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In this first full trainer episode of our 2025 RRP Trainer Chronicles series, we’re joined by Stephanie Parkot, a dedicated adult amateur and mom of three from Corfu, New York, who’s making her Thoroughbred Makeover debut with a gelding she calls “the right horse at the right time.”
Stephanie’s Makeover partner is Sterling Honor, a striking son of Honor Code, adopted through New Vocations. Together, they’re preparing to compete in Competitive Trail and Dressage—and doing it all while balancing barn time with the demands of family life. Stephanie shares what drew her to off-track Thoroughbreds in the first place, the emotional rollercoaster of returning a previous adoption, and how she found the confidence to try again.
She talks candidly about the realities of retraining a Thoroughbred in the dead of a New York winter, the importance of tailoring your program to your lifestyle, and how she’s approaching the 2025 RRP Makeover with a mindset centered not on perfection, but on partnership and progress. One of her guiding philosophies? “Flexible consistency”—knowing when to adjust your expectations without losing sight of the goal. Another? Not waiting for the perfect moment.
Whether you’re a fellow adult amateur retraining an OTTB, curious about the Thoroughbred Makeover process, or simply looking for honest insight into what this journey really looks like behind the scenes, Stephanie’s story is one of heart, resilience, and horse-first horsemanship.
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What does it take for a 15.1-hand off-track Thoroughbred to storm around the 2024 Kentucky Three-Day Event and win the crowd’s heart? In this episode of OTTB On Tap, we sit down with eventer Ali Kuhn to hear the incredible story of Little Hail, her pink-wearing OTTB who went from years in a pasture to galloping across one of the sport’s biggest 4★ stages.
Ali opens up about her journey as an OTTB retrainer, how a fateful call from John and Dorothy Crowell changed the course of her career, and what it was like bringing Little Hail back into work after a two-year turnout. We talk about Malibu Moon and Quiet American as influential Thoroughbred sires, how she built a partnership based on patience and trust, and the moment she realized this unassuming gelding had something truly special.
Plus, we dive into the story behind the Pink Pony Club—a joyful celebration of Thoroughbred talent, bold fashion, and doing things your own way in a sport often dominated by warmbloods. From retraining OTTBs for upper-level eventing to competing alongside top names at Kentucky, Ali’s story is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the heart and grit of the Thoroughbred.
Whether you're an aspiring eventer, a diehard OTTB fan, or just need a dose of inspiration, this conversation will stick with you.
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Meet the 2025 Retired Racehorse Makeover trainers we'll be following all season long! In this special kickoff episode of OTTB on Tap's original series, RRP Trainer Chronicles, we introduce you to four standout horsewomen—each with a different background, training philosophy, and off-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) partner. You'll get a first look at their plans for the 2025 RRP, how they came to love OTTBs, and the unique paths that brought them to this moment.
Our featured trainers include:
Stephanie Parkot (NY) – A full-time mom with a deep love for Thoroughbreds, Stephanie is showing that it is possible to raise a family while training nice OTTBs on your own.Harley Whittaker (PA) – A dedicated dressage trainer with a passion for proving that off-track Thoroughbreds deserve a place in the sandbox just as much as any purpose-bred sport horse.Amanda Chance (FL) – An adult amateur eventer and sporthorse breeder making her first RRP appearance. Amanda is bringing along a true warhorse with literally 100 starts and hopes to spotlight the potential of these seasoned campaigners.Chelsey O’Brien (VA) – A returning fan favorite and ambassador for the nonprofit Pastured Place, Chelsey is taking on the Makeover with two horses this year—one from the organization and one of her own.From competitive trail to dressage to barrel racing to eventing, these trainers represent the incredible versatility and heart of Thoroughbreds after racing. Over the next few months, we’ll be checking in with each of them for full-length episodes—but this one gives you a chance to meet the people and horses behind the stories.
Whether you're prepping for your first Makeover, cheering on friends, or dreaming of your future OTTB, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and four new journeys you’ll definitely want to follow.
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We’re back with another OTTB Training Diaries update following Niamh’s journey retraining her off-track Thoroughbred, Go Green (Oscar), for the 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Makeover.
In this sneak peek of our April recap, we talk about the ups and downs of bringing along a sensitive young Thoroughbred—starting with Niamh’s creative fundraiser for the RRP, some minor training setbacks, and the realities of managing an OTTB’s conditioning, saddle fit, and emotional development in the early months after track life.
