OTTB on Tap

William Fox-Pitt needs no introduction to Eventing fans: The British 3-Day Event Rider’s many awards include multiple Olympic, World Equestrian Games, and European Championship medals. In 2011, he became the first rider to win five different five-star events, having won the Burghley Horse Trials a record six times, Rolex Kentucky three times, Pau twice, the Badminton Horse Trials twice, and the Luhmühlen Horse Trials once. A serious fall in 2015 left him in a coma for two weeks, but he came back to make the British eventing team and attend the 2016 Summer Olympics. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours.

In March of 2024, we were fortunate to have William cross the pond to the USA and teach a series of jumping clinics. We spoke to participants that rode OTTBs in 3 of the clinics in South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania this spring.

We were lucky enough to interview 4 riders:

• Rachael Grice riding Pastiche “Annie”, a 2015 OTTB mare by Congrats in the Novice division at The Vista in Aiken (starts at 00:01:00)
• Liz Harrison riding Bombero, a one-eyed 2014 OTTB gelding by Friesan Fire in the Modified/Prelim division at Kealani Farm, PA (starts at 00:22:20)
• Taylor Cusack riding Clear Crossing (Eventing Rebellion), a 2014 OTTB gelding by Hunt Crossing in the Novice division at Loch Moy, MD (starts at 00:50:20)
• Rachel Childers riding Debutante Ball “Whimsy”, a 2012 OTTB mare by Corinthian in the Novice at the Vista in Aiken (starts at 01:20:00)

Listen to find out what it’s like to ride with a living legend!

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​​#OTTBonTap #OffTheTrackThoroughbreds #EquestrianPodcast #ThoroughbredLove #EventingLife #RiderGoals #EquineAdventures #HorsePodcast #RidingStories #PodcastRecommendation #OTTBsofInstagram #OTTBsofTiktok #OTTBtransformation #Eventing #podcastseries #womenpodcasters #newpodcastepisode

More details & reference about William:

Wikipedia

https://www.foxpitteventing.co.uk/profile/

In today’s episode, we continue with Part 3 of Emily’s story as she tells it to co-host Niamh about training and competing her OTTB, Alexander, up to the Advanced level of eventing. While still a Young Rider, she rode him at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event in 1999. We’ll talk about the highs and lows of competing at the highest levels of eventing while also being a working student, competing on limited funds, and what it’s like to gallop on that hallowed Kentucky bluegrass. How did their first starts at this level go? Listen to OTTB on Tap Episode 16 now to find out!

Series notes:

Part 1 - Episode 6: Eventing Long Format: Why you wanted to be sitting on an OTTB

Part 2 - Episode 15: Eventing Long Format on an OTTB, Part 2: The Journey of Emily and Alex continues!

Part 3 - Episode 16: Eventing Long Format on an OTTB, Part 3: Emily Makes a Splash at Rolex Kentucky (this episode)

Learn more and check out bonus pics and videos!

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#OTTBOnTap #OTTB #Thoroughbred #RolexKentucky #Eventing #EquestrianPodcast #ThreeDayEvent #Eventer #PodcastEpisode #EquestrianJourney #HorsePodcast #podcastclips #RiderStories #eventinglife #womenpodcasters #newpodcastepisode

Welcome back to OTTB on Tap, where we uncork the stories of off-the-track Thoroughbreds and the adventures they share with their devoted riders and trainers. In today's episode, we continue on the saga of Emily and her beloved OTTB partner, Alexander.

Step back into the late 1990s and join Emily as she sets her sights on the advanced level of eventing, and in this episode, moves up with the challenges and triumphs to the intermediate level.

From the pristine grounds of Essex Three-Day Event to the breathtaking vistas of Bromont Three-Day Event, Emily and Alexander claw their way up in the eventing world. But no journey is without its twists and turns, and for Emily and Alexander, one such moment comes in the form of the infamous "lake incident" at Pine Top in Georgia—a tale that you do not want to miss!

Through it all, Emily and Alexander's bond deepens, forged by trust, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit. From the quiet moments of preparation to the heart-stopping thrill of competition, their journey is a testament to the enduring partnership between horse and rider.

So pour yourself a drink, settle in, and join us as we raise a glass to Emily and Alexander. From Essex to Bromont, and every unforgettable moment in between, this is OTTB on Tap—where the triumphs of the past pave the way for the dreams of the future, and where every hoofbeat is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of the off-the-track Thoroughbred.

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#OTTBonTap #OffTheTrackThoroughbreds #EventingJourney #EquestrianPodcast #HorseRiding #ThoroughbredLove #EventingLife #RiderGoals #EquineAdventures #HorsePodcast #EquestrianCommunity #HoofbeatsAndHeartbeats #RidingStories #PodcastRecommendation #EquineInspiration #OTTBsofInstagram #OTTBsofTiktok #OTTBtransformation

Episode 14 of OTTB on Tap is out now, and we're thrilled to introduce our latest series: "OTTB on Tap: RRP Trainer Chronicles – Where the Journey to Greatness Begins."

In this episode, we're diving into the world of the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover 2024! Get ready to meet our four exceptional OTTB trainers: Annika Greaney-Stanger, Julianne Pangal, Chelsey O'Brien, and Lauren Garrett-Bond. Each trainer brings their unique expertise to the table as they prepare their OTTBs for the ultimate challenge.

From dressage and show hunter to barrel racing and field hunting, these trainers will be sharing their insights and experiences as they guide their OTTBs through the makeover journey. It's a testament to the incredible bond between horse and trainer and the transformative power of dedication and skill.

