Read the Success Stories for these former Bits & Bytes Farm horses.
*
Former Prospect Horses bought directly from the track or trainer.

* Prospect Horses are horses that were bought from our Web site photos and a vet check. Read "How to Buy a Prospect Horse" for more information.

All photos on this Web site are copyright protected and may not be used without written permission of the owners.

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy and the blowup slide. May 2, 2008

Stevie Loverboy and the blowup slide. Nothing phases this brave horse or his mom! May 2, 2008

March 12, 2008 was the day to do helicopter de-spook training.

March 12, 2008 was the day to do helicopter de-spook training.

At the end of the ride Stevie Loverboy was just as quiet as at the beginning of the ride.

At the end of the ride Stevie Loverboy was just as quiet as at the beginning of the ride.

OTTB and former Bargain Barn horse, Stevie Loverboy, gives his little boy a ride. December 18, 2007

Former Bargain Barn horse, Stevie Loverboy, gives his little boy a ride. December 18, 2007

Three year-old Brady decorated Miss Sydney. December 18, 2007

Three year-old Brady decorated Miss Sydney for Christmas with reindeer antlers. December 18, 2007

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy is all decked out for the holidays! December 6, 2007

Just three months off-the track, Stevie Loverboy is all decked out for the holidays! December 6, 2007

Congratulations to Missy Miller on the purchase of Stevie Loverboy. September 9, 2007

Congratulations to Missy Miller on the purchase of Stevie Loverboy. September 5, 2007

 

Stevie Loverboy boards and trains at Bits & Bytes Farm with his mom Missy Miller. September 22, 2007

Stevie Loverboy boards and trains at Bits & Bytes Farm with his mom Missy Miller. September 22, 2007

 

Stevie Loverboy and his mom Missy Miller on their second ride. September 22, 2007

Stevie Loverboy and his mom Missy Miller on their second ride. September 22, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stevie Loverboy was a Bargain Barn horse in August of 2007.

Stevie Loverboy was a Bargain Barn horse in August of 2007.

 

Bits & Bytes Farm Success Stories

Our horses > success stories >Stevie Loverboy

Stevie Loverboy - a former Bargain Barn horse!

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy and the blowup slide. May 2, 2008

May 2, 2008

Hi Elizabeth,
Well, you and Barry never are ones to pass up a training opportunity. So on Friday when I was out and saw the inflatable slide going up at the school next door, I knew I was in for an interesting day.

Loverboy watched casually as the generator kicked on and started sputtering. Then the slide started rising into the air like a big blue bubble. That's when you came out and said "Let me get my camera, let's go!"

So off we went, through the gate and out into the field. Loverboy casually walked onto the pavement, walking slightly sideways and eyeing the slide the entire time.

We stopped and watched for a minute and then I asked him if he wanted to take a closer look. He walked forward without hesitation and stood right in front of the slide! Not only did we check out the slide up close, he decided he wanted to walk around back and check out the loud, smoke-spewing generator as well.

I swear, this is the bravest, most confident, amazing horse!!

Thank you for yet another opportunity to challenge my horse and demonstrate to people that thoroughbreds are an awesome breed who are not all nervous and spastic. They have so much heart and courage and desire to please and achieve. O.K., sorry, I will get off my soapbox now.

As always, with so much gratitude for making this entire journey possible and introducing me to the amazing world of OTTB's,

Missy

March 12, 2008

Stevie Loverboy is unconcerned as a helicopter flys over head. March 12, 2008
Missy looks up but Stevie Loverboy is unconcerned as a helicopter flys over head.

Hello Elizabeth,
Little did I know when I headed to the barn today for my usual Wednesday morning ride that I would be presented with such a wonderful training opportunity. I guess there was really no way of knowing that a military helicopter was going to take up residence at the school across the street and do "Top Gun" like fly-bys of the barn.

Loverboy and I stepped out of the barn just as the helicopter was flying directly overhead. We turned so we could face it and watched it fly over, Loverboy seemed fairly nonplussed. As we make our way up the driveway to the arena, I notice it has now landed across the street. There is the steady whir of the blades and we can see them rotating as we walk up the drive. Well, Loverboy didn't take kindly at all to the "alien" taking up residence across the street. He stopped dead in his tracks and wouldn't move another foot...AWAY from the barn, that is. He decided it was time to take cover. I decided calm and easy was the approach, and started talking in a low voice.