To hear the full OTTB training episode—including groundwork exercises for competitive trail, parasite management tips, saddle shopping struggles, and a behind-the-scenes look at Oscar’s obstacle course field trip—join us on Supercast! We also answer listener AMA questions about OTTB training schedules, growth-related lameness in young Thoroughbreds, and how non-horsey significant others fit into barn life.
👉 Save 25% (for one more week only!) when subscribing to OTTB on Tap Insiders on Supercast to unlock the full episode and get bonus content on retraining OTTBs, evaluating OTTB prospects, and prepping for the RRP: 🎧 ottbontap.supercast.com
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🎉 BONUS EPISODE — In celebration of reaching 25,000 listens, we’re unlocking this previously Supercast-only episode of OTTB on Tap Evaluates: Vol 4 for everyone!
This episode is part of our exclusive Supercast series where we evaluate listener-submitted OTTBs using just a conformation photo and Jockey Club name to explore pedigree, structure, and sport potential. If you've been curious about what subscribers get, this is your chance to listen in.
To follow along with the pedigrees and conformation photos, hop over to https://www.ottbontap.com/s2e22
We’re also taking a short break from new content this week—because we’ve been busy recording a packed lineup of upcoming episodes! Look out for conversations with RRP trainers Stephanie Parkot, Harley Whittaker, Amanda Chance, and Chelsey O’Brien, plus chats with farrier Jason Hillman, jockey Ramon Moya, and a new catch-up with Jessica Redman.
💥 To celebrate this milestone, we’re offering 25% off one month of either Supercast subscription tier for new signups from May 1–7. If you’ve been thinking of joining, now’s the perfect time: ottbontap.supercast.com
Already a Supercast subscriber? This bonus episode may be familiar—we’re sharing it publicly as a thank-you to all our listeners for helping us reach 25K listens. We’ll be back next week on Supercast with the next installment of the OTTB Training Diaries: Oscar’s April Adventures (and be on the lookout for some bonus video content too!)
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In Part 2 of our conversation with Aubrey Graham of Kivu Sporthorses, we take a deeper dive into her practical approach to training off-track Thoroughbreds. Aubrey breaks down how to do less to get more—a mindset that emphasizes thoughtful observation, strategic timing, and letting the horse lead. From early groundwork to first jumps, she shares exercises, common mistakes, and how to build a training plan that prioritizes communication and trust.
If you're retraining a young Thoroughbred or navigating the early stages of your OTTB’s transition, this episode is full of takeaways you can apply right away.
🎧 Want even more? Subscribe at ottbontap.supercast.com to unlock our Backstretch Access and Insiders tiers for bonus episodes, training tips, exclusive bonus video, and our private OTTB community.
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In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with Aubrey Graham of Kivu Sporthorses to explore the foundation behind her OTTB training philosophy. From her academic background in anthropology to her transition into the world of off-track Thoroughbreds, Aubrey shares how she became a trusted voice in the industry through her popular Thoroughbred Logic series. We talk about her role as a "middleman" between horse and rider, how she manages a large string of OTTBs each year, and what she wishes more people knew when retraining a Thoroughbred for a second career.
Whether you’re starting with your first off-track Thoroughbred or looking to better understand your horse’s behavior, this episode offers insight into thoughtful, experience-driven training.
Don't miss Part 2: S2 E21: Do Less, Get More — OTTB Retraining Insights with Aubrey Graham
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👉 Want more OTTB content? Get access to our OTTB on Tap Evaluates series, Go Green’s RRP journey, behind-the-scenes videos, and more by subscribing at ottbontap.supercast.com or clicking the Membership tab on our website.
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Three plain brown wrappers. Three pedigrees packed with power. In this sneak peek of Volume 6, we introduce this month’s lineup of listener-submitted OTTBs—Fifty Pesos, Slew’s Resurrection, and Artie’s Cryptonite—and tease what makes each one stand out from the crowd. Plus, we read reactions from the owners featured in Volume 5.
To hear our full evaluation—including deep dives into pedigree, conformation, temperament trends, and second-career suitability—head to ottbontap.supercast.com and subscribe.
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At just 14 years old, Kimber Houston is already making a name for herself in the world of Thoroughbred aftercare. Alongside her mom, Tanya, she runs Trotty By Nature—a Montana-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to retraining and rehoming Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) with passion, purpose, and a serious love for 90s and 2000s hip-hop.
