OTTB on Tap

In this RRP Trainer Chronicles update from OTTB on Tap, we sit down again with dressage trainer Harley Whittaker of HW Dressage in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania to hear the latest on her 2025 RRP Makeover partner, Juancho (“Jack”). Harley shares the ups and downs of Jack’s first dressage show experience, why she’s choosing to keep him in dressage as his primary discipline, and what kind of home she sees for him after the Makeover.Beyond Jack’s journey, Harley gives us an inside look at her training business, the horses currently in her barn, and even a recent appearance she made on JJ Tate’s podcast. She offers a practical training tip for green horses and OTTBs—breaking down how she adjusts her approach between Jack, a Thoroughbred gelding, and Navy, a young warmblood mare.We also dive into Harley’s passion for rider fitness, exploring how her six-day-a-week gym routine translates into better feel, empathy, and effectiveness in the saddle. Harley explains how fitness outside the barn supports her students too, and shares advice for riders looking to get started on their own programs.With the Makeover countdown on, Harley reflects on the biggest lesson Jack has taught her (“expect the unexpected”) and looks ahead to more off-property practice before they head to Kentucky.Whether you’re an OTTB owner, dressage enthusiast, or rider wanting to balance horse training with personal fitness, this conversation with Harley is packed with insights and inspiration.

In this installment of RRP Trainer Chronicles, an OTTB on Tap Original Series, we catch up with returning trainer Chelsey O’Brien as her 2025 RRP Makeover journey takes shape. This year, Chelsey is retraining two very different OTTBs—each with their own story and style.✨ Peppy (JC name: The Pepsodent Show) has stepped into the hunter ring, showing the elegance Thoroughbreds can bring to the discipline. His second Makeover division is still undecided, but one thing is certain—he’ll be available for adoption through Pastured Place after the competition, ready to shine in a new home. ✨ Fuzzy Wuzzy, her fiery mare “built like a French Bulldog,” is tackling barrels and ranch work—proving that OTTBs can excel in Western arenas just as much as English ones.Chelsey opens up about how she decided which disciplines fit each horse, the obstacles they’ve faced along the way, and how she balances her roles as a trainer, breeder, and mom. She also takes us behind the scenes at the Virginia Thoroughbred Association Yearling Futurity, where she proudly presented homebred colts and fillies just a year after foaling them out.With her philosophy of striving to be 1% better every day, and her belief that training is an art form, Chelsey shares one of her go-to OTTB training tips that listeners can put into practice.If you love stories of OTTB versatility, retraining insights, and the heart behind the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover, this episode is a must-listen.

We’re back with Stephanie Parkot for round two of her RRP Trainer Chronicles journey—and wow, what a summer she and her OTTB Sterling Honor (by Honor Code, from New Vocations) have had. From tackling a Mounted Police Clinic with her son to braving the atmosphere of the Erie County Fair Hunter/Jumper Show, Stephanie shares the highs, the challenges, and the big takeaways as she and Sterling prepare for the 2025 RRP Makeover.Noise sensitivity, buddy sour moments, show-ring chaos—Sterling has tested her patience in all the classic OTTB retraining ways. But he’s also shown just how much heart Thoroughbreds bring when given a chance. Stephanie breaks down what’s working, from earplugs to confidence-building hacks, and why figuring out her horse’s “comfort zone” has been such a game-changer.And remember that mounting block dance from her first episode? That’s now a success story. Stephanie walks us through how she taught Sterling to stand still for mounting—a small detail with huge safety implications for any OTTB rider.As always, Stephanie keeps it real about balancing family life, motherhood, and horse training, sharing how a supportive husband, a training log, and even a backyard-built water obstacle are helping her get ready for Kentucky. With her trademark “flexible consistency” and a clear focus on progress over perfection, she’s proof that the road to the Makeover is just as rewarding as the event itself.Photo by Megan Pattern

In Part 2 of our candid conversation with Shannon Riley of Infinity Sport Horse, we go beyond the arena to talk about the challenges many riders face but few openly discuss—body image, online criticism, and the mental health toll of working in the equestrian world. Shannon shares what led her to speak out, how she’s learned to protect her peace, and why creating a healthier, more inclusive space matters for the next generation of professionals.But it’s not all heavy—Shannon also dives into her practical approach to retraining Off-Track Thoroughbreds. She shares how she transitions OTTBs from track to sport, her go-to groundwork and under-saddle exercises, and how she gauges a horse’s potential as a confidence-builder or upper-level competitor. Whether you’re a rider, trainer, or OTTB fan, her tips are grounded, real-world, and designed to meet horses where they are.We also explore what mentorship looks like in her program and why she believes her greatest success stories are the riders she’s helped launch into their own careers.If you’ve ever struggled with confidence in the saddle—or wanted to build a barn culture that values growth over perfection—this episode is for you.👉 Missed Part 1? Be sure to go back and listen to S2 E31, where Shannon shares her early journey with OTTBs, how she built Infinity Sport Horse, and the personal turning points that shaped her career.Photo Credit: Liz Crawley Photography 2025

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with Shannon Riley of Infinity Sport Horse for Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation. Based in Aiken, South Carolina, Shannon is a professional eventer, OTTB trainer, and resale specialist known for her thoughtful, honest approach to developing sporthorse prospects.Shannon shares how her early love of horses—and her first Thoroughbred—set her on a path that would eventually lead to the founding of her training and sales business. From formative experiences with mentors and milestone competitions to the devastating personal loss that pushed her to rebuild her life in Aiken, Shannon reflects on the moments that shaped her as a rider and horsewoman.She also opens up about her early struggles with imposter syndrome—something both Niamh and Emily can relate to—and the advice she’d give to anyone battling self-doubt while building a career in horses.We explore Shannon’s deep connection to Off-Track Thoroughbreds: why she’s drawn to retraining OTTBs, what makes them such versatile athletes, and how she evaluates prospects for resale or upper-level competition. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how she runs Infinity Sport Horse and what green flags she looks for when selecting a Thoroughbred for sport.Whether you’re a first-time OTTB owner, a resale-focused rider, or someone building a training program from the ground up, this episode offers inspiration, real talk, and actionable insight.👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Shannon opens up about rider fitness, body image, online criticism, and how she’s mentoring the next generation of equestrian professionals.Photo Credit: Liz Crawley Photography 2024