I slowly eased him up the hill and as we turned away from the helicopter towards the arena, I noticed him start to calm down. I started fussing over him and telling him brave he is...and I can swear to you I saw him start to walk with a little more swagger! He was very pleased with himself to say the least.

We continued our work in the arena as the chopper continued to fly just above our heads. Loverboy jigged around at first, not really knowing what to make of the constant commotion. By the time the "alien" flew over us the 3rd time, he was settled and stood quietly by the fence to watch it go by.

Yet another small accomplishment for my guy and I am oh-so-proud!

Take Care,
Missy

Elizabeth's Notes: It was very impressive to watch helicopters just 100 feet over the heads of our Thoroughbreds and not one was nervous or scared. Read more on the March 12, 2008 Training Notes from Elizabeth page.

March 1, 2008 - First Hunter Pace for Stevie Loverboy and mom!

Stevie Loverboy and Missy Miller attend their first hunter pace. March 1, 2008
Stevie Loverboy and Missy Miller attend their first hunter pace. March 1, 2008

Hi Elizabeth and Barry,
I just had to write and thank you for inviting me to go on the Hunter Pace yesterday. It was an absolutely amazing experience! To not only go on my first hunter pace, but to go on Loverboy-MY OWN HORSE-who has only been off the track 6 months.

Granted, I am a tad biased, but I was completely blown away by how quickly he settled in and started to enjoy himself. As the other horses were still kind of jigging around and getting adjusted, here's my 3-year-old plodding along like it's old hat for him. Did I mention this was his very first field trip?!

Stevie Loverboy enjos his first "field trip" with his mom. arch 1, 2008

I'm so glad we have spent so much time going for trail rides at the barn, checking out the different paths and obstacles, and learning to cross the creek. It's so gratifying to see our hard work pay off in such a tangible way.

Everything I do with this horse so far exceeds my expectations that I'm always left wondering what's next for us...I just can't wait to see what the next chapter of our story holds fo r us!!!

Thank you for such a perfect day and for making all of this possible!!!

Love,
Missy and Loverboy

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy won fourth place at the In Unision Farm Hunter Pace. March 1, 2008

February 2, 2008

Former Bargain Barn horse, Stevie Loverboy and his mom Miss Miller.
Former Bargain Barn horse, Stevie Loverboy and his mom Missy Miller.

OTTB and Former Bargain Barn horse, Stevie Loverboy and his mom Miss Miller.

December 18, 2007

Stevie Loverboy and his family wish everyone a Merry Christmas! December 18, 2007
Stevie Loverboy and his family wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Casey, Missy Brady and Miss Sydney. December 18, 2007

Hi E.,

Thank you so much for the pictures of the boys and Loverboy. They were so thrilled with the whole experience, the first time to sit on "their" horse, getting their pictures taken, and especially the idea of being put on the B&B website. After I got done looking at the pictures and laughing at the kids incessantly fixing their antlers and Sydney(the Doberman) adamantly insisting on being in on the photo shoot, I found myself a little weepy.

This whole experience is so amazing, not only for me, but for my kids as well. The barn has become as much a part of their life as Legos and Sponge Bob Squarepants. Thank you yet again for adding such a rich new dimension to all of our lives.

With Love,
Missy

Brady in front of the horses' Christmas tree and stockings.


Stevie Loverboy gives a ride to five year-old Casey. December 18, 2007
OTTB - Stevie Loverboy gives a ride to five year-old Casey. December 18, 2007

Three year-old Brady decorated Miss Sydney for Christmas with reindeer antlers.
Three year-old Brady decorated Miss Sydney for Christmas with reindeer antlers. December 18, 2007

December 6, 2007

Stevie Loverboy is all decked out for the holidays! December 6, 2007

Three year-old, recently gelded, Stevie Loverboy enjoyed putting on his holiday antlers and showing off for the photographer.

We decked him out with antlers and candy canes -he could care less. He even tried to eat the plastic candy cane!

