This week on OTTB On Tap, we’re chatting with Julie Anna Prusak, an amateur rider from Texas, about her OTTB, Too Much Crown, or "Nemo" to his friends. Julie Anna earned her spot on the podcast by winning our Underdog Stories contest in the OTTB Market Facebook group, where she captured the hearts (and votes) of our community.

Earlier this year, Nemo was diagnosed with kissing spine—a tough diagnosis for any horse owner. Julie Anna didn’t shy away from the challenge. She chose osteotomy surgery, navigated the challenges of rehab, and worked tirelessly to prepare for the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover in October. In this episode, Julie Anna shares the milestones of Nemo’s recovery, the preparation for the freestyle competition, and the sense of accomplishment that came with competing at the RRP. (And they earned a top placing!)

While this is a serious topic, Julie Anna’s humor and honesty make this a lighthearted look at the trials and triumphs of OTTB ownership. From managing health challenges to celebrating the unique quirks of Thoroughbreds, this episode has something for every OTTB fan.

Legal Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians. This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your veterinarian for any medical decisions regarding your horse.

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we kick things off by recapping our second installment of OTTB on Tap Evaluates! Hear the owners' reactions and insights after listening to our evaluations of Looking Ready, C Two, and Ruby Bleu.

Then, we dive into the exciting news—Niamh has found her OTTB prospect for the 2025 Retired Racehorse Makeover! Meet Go Green, a 2020 gelding with a great pedigree and standout conformation, which made him the perfect choice for this journey. We break down Niamh’s criteria for choosing an RRP horse, the whirlwind process of finding him, and our rapid-fire evaluation of his pedigree, conformation, and suitability.

Finally, we share behind-the-scenes details about Go Green’s arrival, first impressions, and what’s next as he transitions from track to training. Plus, check out our merch shop for “I Won’t Pass a PPE” OTTB Underdog gear!

Tune in for all this and more as we celebrate the start of Niamh’s journey to the RRP 2025 with Go Green.

In this exciting second volume of OTTB on Tap Evaluates, Niamh and Emily review three listener-submitted OTTBs, diving deep into their Thoroughbred pedigrees, evaluating their conformation, and speculating on their suitability for equestrian disciplines like eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Whether you're curious about how specific Thoroughbred bloodlines translate into success in sport horse careers or want to learn how conformation affects a horse’s performance, this episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about off-track Thoroughbreds.

Featured OTTBs in this episode include:

• Looking Ready, a gelding by More Than Ready with a pedigree rich in versatility and durability.
• C Two, a mare with Mid-Atlantic racing roots, showcasing lines from Medaglia d’Oro and Two Punch.
• Ruby Bleu, a remarkable war horse with 100 starts and lineage that includes Bernardini and Sadler’s Wells.

Emily and Niamh offer their takes on the strengths, challenges, and potential of each horse for competitive riding disciplines. Plus, they share how the horses’ racing careers and pedigrees influence their future in the sport horse world.

Be sure to visit ottbontap.com to see the conformation photos and pedigrees of the horses featured in this episode. While you’re there, find out how to submit your own OTTB for a future evaluation.

Join us for an inspiring episode of OTTB On Tap as we continue our OTTB Aftercare Series with a deep dive into Pastured Place, a 501(c)(3). Special guest Ali Rawles shares the mission and impact of this incredible organization, which is dedicated to the retirement, rehab, retraining, and rehoming of OTTBs for second careers.

We explore:

• How Pastured Place began and the milestones they’ve achieved in rehoming and retiring thoroughbreds.
• Their commitment to adopter support, including lifetime return policies and assistance with training or veterinary needs to ensure lasting partnerships.
• Collaborations with trainers and programs like Work to Ride.
• Highlights from their team’s participation in the RRP Makeover and goals for future events.
• Success stories that showcase the resilience and versatility of OTTBs.

Ali also provides insight into their adoption process and shares ways you can get involved—whether through donations, volunteering, or adopting your next OTTB partner.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how Pastured Place is paving the way for thoroughbred aftercare and making a lasting impact on the breed.

👉 Visit www.ottbontap.com to sign up for our newsletter and stay connected with future episodes, updates, and resources for OTTB enthusiasts!

Welcome to Season 2 of OTTB on Tap! What started just over a year ago as an idea scribbled on the back of a bar napkin has grown into a podcast with a global community spanning 29 countries and over 14,000 downloads. In this special re-introduction episode, co-hosts Niamh and Emily take a look back at their journey from casual conversations about off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) to creating a thriving podcast that celebrates Thoroughbred retraining and the OTTB community.

Join them for behind-the-scenes stories, listener shout-outs, and answers to fan questions, as they reflect on their favorite OTTB success stories and the most memorable moments of Season 1. You’ll also get an exclusive preview of what’s coming up in Season 2—including deeper dives into OTTB training, community spotlights, and the launch of their Patreon with special content just for fans. Plus, they reveal the winners of the OTTB Market cover photo and underdog story contests.

Whether you’re an OTTB owner, a Thoroughbred lover, or passionate about horse retraining, this episode is the perfect introduction to Season 2’s exciting new lineup on OTTB on Tap.

Check out www.ottbontap.com for more fun photos of us over the years!

OTTB on Tap Season 1 Finale!

In this continuation of our two-part interview with Jessica Redman of Benchmark Sport Horses, we dive deeper into the Off-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) market as 2024 wraps up. Building on Ep 44, Jessica reveals which OTTBs are in high demand—is it possible for small chestnut mares be the next big trend???

We also unpack the latest buyer atmosphere, from amateurs to professionals, and explore shifting expectations in pre-purchase exams (PPEs), including the hot-button issue of kissing spine.

Finally, Jessica shares her observations on OTTB pricing trends and what sellers should know about the current market. Packed with valuable insights for anyone involved with OTTBs, this episode offers essential takeaways for buyers and sellers alike.

Want to listen to the first half of the interview?

Go to Ep 44: OTTB Bloodline Trends for Sporthorses 2024 with Jessica Redman

Listeners, let us know: What OTTB trends would you like us to explore next?

Don't forget to visit us at www.ottbontap.com to sign up for our newsletter!

Follow us on Facebook for lots of fun updates too!

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.