In the second half of our conversation, Tom and Clare Mansmann of Pacific Farms in Hume, VA, share their expertise on advanced OTTB care and their innovative approach to rehoming Thoroughbreds. Topics include farrier and hoof care essentials such as managing expectations, X-rays, glue-on shoes, and hoof boots. They also address common challenges like ulcers and the physical transformations OTTBs experience while transitioning to their new lives.

A key highlight of this episode is their Train to Own program, a revolutionary OTTB reselling model designed to create lasting horse-and-rider partnerships. Tom and Clare explain how this program evolved from years of helping clients rehome horses and why it’s become a cornerstone of their mission at Pacific Farms.

The episode concludes with their best advice for first-time OTTB owners and touching stories of a few remarkable horses who left lasting impressions.

Don’t miss Clare’s insightful articles for Eventing Nation, where she shares more about OTTB training and care here

If you missed the first half of the interview, go here to listen: https://www.ottbontap.com/s2e7

In the first part of this two-episode feature, Tom and Clare Mansmann of Pacific Farms in Hume, VA, share their rich equestrian history and passion for retraining off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). From Young Riders to training with legendary equestrians like Jimmy Wofford, Karen O’Connor, and Jessica Ransehousen, Tom and Clare provide an inspiring look at the philosophy behind Pacific Farms and how they developed their love for OTTBs.

Tom and Clare reveal their methods for evaluating OTTBs’ innate skills, retraining them for second careers, and helping them thrive in new disciplines. They also dive into their meticulous approach to OTTB care, including nutrition, turnout, and management strategies during the crucial post-track transition period.

As an experienced writer, Clare has shared in-depth advice for OTTB owners through her articles for Eventing Nation. Be sure to explore them here.

Whether you’re an OTTB owner or a prospective trainer, this episode is full of practical advice to build a solid foundation for success.

Be sure to tune in to S2 E8 for the second part of this episode!

Join us for a festive and reflective episode of OTTB on Tap: "2024 Wrapped: OTTB Tales from Christmas Past and Present." This special episode is packed with untold stories from our adventures retraining and reselling OTTBs, alongside a look back at some of our favorite podcast moments from 2024.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• Untold Tales from Our OTTB Adventures:
  • Emily and Niamh share personal stories, like seeing an OTTB "pick their person," one OTTB's wild gallop down a hill just prior to a buyer showing up, and the chaos of wrangling rescue horses during a client visit. Plus, hear the emotional journey of Emily's mare's from rehab to getting to see her move for the very first time.
• 2024 Podcast Highlights:
  • We revisit the year’s most inspiring episodes, including standout interviews, heartfelt underdog stories, and practical insights for OTTB enthusiasts.

Explore by Category: (Great for our new listeners!)

We’ve made it easy for you to revisit or discover episodes you’ll love. Check out the links below:

• Aftercare Organizations: Featuring Pastured Place and After the Races.
• Underdog Stories: True journeys of OTTB resilience and recovery.
• RRP Trainer Chronicles: Following trainers and their OTTBs on the road to the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover.
• Jessica Redman’s Insights: Deep dives into bloodlines, market trends, and transitioning OTTBs.
• OTTB on Tap Evaluates: Listener-submitted OTTB evaluations for conformation and pedigree.
• Clinic Recaps: Lessons from William Fox-Pitt, Lucinda Green, Boyd Martin's Camp Windurra, and more!
• Resellers and Practitioners: Insider perspectives from industry professionals.

This episode is the perfect mix of nostalgia, inspiration, and practical insight for OTTB lovers. Whether you’re here for the untold stories, the year’s biggest highlights, or both, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow OTTB enthusiasts. For more links and episode details, visit our website’s episode page. Cheers to an incredible 2024 and an even bigger 2025!

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