Many of the horses we get off-the-track are quiet and laid back right from the start. Stevie Loverboy was quiet and easy to handle even as a colt.

Well, Elizabeth,

I don't even know where to begin in talking about the great week my boy and I had. Let's see, we did our first canter, enjoyed the cross-country jumps in the woods, and rounded out the week with a hilarious holiday photo shoot where Loverboy attempted to eat the props!

We have been taking our time with Loverboy because he came off the track with an injury and then he was gelded a month and a half later. I have been ecstatic with his progress so far and was patiently awaiting the next step.

Of course, I should have known that Loverboy would not disappoint, I just don't think it's in his nature. His canter is beautiful and fluid and he came back down easily.

And then, when we were in the woods and you suggested we try a jump or two... Wow! I had never even been over the jumps before on an experienced horse! I figured, "What the heck, we'll give it a shot." And there we went, right over every small cross-country jump I asked him to go over!

So, that brings us to our festive Christmas pictures. I think it is safe to say that Loverboy loves attention and knows how to get it. Not only was he willing to wear silly antlers on his head, but the minute you put them on, he struck a pose. And, of course, the ensemble would not be complete without a candy cane...which my orally obsessed 3-year old immediately tried to eat.

What a spectacular week! Thank you for making all these new holiday experiences possible and for so joyfully sharing in them with me. May your Christmas be merry and bright!

All my Love,
Missy

Three year-old, recently gelded, Stevie Loverboy enjoyed putting on his holiday antlers and showing off for the photographer. December 6, 2007

November 19, 2007

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy is learning to jump over small cross rails. November 19, 2007
Stevie Loverboy is learning to jump over small cross rails. November 19, 2007 Photo credits Dennis Eyrich

November 15, 2007

Stevie Loverboy and his new mom Missy. September 22, 2007

Hi Elizabeth,
I was bragging about Loverboy today(as I seem to do everyday) and realized I haven't written since the big gelding event. I know I see you everyday so you don't need updates, but I want the whole world to know how great my horse is and what a great job you and Barry do at the barn!

Stevie Loverboy just a few days after his gelding.
Missy rides her new GELDING Stevie Loverboy - October 28, 2007

It's hard to believe it's been almost 4 weeks since Loverboy was gelded. It's amazing how quickly and beautifully he healed. Doc Becky performed the procedure quickly and without incident and he was up and back in his stall an hour later-wondering where his dinner was no less! I have to admit, being a first-time horse owner, the whole experience was a little daunting for me. But, as has been the case since I've known you, you helped me with every little(and big) thing. You packed my poor guy when he was swollen, you hosed him, cleaned him, walked him, and nursed him in every way. Words just don't do justice to express my gratitude to you(cue the tears).

Stevie Loverboy becomes a gelding. October 23, 2007
Stevie Loverboy becomes a gelding. October 23, 2007

Thanks in large part to your outstanding nursing skills, Loverboy and I were back to work in 5 days. He is progressing so beautifully and impresses me more every day. I would like to brag that he's even schooling some of the older horses on crossing the creek and going in the woods. I feel that there's nothing my "Boy" can't do. Every challenge I've given him so far, he has met willingly and head-on: trotting poles, riding 2-point, going over obstacles at angles, deer in the woods, riding at night, cross rails and flowerboxes, doing grid work... no problem. And he's only been off the track for 2 months! Of course, none of this would be possible if you weren't working with us and helping us every step of the way. Your knowledge is infinite and you are always there offering guidance and support. I just want you to know I thank God every day for this experience and this time in my life.

You are a Blessing!
Missy and Loverboy

September 22, 2007

Hi E,

I just finished looking at the pictures of my "Boy" and me. I'm so excited and proud, I just had to write and tell you "thank you" yet again for making this whole experience possible. I absolutely cannot believe in my second time on him we were able to take off the lunge line and I could trot him. Loverboy is such an awesome horse, so willing and calm. It's hard to believe he's stallion! I will continue to float on my cloud af happiness all day, I'm sure. I just had to take a minute to thank you and express my gratitude. What an amazing new chapter in my "Adventures with Loverboy" book.

