OTTB MAFIA: An Off-Track Thoroughbred Focused Community App
The Thoroughbred is an iconic breed with its versatile nature and hard-working mindset that it is no surprise it is a fan favorite in the digital world as well. Thanks to Lauren Simmons who is based in North Carolina and has dedicated her focus to this wonderful breed by introducing a community app that is all about the Thoroughbred. The Tech Equestrian is excited to highlight this educational community-based app that is a touching tribute to a breed that knows no bounds.
Six in the Saddle
Lauren Simmons grew up riding in Maryland and started taking lessons at the age of six. “It was immediate, as soon as I started riding, I was hooked,” shared Lauren. Her ‘go to’ discipline is hunters and equitation and at the age of 12 she advanced from ponies to horses as her skills and body grew. “I have so many fond memories of my first horse Romeo who was an off the track Thoroughbred, and that pretty much started my passion for off the track thoroughbreds,” she said. At the moment Lauren does not have a horse but has experience owning several OTTB’s over the years and plans to be in the market soon for another one.
App Ambition
Lauren’s desire to create an app for all things OTTB centered on providing users a one stop shop. “I designed the app to make it easy for you to seek advice, participate in forums, find training tips, post OTTB related jobs/volunteer opportunities, see upcoming Thoroughbred specific shows and more,” she explained.
“I wanted to bridge the gap between disciplines and connect OTTB owners of all backgrounds.”
Lauren Simmons, founder of OTTB Mafia app
Given how versatile the breed is, there may be equestrians who ride in different disciplines, but they all have the common ground of owning or riding a Thoroughbred. The OTTB Mafia app launched in June. “Even though it is geared toward the Thoroughbred, it is a welcoming space for equestrians of all disciplines,” said Lauren.
Lauren wanted to create a memorable and unique name for the app so that people would remember. “Mafia which literally means a group of people with similar interests or backgrounds seemed to work since OTTB Mafia is a community based app around the common interest of the Thoroughbred,” she explained.
Sample blog post on the OTTB Mafia page.
Top Features
The app provides a platform which allows you to read the blog, share your activity on the wall, make a profile, connect with members, participate in forms and post in groups. “As we increase members and add more content, the opportunity to connect will be even greater,” Lauren pointed out. “I’m also planning on creating another tier of the app that includes access to more in-depth educational content, as well as giving back to the OTTB community,” she shared.
On the Agenda
Lauren is gearing up to be a vendor at her first show which will be at the Retired Racehorse Project in Kentucky this October. “I’m looking forward to promoting the OTTB Mafia app as well as selling apparel and meeting fellow equestrians.”
Exciting Times
“As equestrians these are exciting times to ride and share your experiences with those near and far by leveraging technology. I think in five years we will see technology really take off in the equine industry and this includes an emphasis on using technology to help with safety precautions in the sport, as well as in veterinary diagnostics.”
Practice Ride
“I encourage everyone, whether they own or ride a Thoroughbred to download the app for free along with following OTTB Mafia on Facebook and Instagram. As of right now social media is the primary source for marketing and I’m planning on going to more horse shows to help spread the word,” said Lauren.
OTTB Mafia Website
Facebook: @OTTB.MAFIA
Instagram: ottb_mafia
OTTB Mafia also features merchandise on Etsy:
