn (aka Rye), fresh off a successful run at the American Eventing Championships (AEC). Get an inside look at their journey as they share Rye’s training progress, key moments from the AEC, and how they’re preparing him for the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover. Though he has excelled at eventing, they describe why they've aimed him at dressage and hunters for the Makeover, and discuss what it is like to train and compete Rye as a team.

Listeners will hear about Rye's progress, training challenges, and how Julianne and Ashley are preparing for the 2024 Makeover. Plus, they offer practical tips for managing OTTBs that are recently off the track. Tune in for a deep dive into Rye’s development and a sneak peek at their training plan leading up to the RRP Makeover!

Interested parties can check out Brooklawn's RRP ad at: https://www.therrp.org/horses/4993/ or on Julianne's website, www.ottbmakeover.com

Special thanks to photographer Erin Gilmore for use of her beautiful photo!

Don't forget to check out our website, www.ottbontap.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, contest entries and more.

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we catch up with RRP Trainer Chelsey O’Brien as she prepares off-track Thoroughbred, Unbeknownst To Me (UBie), for the 2024 Retired Racehorse Project Makeover. UBie is owned by Pastured Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the needs of Thoroughbreds. Chelsey shares insights into UBie’s training for Western disciplines, including barrel racing and ranch work, emphasizing the importance of "creating value in the undervalued" OTTBs like him. She also discusses the challenges they’ve overcome, including some great tips on OTTB hoofcare in the first year off the track, and how she ensures UBie stays healthy and prepared for the big event in Lexington, KY.

Join us as Chelsey reflects on her journey with UBie, her new farm in Berryville, VA, and what it’s like bringing an OTTB to their next career. Whether you’re looking for tips on training OTTBs, preparing for the RRP Makeover, or searching for an OTTB for sale, Chelsey offers valuable advice on transitioning these horses from the track to their new lives. Tune in for all the latest!

We encourage anybody interested in UBie to check out his RRP Makeover sale ad: https://www.therrp.org/horses/5506/, or contact Chelsey or Pastured Place for more details.

Please take a minute to sign up for our newsletter at www.ottbontap.com for specialized bonus content, contest entries and more!

In Part 2 of Madeline's Camp Windurra experience, we follow Madeline and her OTTB, Pepe and Heywood or "Pete" as they wrap up their final days at Boyd Martin’s Camp Windurra. On Day 4, Madeline worked closely with Olympic-level trainers, including another cross country school with Boyd and dressage with Silva Martin, honing her dressage skills and focusing on precision, rhythm, and connection with her OTTB. By Day 5, Madeline and her Thoroughbred faced a mock horse trial, tackling a challenging course designed to test their newfound confidence and agility.

Madeline opens up about the lessons learned in these intense sessions, how she managed the pressure, and how the experience has impacted her future plans with her OTTB. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to participate in a high-level training camp with your off-track Thoroughbred, this episode offers an inside look into the techniques, teamwork, and mindset needed to succeed.

A quick reminder to visit our website, www.ottbontap.com for more information and to sign up for our newsletter to never miss an episode and be the first to learn about bonus content, prize giveaways and more!

If you missed Part 1 of Madeline's Camp Windurra experience, please listen to Ep 37: Earning a Seat at the Table: Madeline Conley and her OTTB Take On Camp Windurra

We hope you enjoy Part 2 of Madeline’s Camp Windurra experience!

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with Madeline Conley, an active duty member of the US Air Force and co-owner of Bridge the Gap Equine, an OTTB resale and equine wellness business in Southern New Jersey.

Madeline shares her recent experience at the inaugural Camp Windurra - an eventing training camp hosted by Olympic Eventer Boyd Martin. Throughout the episode, she discusses the training sessions led by fellow Olympic equestrians: Dressage rider Anna Buffini and show jumper Peter Wylde; renowned dressage rider and trainer Silva Martin, and of course, Boyd himself.

We explore her path from military life back to the horse world, the challenges and rewards of working with her OTTB, Pepe and Heywood, also known as "Pete," and the insights gained from the camp. Madeline also provides practical advice for those considering attending future training camps and offers a look into the dedication required to succeed in eventing.

Tune in next week for Part 2 of their epic OTTB eventing adventure!

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter at www.ottbontap.com for exciting announcements, a new contest launching soon, and of course, new episode alerts.

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we talk with event rider Caitlin Reamy as part of our OTTB Underdog Series. Caitlin shares the journey of her young Thoroughbred, El Patrone, who she restarted in the fall of 2021. Though he had a previous injury from racing - a surgically repaired condylar fracture - Caitlin and El Patrone have quickly progressed through the eventing levels, recently completing a 2-star long event.

Caitlin discusses her background in the equestrian world, including her time at Ryan Wood's Woodstock Eventing and how she found El Patrone, or "Patrick" as he is known in the barn. We explore his breeding, what makes him an underdog, recovery from injury, and why OTTBs (and horses in general) don't necessarily need a 'perfect vetting' or perfect x-rays to be sound and successful - even at the upper levels of their sport.

Caitlin also introduces her new venture, Team Patrone—a subscription service offering fans an inside look at the world of owning and competing with an upper-level OTTB event horse, without the risk and upfront costs of ownership.

In this episode, Caitlin provides insight into the training methods used to bring Patrick back to competition, shares some stories from their time together, and talks about her vision for the future of this partnership.

This episode covers the challenges and successes of working with a Thoroughbred recovering from a condylar fracture and offers a look into Caitlin’s approach to retraining and competing with her very first OTTB restart. We hope you join us for the ride!

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New to OTTBs or curious about some of the terminology used? Check out our new OTTB Glossary - we include both racetrack terms, common OTTB injuries, and also some helpful products for OTTB owners.