In this episode, we chat about:
How Kimber founded Trotty By Nature as a teenTheir unique approach to OTTB retraining in Montana’s rugged climateTraining philosophies, adoption tips, and advice for buying horses directly off the trackAnd yes, the incredible tradition of naming their OTTBs after iconic hip-hop artistsTheir current lineup includes names like Loupac Shakur ("Lou"), Notorious B.I.G. ("Biggie"), Snoop Horse, Neight Dogg, LL Cool Neigh, Mare E.J. Blige, Ne-Yo, and Left Ear Lopes ("Uno")—each one bringing a whole lot of personality to the program.
Check out their work and adoptable horses at trottybynature.org.
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In this March recap from the OTTB Training Diaries, Niamh gets honest about a clinic experience with a big-name trainer that didn’t quite live up to the hype. But that wasn’t the only unexpected moment—this episode also dives into a revealing session with an animal communicator, a training ride with fresh perspective, and Oscar’s continued progress under saddle and in his mind. Plus, Niamh and Emily answer your Ask Us Anything questions on everything from barn routines to OTTB shopping advice.
🎧 Want more? Join the OTTB on Tap Insiders Tier at ottbontap.supercast.com or click the Membership tab on our website to unlock this full episode and all our bonus content.
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We’re back with Danielle Montgomery for Part 2 of our deep dive into Turning For Home, one of the most effective and scalable Thoroughbred aftercare programs in the country. In this episode, we focus on what makes their approach so successful—namely, their partner farm model, lifetime safety net, and emphasis on long-term support for every horse that leaves the track at Parx Racing.
With over 4,400 OTTBs rehomed and counting, Turning For Home has built a nationwide network of trusted partner farms, each committed to retraining and transitioning retired racehorses into second careers ranging from eventing and dressage to trail riding and Western disciplines. Danielle walks us through how these partnerships work, what sets Turning For Home apart in the OTTB adoption space, and what the future of Thoroughbred aftercare looks like from the inside out.
We also talk about the organization’s impact on events like the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, its unique lifetime relocation guarantee, and how their team is working to educate adopters, support trainers, and strengthen the OTTB pipeline from racetrack to new home.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about OTTBs, Thoroughbred rehoming, or improving the lifecycle of the Thoroughbred racehorse.
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In this powerful first installment of our two-part interview with Danielle Montgomery, we explore the groundbreaking work of Turning For Home, a Thoroughbred aftercare program launched by the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA) at Parx Racing. Founded in 2008 as a direct response to growing public concern over racehorse welfare, Turning For Home became one of the first racetrack-based retirement programs to take full responsibility for transitioning off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) into safe second careers.
Danielle shares her personal journey from working on the backstretch to running one of the most respected Thoroughbred aftercare programs in the country. We discuss how Turning For Home came to be, the role of the PTHA in revolutionizing racehorse retirement, and how a collaborative industry effort laid the groundwork for the program’s long-term success.
Whether you're an adopter, equestrian, breeder, or racing fan, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how Thoroughbred aftercare works behind the scenes—and what it takes to ensure that no horse is left behind after their racing days are over.
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We’re back with another round of OTTB on Tap Evaluates, and this time, it’s all about the greys! In this teaser episode, we kick things off by revisiting our evaluations from Vol 4, sharing listener feedback, and revealing how our predictions stacked up against real-world results. Did we get it right, or did these OTTBs surprise us?
Then, we introduce the three grey Thoroughbreds featured in Vol 5—each with an interesting pedigree and plenty of potential for sport. Two of them trace back to Exchange Rate, while the other hails from the Cozzene line, giving us a lot to unpack. As always, we’re evaluating based on just a conformation photo and a Jockey Club name, breaking down their pedigree, conformation, and suitability for different disciplines.
If you want to hear the full episode—where we analyze each horse’s structure, movement potential, and sporthorse prospects—join us on Supercast! This episode is available for both Backstretch Access ($5/month) and Insiders ($10/month) subscribers. Signing up helps keep our podcast ad-free while giving you exclusive access to our deep-dive evaluations.
🔗 Subscribe now at https://ottbontap.supercast.com or click the Membership tab on our website!
🎧 Tune in now for a sneak peek, and subscribe to hear the full analysis!
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What do off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and birds of prey have in common? More than you might think! In this episode of OTTB on Tap, Niamh sits down with Martin Whitley of the Recycled Racehorse Falconry Team, a one-of-a-kind program that retrains ex-racehorses for falconry work in the UK.
