Read the Success Stories for these former Bits & Bytes Farm horses.

The newest Success Stories have been moved to their own site: www.OTTBSuccessStories.com

* Horses with asterisk in front of their name were purchased as Prospect Horses directly from the track.

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

Many years ago, a man named John Taintor Foote wrote a story called "The Look of Eagles".

"About the head of
a truly great horse
there is an air
of freedom unconquerable. The eyes seem
to look on
heights beyond our gaze.
It is the look of a spirit
that can soar.
It is the birthright of eagles."

Ex-race horse, Knight Villain schools at Big Bear with him mom Tammy Gullet. August 4, 2007

Tammy Gullet and OTTB Knight Villain cross water without hesitation

Knight Villain and Tammy enjoy a trail ride in Dawson Forest. March 4, 2007

Click here to see photos of Knight Villain when he was a Horse for Sale at Bits & Bytes Farm.

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Bits & Bytes Farm Success Stories

Our horses > success stories > Knight Villain

Knight Villain -
Knight Villain was a Christmas present in December 2006

August 19, 2007

Mamie and Queen's Rowdy Lad get by with a little help from their friends, Tammy and Knight Villain. August 19, 2007

Seven OTTBs from Bits & Bytes Farm went on a trail ride on August 19, 2007

See more photos on the Training Notes from Elizabeth page.

August 4, 2007 - Cross Country Schooling at Big Bear

Knight Villain and Tammy Gullet schooling cross country fences at Big Bear in Pine Mountain, GA.

On August 4th Knight Villain and I had the pleasure of accompanying Paula Gunnels and Joe Bear down to Pine Mountain - Big Bear for some cross-country schooling. This was Knight's first REAL cross country course and he loved every minute! We warmed up in the dressage arena, then walked down the road to the cross country course.

Knight went into the start box readily and watched as Joe and Paula jumped their first fence. He would slow down to look at the jumps as we rode past, but when I asked, he cantered gamely up to them and sailed over. He loved the wide open space and did quite a few "Happy Knight Rumbles" throughout the day.

David and his folks followed us around the course in a golf cart taking pictures. A wonderful picnic supplied by Mr and Mrs Gunnels ended the day while the horses rested beside our gazebo. Knight was an absolute treasure, his usual confident self, and this experience has shown me how far we've come as a team. We're looking forward to our next big adventure!

Happy trails
Tammy Gullett and Knight Villain

Former race horse, Knight Villain loves to gallop x_country.

Joe Bear and Knight relax during schooling at Big Bear in Pine Mountain, GA.

Knight Villain and Tammy Gullet check out the dressage arena at Big Bear in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

March 28, 2007

Its been three months since Knight became my official "Partner in Crime" and I could not wish for anything better. From the beginning I decided to use Natural Horsemanship Techniques I had picked up watching RTV and documentaries on Native American Horse Training.

Tammy and Knight crossing "Cadillac Creek" at Dawson Forest. March 3, 2007

Only three months later, I have a horse who loads quietly and calmly onto a trailer (this used to be a scary, drawn-out ordeal including lunge lines, take-two's, and much frustration from what I've heard). Knight also takes in stride my various short-comings as a first time OTTB owner with little more than a raised eyebrow and a patient sigh as I figure it out. I've learned to give him time to figure out what I'm asking for without rushing him or getting frustrated, and he pays me back with respect, love, and endless patience.

Knight helped Political Pull gain the confidence to cross the creek.

Our training started out with 15 minute lunging sessions alternating with short, pleasurable rides in the woods or arena six days a week, with Friday's off to be a horse and play. We've extended these sessions by five minute increments and tried to incorporate lots of transition work and changes of direction.

