New stallion Juba joins the roster at West Virginia’s Taylor Mountain Farm. The son of leading sire Tapit comes from a family that includes graded winners (and stallions) Saint Anddan and Luftikus plus Grade 1 winner Sabin and more – no doubt attracting plenty of attention in the regional stallion market.

But there’s more. Juba, who raced for Centennial Farms and trainer Jimmy Jerkens, is on Twitter and became something of a social-media sensation during his racing career – attracting almost 4,000 followers and sending more than 20,000 tweets (so far) from his @jubacolt account. Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred’s Joe Clancy caught up with the gray 6-year-old, or perhaps the friend who helps push the right buttons, during a break in his day at Taylor Mountain for an update.

You ran 15 times in parts of four seasons, what does retirement feel like?
It’s been fun so far . . . Getting treated very well here at Taylor Mountain. I like the treats.

Ever been to West Virginia before now? What do you think?
Never been here to WV before, but did grow up not very far away. I learned to be a racehorse for Centennial Farms at the Middleburg Training Center.

You ready for winter?
I actually am. I enjoyed the cold weather when I got sent back to Belmont Park from Palm Meadows a little early last winter. I’m looking forward to playing in the snow in my paddock.

What’s the best part about farm life?
One really cool thing is my fans can visit me here a bit easier. They just have to contact Taylor Mountain Farms or visit during the West Virginia Stallion Tour. I’ve had quite a few visits since I’ve been here. If you visit bring treats ;-).

What do the other stallions tell you about your future career?
Without getting too detailed, I’ve been told I will have fun. :-).

How do you find reliable wifi in the barn?
I can get a decent 4G signal most days :-). And my people have installed a secret hidden access point.

You trained every day on the track. What do you do for exercise?
I love running around my new paddock area. It took a bit of getting used to, now that I don’t have to go out for morning runs anymore.

Do your people ever think you’re spending too much time online?
I’ve been lucky. Both Centennial and Taylor Mountain have encouraged me to tweet. I think they have enjoyed my online adventures as much as my fans have.

What do you think your account means for racing fans and for racing in general? It’s fun and people like it, but why do it? How does it keep them connected?
I feel my account provides a positive and upbeat look at the sport that really needs it. I do it because I have fun doing it, simple as that. When it stops being fun or stops being a bit of an escape from everyday problems for myself and/or the fans that’s when the account would stop. I think, for the fans, it gives them a way to connect with racing that really isn’t out there in a traditional sense. The view of the horse. I feel my story became interesting to people because (instead of despite) I wasn’t a superstar on the track. They could ride the rollercoaster of emotions of the wins and losses. I think it makes it feel more real.