With his sharp wit and wealth of experience, Martin shares how his passion for horses and birds of prey led to this innovative program. He walks us through the process of selecting and retraining OTTBs for falconry, explaining what makes a great falconry horse and how these ex-racehorses adapt to working alongside birds in flight. His stories and insights offer a fresh perspective on the versatility of Thoroughbreds, all delivered with a healthy dose of humor.
Beyond retraining, we discuss the immersive experiences Recycled Racehorse Falconry offers for riders, what it takes to prepare a horse for this unique career, and how the program promotes sustainability and second chances for animals. Whether you’re curious about falconry on horseback, retraining OTTBs, or just love hearing about creative second careers for Thoroughbreds, this episode is jam-packed!
Ready to learn more? Tune in and discover how these ex-racehorses are soaring to new heights!
🎧 Never miss an episode! Click the ‘Membership’ tab at OTTB on Tap or head over to https://ottbontap.supercast.com/ to sign up and get exclusive content.
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February was full of big moments for Oscar—some great, some… a little dramatic. From tackling group lessons and finally settling on a saddle to his first canter and a confidence-boosting obstacle course challenge, his progress was anything but boring! In this episode, we’re sharing a sneak peek of our full OTTB Training Diaries – February Recap exclusively for OTTB on Tap Insiders.
Want to hear how Oscar handled his first canter? What about the biggest lesson breakthrough that changed the game for his confidence? Plus, we’re answering listener questions on off-property trips, bitting for sensitive horses, picking up the correct canter lead, and more.
🎬 Bonus Content Alert! Supercast members also get access to bonus videos, including Oscar’s progress and a special voice-over breakdown where Emily and Niamh react to Emily’s first three-day event at the NAYRC CCI*—you don’t want to miss it!
🚀 Unlock the full episode & exclusive content by joining the OTTB on Tap Insiders at ottbontap.supercast.com or hitting the Membership tab on our website.
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Thinking about buying an OTTB? A pre-purchase exam (PPE) for an off-track Thoroughbred can feel overwhelming, but understanding how to interpret vet findings is key to making an informed decision. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ashley Taylor, we break down the PPE process, common misconceptions about OTTBs, and how to evaluate soundness for long-term success.
Dr. Taylor brings her sports medicine expertise to the discussion, helping buyers understand:
How to assess past injuries and conformation quirks in an OTTB PPE What PPE red flags matter—and which findings may not be dealbreakers Misconceptions buyers often have about vetting an OTTB How to work collaboratively with your veterinarian for a thorough pre-purchase evaluationWhether you're a first-time OTTB buyer or a seasoned equestrian looking to refine your pre-purchase exam strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights to help you choose the right horse.
🔗 Learn more about Twin Ponds Farm’s rehabilitation and performance programs: https://www.twinpondsfarmpa.com/
🔗 Never miss an episode! Click the "Membership" tab on our website or visit https://ottbontap.supercast.com for exclusive OTTB content!
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What does it take to successfully transition an OTTB from the track to a second career? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ashley Taylor, an equine sports medicine veterinarian, owner of Twin Ponds Farm and co-owner of Sports Medicine Associates of Chester County. With a passion for rehabilitation, injury prevention, and optimizing equine performance, Dr. Taylor has built a career focused on keeping sport horses sound and helping OTTBs recover, strengthen, and excel in new disciplines.
Her journey began in Topsfield, MA, where she grew up competing in eventing and participating in United States Pony Club activities before earning her veterinary degree from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After an intensive equine internship, she relocated to Pennsylvania and eventually became co-owner of Sports Medicine Associates of Chester County, a leading equine sports medicine practice. In 2019, she founded Twin Ponds Farm, a state-of-the-art equine rehabilitation and fitness center designed to provide top-tier care for sport horses and OTTBs alike.
At Twin Ponds Farm, horses benefit from advanced therapies like:
Cold saltwater treadmill therapy for conditioning, strength, and post-injury rehab Cold saltwater spa treatments to reduce inflammation and aid tendon and ligament recovery 🔆Infrared solariums to enhance circulation, improve muscle function, and boost Vitamin DShockwave and regenerative laser therapy for deep tissue healing and faster injury recoveryEurociser and dry treadmill training to improve fitness, flexibility, and staminaIn Part 1, we discuss common OTTB injuries, their natural resilience, and the rehabilitation techniques that help them recover and perform at their best. Whether you're retraining an off-track Thoroughbred or simply want to keep your sport horse feeling great, this episode is full of expert insights!