Most of the time I aim to have Knight "Tune In" to my body language by being consistent in my signals and not relying on pressure from rein or whip to get a response. I know its working when that inside ear locks on to me, he licks and chews, and drops his nose toward the ground. This sign of respect and acceptance of my leadership is an automatic que for me to stop the work (This is straight from a Monty Roberts training book). By answering Knight's signal, I'm reinforcing the communication between us - so that now he free lunges at all gaits, changing direction and speed simply by reading my body language. I now have a rather large, hairy shadow that follows me around wherever I go ;)

Brew This, Joe Bear and Knight Villain enjoy a trail ride at Dawson Forest. March 4, 2007

Knight is progressing steadily in his physical conditioning, even to the point of showing no stiffness after the most grueling of groundpole exercises. We've popped over a couple logs on the trail at the farm without incident, Knight looks where he's going and tucks his legs up cleanly, sailing over without any hesitation. He loves new challenges, and jumping is just one more skill he'll add to his already impressive list of accomplishments.

Knight Villain trusts Tammy enough to let her ride over a wooden trestle bridge 30 feet above a river.

Every day with this horse is a joy and an adventure. He fills a place in my soul long held by a Shadow-Horse called Apache Fyre (my first beloved). His quirks and personality make me smile every time I think of him, and my heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who helped shape this horse into my perfect match. You don't know the joy you wrought!

All our love - Knight and Tammy

Knight Villain and Tammy Gullet enjoy a ride in the forest. March 4, 2007

January 24, 2007

Hey Elizabeth

Knight put on a fashion show in the barn last night - trying on his new rug and sports medicine boots, and checking out his new bridle to make sure it fitted properly. Everything works wonderfully, and the whole barn got to see Knight fully decked out in his new regalia as he trotted up and down the barn aisle.

Mom took lots of pictures and even a video or two, so hopefully I'll be able to send those to you pretty soon.

The chiropractic visit has made a huge difference in Knight's movement. He crosses under freely on both sides now, and is less reluctant to canter on the left lead during our lunging sessions. I'm really pleased with how he's muscling up - hopefully we'll get him fit enough to start working on low poles by the end of the summer. I'm confident he'll eventually show at local events here in Atlanta.

See you soon!
~Tammy and Knight

Tammy Gullet has been a "Friend of Bits & Bytes Farm" and Knight Villain has been her special horse. Tammy's parents surprised Tammy on Christmas day by purchasing Knight for her. They knew that Knight and Tammy were a "Perfect Match".

Knight Villain got a "Little Girl" for his Christmas present! "Friend of Bits & Bytes Farm" Tammy Gullet was surprised by her mom and dad with a new pony for Christmas.

December 29, 2006

Hi Elizabeth and Barry!

Well, yesterday was our first official ride as "Partners in Crime". Knight was an absolute gentleman - so quiet and laid back I didn't even feel the need to lunge him first! We worked in the arena, doing spirals and serpentine loops at the walk and trot and he felt like a Cadillac! He yields beautifully to the leg on both sides, and accepts the bit with little urging.

Knight Villain and "Friend of Bits & Bytes Farm" Tamarin Gullett. October 7, 2006

We're a little competitive when other horses are sharing the arena. Knight tends to come off the bit and speed up whenever someone else is traveling faster than he is... any ideas to help him stay focussed? Apparently the "Racehorse Mode" is still in effect sometimes!

We went on a mini trail ride with Mom (Melody) walking beside Knight... He kept looking down at her with a smile as if to say "Where'd you hide those sweet baby carrots?" Seeing Barbo at the fence made him curl his neck while muttering under his breath (something about wanting to play, I think). We then pranced sideways all the way back up to the driveway - a perfect Passage! What a showoff!

Your Success Stories make our day! Knight and his new mom Tammy. December 25, 2006

I'm still not sure its sunk in all the way that he's a part of our family now - it seems so surreal! I couldn't have wished for a more honest and trustworthy horse and I know that Knight has the talent and patience to help me gain even more confidence in my riding.

I can't thank you enough for bringing this kind and loving soul into my life!

See you soon!
~Tammy

PS: Knight wanted me to ask when the next trail ride is... he hopes its soon!

Knight Villain - Bits & Bytes Farm Thoroughbred for sale - November 25, 2006
Knight Villain - at Bits & Bytes Farm - November 25, 2006

Knight Villain was a stakes race winner.