Missy

Stevie Loverboy and his new mom Missy. September 22, 2007

Stevie Loverboy and his new mom Missy. September 22, 2007

September 15, 2007

E, I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you thanks for all your help this morning. Wow, I never knew a 2 minute ride on a horse, getting led in circles on a lunge line could be so exhilarating! But when it's your first ride on your first horse, that's exactly how I felt. It didn't really hit me until I'd been on a good 30 seconds that "Oh my goodness, I'm not riding 'A horse', I'm riding 'MY horse' !" And what a fantastic feeling that was. Loverboy did amazingly well especially considering he's been on stall rest and hasn't been riden in a month. Since we got the OK to get on him, I have been anticipating the moment. I'm completely satisfied with our baby steps to this point and look so forward to each day and each new step we take. Thank you again for being such a patient teacher.

With Gratitude,
Missy

September 5, 2007

Congratulations to Missy Miller on the purchase of Stevie Loverboy. September 9, 2007
Congratulations to Missy Miller on the purchase of Stevie Loverboy. September 5, 2007

Hi E,
I don't even really begin to know where or how to thank you for helping me fulfill my life-long dream of owning a horse. As a girl, I lived in the world of Walter Farley and "The Black Stallion', dreaming of one day having such a magnificent creature to call my own. My 20's came and went, I moved into my 30's, got married, had babies and pretty much abandoned my dreams to focus on a more practical life of marriage and motherhood. Then Bits & Bytes Farm entered my life and I discovered that same girlhood dream was still alive and well and burning inside of me.

Stevie Loverboy's first day of freedom!

So here I am, almost 40, and I just spent the morning with my own stallion. He's not black and he won't be a stallion for long, but he's everything I have ever dreamed of and more. I think I said once or twice this morning "I can't believe this is my horse!" and it's so true. The joy of carrying a dream for so long, giving up on it, and having it finally fulfilled in the most unexpected, exciting, and rewarding way is just overwhelming. Sitting there this morning and just watching Loverboy in the pasture, and knowing he's mine, makes the wait and every struggle and obstacle along the way worth it because I appreciate him that much more now.

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy stretches his legs.

I cannot thank you enough for realizing this dream for me and with me. You are the "Fairy Godmother" of the thoroughbred world, not just for your work with the horses themselves, but for people like myself who thought that owning a horse was only a thing of childhood folly. Through this process I have felt supported and protected by you. I knew you were always looking out for me and had my best interests at heart. You and Becky and everyone else involved have my eternal gratitude.

I feel so blessed to have found Bits & Bytes Farm. The farm and all the amazing owners and "Friends" have been so supportive and encouraging. I thank each and every one of you. "Loverboy" and I look forward to sharing every day of this adventure with you.

With an Eternally Grateful Heart,
Missy Miller( and "Loverboy")

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy September 5, 2007

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy lives up to his name and gives Elizabeth kisses. September 5, 2007
Stevie Loverboy lives up to his name and gives Elizabeth kisses. September 5, 2007

OTTB - Stevie Loverboy arrives at Bits & Bytes Farm. September 4, 2007
Stevie Loverboy arrives at Bits & Bytes Farm! September 4, 2007


Stevie Loverboy
was a Bargain Barn horse in August of 2007.

Stevie Loverboy was a Bargain Barn horse in August of 2007.

Stevie Loverboy was a Bargain Barn horse in August of 2007.

Here was his info on the Bargain Barn page:

Stevie Loverboy is a three year-old 15.3 hand COLT. He should mature to well over 16 hands. He is currently on stall rest due to the fact that he got cast in his stall and hurt his back end. He needs two more weeks of stall rest then a month of hand walking then three months of turn out. He has never raced, but was ready, when he got hurt. He is a great mover with no vices. His legs are clean with no blemishes. Both excersise riders say he is a blast to ride very kind and easy going. The only reason "Loverboy" has a chain on his lip is we were right by the track and did not want him to jump around because he has been on stall rest. He stood like a perfect gentleman just looking at the track. He is easy to handle on the ground and very well mannered for a colt who hasn't done anything in two weeks. He should grow to well over 16 hands. The vet feels he will be 100% given a little time to rest.


Would you like a Web site for your business? That's how we make our living!
Click here for more information.

© 2007 Copyright Bits & Bytes Farm /Egeland Wood & Zuber, Inc.