Join us as we follow their progress over the next 8 months and witness the journey to the RRP Makeover unfold. Tune in to OTTB on Tap Episode 14 now!

What's in a price?

Let’s talk about the taboo topic of pricing an OTTB. Join us as we dive deep into the world of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and the often misunderstood practice of buying from resellers. Hosted by Niamh and Emily from OTTB on Tap, this episode features a candid conversation with Jessica Redman, founder of Benchmark Sporthorses, as we dissect the intricacies of determining the fair market value of OTTBs.

***spoiler alert, Niamh also gets to fulfill her long-held dream of becoming a game show host! You'll have to listen for more details!***

Exploring a topic that's often and polarizing within the OTTB community (and on social media), we aim to demystify the process behind setting price tags on off-track Thoroughbreds after they leave the racetrack. Jessica shares invaluable insights into the exhaustive efforts, financial investments, and enormous risks that resellers undertake to ensure the well-being and success of these horses beyond the racetrack.

From assessing conformation and pedigree to evaluating temperament and potential, we unravel the layers involved in determining the true worth of an OTTB. Through Jessica's expertise and firsthand experiences, listeners gain a deeper understanding of why trusted resellers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between racetrack retirement and second careers in various disciplines.

Whether you're a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or simply curious about the OTTB world, this episode challenges preconceptions and sheds light on the dedication and passion driving reputable resellers like Jessica Redman. Tune in to discover the untold stories behind the price tags and uncover the real value of buying an OTTB from a trusted source.

Don't miss out on this thought-provoking discussion that's sure to reshape your perspective on the OTTB market. Join us for "What's in a Price Tag? The Value of Buying an OTTB from a Trusted Reseller" now!

Sources:

“Picture Is Brighter for Off-the-track Thoroughbreds.” Picture Is Brighter for Off-the-track Thoroughbreds, www.uaex.uada.edu/media-resources/news/2023/december/12-06-2023-ark-OTTB-horse-values.aspx.

#Podcast #offtracktb #OTTB #Resellers #HorseRacing #EquineIndustry #HorsePodcast #Sporthorses #PodcastDiscussion #OTTBonTap #OTTBpodcast

Join us on this episode of OTTB on Tap as we delve into the world of post-track transitions with Alisa Pitt from ALP Equine, an equine bodyworker specializing in Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).In this insightful interview, Alisa shares her expertise on guiding OTTBs through their crucial first year off the racetrack. We explore the importance of evaluating an OTTB's needs right upon arrival, focusing on essential aspects such as overall comfort, hoof care, emotional well-being, dental care, gut health, and the significance of a comprehensive wellness workup by your veterinarian..As we progress through the critical phases of transition, Alisa sheds light on the 3-6 month post-track period, where horses experience a natural letdown from endorphins. She discusses appropriate types of work and how to address past injuries and adhesions through targeted bodywork, including myofascial release and trigger point therapy.Moving into the 6-month to 1-year post-track timeframe, Alisa emphasizes the transition to more discipline-specific work and the importance of regular wellness checkups. We explore topics such as saddle fit, relaxation techniques, and the profound mantra: "the slower you go, the faster you go," highlighting the significance of patience and gradual progress in unlocking your OTTB's full potential for success in disciplines like eventing, dressage, or show jumping.Tune in to gain invaluable insights into supporting your OTTB's journey from the track to a fulfilling second career, guided by Alisa Pitt's wealth of knowledge and experience in equine bodywork and rehabilitation.

Description: Join Emily and special guest Niamh in Episode 11 as they delve into the highs and lows of Niamh's first OTTB ownership experience with Riley. From the excitement of acquiring a horse to the challenges faced during their first year together, Niamh opens up about the mistakes she made and the valuable lessons learned. Emily, who played a pivotal role in Riley's journey, shares insights into the retraining process and the eventual parting ways with this special OTTB. Tune in for a candid conversation filled with wisdom for anyone considering or currently navigating the world of off-track Thoroughbreds.

In this week's episode, we chat with Bonnie McRae, founder of 501(c)3 non-profit organization After The Races, a rehabilitation and rehoming program in Elkton, MD. We get to know Bonnie and her fascinating background, we learn about how and why she started After The Races, and get down to business discussing their current capital campaign to save their farm. They are currently at risk of losing the farm that they've called home for the last 6 years. We're excited to share the story of After The Races and support them in their fundraising efforts.

All photography with permission from Bethany P Photography

In this week's episode, We delve into the journey or Emily Daignault-Salvaggio, a former exercise rider at the track who transitioned into the world of showjumping. Discover how her experiences, including competing at the Retired Racehorse Project have uniquely shaped her perspective on buying horses. Gain insight into the intricacies of her selection process, as she draws from her track background to make informed decisions. Join us for an engaging discussion on the profound impact of Emily's experience at the track on her approach to acquiring and training horses. Emily gives us a unique blend of expertise and personal anecdotes to highlight some of her favorite OTTBs over the years.

Photo credit: Jim McCue and JAS Photography

https://www.theracingbiz.com/2013/05/17/preakness-memory-scrappy-t-afleet-alex-and-things-that-go-bump-in-the-day/

In this week's episode, we sit down again with Jessica Redman of Benchmark Sporthorses to pick her brain about how evaluates and assesses horses upon arrival and her process for a successful first ride. She gives us a firsthand behind-the-scenes look at her operation and shares some industry tips and tricks for setting your OTTB up for success.