🎧 Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into the often-debated topic of PPEs!
🔗 Explore Twin Ponds Farm’s services: https://www.twinpondsfarmpa.com/
🔗 Want exclusive OTTB content? Click the "Membership" tab on our website or visit https://ottbontap.supercast.com to sign up and never miss an episode!
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We’re back with another round of OTTB on Tap Evaluates! In this sneak peek of Volume 4, we introduce three OTTBs, including two warhorses with impressive race records, and break down their pedigrees and post-track potential.
Want to hear the full evaluation, including our deep dive into conformation and sporthorse suitability? Join Supercast for just $5/month to unlock this episode and more exclusive content. Plus, if you’re the owner of one of the horses we evaluated, contact us for a free month so you can listen in!
🔗 Sign up now at OTTBOnTap.Supercast.com. 📲 Link your Supercast subscription directly to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app—no extra hassle! 📸 Follow along with conformation photos at OTTBOnTap.Supercast.com.
Ready to take your OTTB knowledge to the next level? Subscribe today! 🎙️🐎
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What happens to Thoroughbred broodmares when their breeding careers end? Too often, these mares are overlooked in the aftercare conversation, but Mareworthy Charities is working to change that. Founded by Kyle Rothfus, Mareworthy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to giving retired OTTB broodmares the retirement, rehoming, and second careers they deserve.
In this episode, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of Mareworthy’s mission, sharing how the organization got started and what makes their approach to aftercare unique. We dig into the challenges of rehoming broodmares, the process of matching them with adopters, and how their partnership with the Retired Racehorse Project is creating more opportunities for these mares. Plus, Kyle shares some standout success stories that prove just how much these horses still have to offer—including one familiar to OTTB on Tap listeners. Annika Greaney, one of last year’s RRP Trainer Chronicles guests, competed at the Thoroughbred Makeover with Egoli, a retired broodmare she adopted from Mareworthy.
Mareworthy is also educating future OTTB owners through Mareworthy Academy, a free, expert-led 8-week program designed to help aspiring owners gain the knowledge they need to successfully care for a retired broodmare—or any horse.
If you’re inspired by Mareworthy’s work, you can learn more and support them at mareworthy.com. Donations help cover the cost of care, retraining, and rehoming for the mares in their program, and there are plenty of ways to get involved—whether through sponsorship, adoption, or spreading the word.
Next week, we’re switching gears and breaking down listener-submitted OTTBs in OTTB on Tap Evaluates Volume 4! This episode is exclusively for Backstage Pass and OTTB on Tap Insiders members, where we’ll take a deep dive into conformation, pedigrees, and sport potential. Want in? Sign up now at OTTB on Tap Supercast to get access and never miss an episode!
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n this episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with Ashley Steele Norris, founder of Sunbriar Equestrian, to explore her inspiring journey in the OTTB world. Ashley shares how her childhood surrounded by horses, her time working under legendary eventer Jane Sleeper, and her passion for Thoroughbreds shaped her career. From training sensitive OTTBs to competing at the upper levels of eventing, Ashley brings valuable insights for anyone involved with Thoroughbreds.
We spotlight two remarkable horses: Best Things InLife, a versatile OTTB who transitioned from the racetrack to eventing success, and Kicken Kris, a million-dollar earner turned resilient retraining project. Ashley discusses their unique journeys, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they’ve taught her about adaptability, patience, and the heart of a Thoroughbred.
This episode is packed with stories of resilience, transformation, and Ashley’s commitment to showcasing the potential of Thoroughbreds in second careers. Don’t miss her tips on creating strong horse-rider partnerships and her vision for the future of Sunbriar Equestrian.
Connect with Sunbriar Equestrian: Website: sunbriarequestrian.com Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @SunbriarEquestrian
Listen, subscribe, and leave us a 5-star review! Cheers to the incredible potential of Thoroughbreds in second careers!
👉 Want more OTTB content? Starting Feb 6th, we will have two episodes per month on Supercast! Join Backstretch Access for our OTTB on Tap Evaluates series, or go all in with OTTB on Tap Insiders for exclusive training updates on Go Green’s journey to the RRP Makeover. Click the Membership tab on our website or visit OTTBonTap.Supercast.com to sign up and never miss an episode!
- Visa fler