Virginia-based trainer Chelsey O’Brien returns to OTTB on Tap as she gears up for the 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover—this time with two OTTBs and twice the determination. Representing the nonprofit Pastured Place, Chelsey introduces us to The Pepsodent Show (“Peppy”), a charismatic 5-year-old gelding by VE Day. With a name that throws it back to the golden age of radio—The Pepsodent Show was a wildly popular 1930s–40s comedy series hosted by Bob Hope, not unlike today’s podcasts—Peppy brings brains, athleticism, and a big personality to the table.Chelsey is also retraining her personal mare, Fuzzy Wuzzy, a powerful 4-year-old by Palace, for the barrels and possibly ranch work. In this candid episode, she walks us through how she juggles training two very different OTTBs, her role as a Pastured Place ambassador, and what it means to advocate for Thoroughbred aftercare as both a horsewoman and a mom.From groundwork and restart strategies to hauling, first shows, and building mental fitness, Chelsey shares thoughtful advice for anyone bringing along an off-track Thoroughbred. She also reflects on how organizations like Pastured Place and The Western Thoroughbred are changing the landscape—making OTTBs more visible and accessible in both English and Western disciplines.This episode is part of the RRP Trainer Chronicles, an OTTB on Tap Original Series spotlighting the trainers and Thoroughbreds preparing for the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover. Whether you're considering an OTTB for barrel racing, competitive trail, eventing, or the Thoroughbred Makeover, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways from a trainer who's all heart—and all in.OTTB on Tap is 100% independently produced by two horse girls who love Thoroughbreds and great storytelling. If you enjoy the show, you can support us through Buy Me a Coffee at buymeacoffee.com/ottbontap. Every bit helps us keep the mics on and the stories flowing. 🐎💛

In this RRP Trainer Chronicles episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with adult amateur eventer, longtime Thoroughbred advocate, and sporthorse breeder Amanda Chance, who’s making her Retired Racehorse Project Makeover debut in 2025 with a true warhorse—an off-track Thoroughbred with over 50 starts (he raced a whopping 100 times!)Known for her candid blog and podcast Breed.Ride.Event., Amanda brings a unique perspective to the OTTB world—combining her eye for conformation with real-world experience restarting Thoroughbreds for second careers in eventing and sporthorse disciplines. She shares what it’s like retraining a seasoned racehorse, how her breeding background shapes her OTTB evaluations, and why she believes more adult amateurs should take the leap into Makeover territory.We talk about selecting her RRP partner, how his extensive racing career impacts his retraining, and the mental and physical adjustments involved in transitioning a veteran OTTB. Amanda also offers advice for first-time RRP trainers, her favorite sporthorse traits in Thoroughbreds, and how she keeps the journey fun, even when progress stalls.Whether you're a fellow OTTB owner, eventing enthusiast, adult amateur, or curious about the Thoroughbred Makeover, Amanda’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of substance use and mentions of suicide. If these topics are sensitive for you, please listen with care. Resources and support links are included at the end of the episode description.Ramon Moya didn’t grow up in the saddle—but the first time he sat on a Thoroughbred at 18, everything changed. Now a graded stakes-placed jockey and viral content creator, Ramon has made a name for himself both on the racetrack and online, where his point-of-view body-cam rides and honest behind-the-scenes footage are drawing thousands of new eyes to the world of horse racing.In this candid, heartfelt interview, Ramon shares what it’s like to ride at speed, cut weight to make race conditions, and build trust with each individual horse he works with. He also opens up about his battle with addiction, getting clean, and his mission to educate others about the realities—and the beauty—of life on the track.Ramon's passion for Thoroughbreds on and off the track shines through and even though he grinds it out with daily 4am wake up calls, he feels he never works a day in his life while riding.Whether you’re in it for the Thoroughbreds, the grit, or the humanity, this is an episode that lingers long after listening.If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you’re not alone.National Helpline for Substance Use Disorders (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — Free, confidential help 24/7.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 — 24/7 support for anyone in distress.PDJF (Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund): pdjf.org — Support for jockeys, including mental health and addiction recovery services.The Jockeys' Guild: jockeysguild.com — Advocacy and wellness support for active and retired jockeys.

Welcome back to RRP Trainer Chronicles, an OTTB on Tap Original Series following the riders and retrainers headed to the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover. In this episode, we’re talking dressage, Thoroughbreds, and that all-important seat with Harley Whittaker of HW Dressage in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania.Harley didn’t grow up in a horsey family, but she’s built a thriving training business rooted in thoughtful, individualized care—and a belief that OTTBs absolutely belong in the dressage ring. She introduces us to her Makeover partner Juancho (aka “Jack”), shares what she looks for in a dressage prospect, and walks us through the early days of training a horse fresh off the track.We chat about visualization, confidence-building, ulcer prevention, and why pulling back is not the answer. Whether you’re new to OTTBs, curious about dressage, or just here to root for a great horse and rider team—you’ll love this candid and inspiring conversation.

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.

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.

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.

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

🎉 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/s2e22We’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.comAlready 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!)

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.

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-👉 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.