OTTB Professionals Episodes

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, Niamh flies solo with UK-based OTTB confidence coach, rider, and social media favorite Lloyd Crabb for a funny, practical, and refreshingly honest conversation about retraining off-track Thoroughbreds, rebuilding rider confidence, and knowing when to throw the rulebook out the window. Lloyd shares how he came to riding later in life, why he believes Thoroughbreds are often much simpler than we make them out to be, and how riders can build trust by learning the ...

n this episode of OTTB on Tap, we’re joined by newly minted 5* rider Alex Conrad, fresh off his incredible Kentucky debut with his OTTB superstar, Malibu Preacher. What we expected was a great conversation about eventing, Kentucky, and producing an off-track Thoroughbred to the top of the sport. What we got was something even more special: a genuinely heartwarming, thoughtful, and unexpectedly emotional conversation with one of the warmest guests we’ve had on the show. Alex takes us back t...

What happens when you take an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) into the hunter ring and stop treating it like an “alternate” to a warmblood? In this episode of OTTB on Tap, Niamh flies solo for our first truly hunter/jumper-focused OTTB episode with Pennsylvania pro Madison Barnett of MB Equine (USEA event rider + hunter/jumper trainer) and standout junior rider Caden Nolt. Madison breaks down why Thoroughbreds became the backbone of her program, what retraining her first OTTB taught her abo...

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 availab...

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 h...

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 formativ...

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 n...

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...

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 ...

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 a...

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...

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 ma...

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with Ashley Steele Norris, the driving force behind Sunbriar Equestrian, to dive into her journey with OTTBs. From growing up with horses to training under the legendary Jane Sleeper, Ashley’s path has been built on hard work, passion, and a deep understanding of Thoroughbreds. She shares her experiences working with off-track Thoroughbreds, balancing motherhood with professional riding, and what it takes to develop these horses into successful sport p...

In this latest episode of OTTB on Tap, we welcome back Chelsey O’Brien, a fan-favorite trainer from our RRP Trainer Chronicles. Chelsey catches us up on her post-Makeover adventures with her OTTB, UBie, and offers expert advice for navigating the 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover application process. As Niamh gears up to take her OTTB, Go Green, to the Makeover, Chelsey shares her insider tips for crafting a compelling application, creating a standout video submission, and ...

In the second part of our feature with Tom and Clare Mansmann of Pacific Farms, we explore the advanced aspects of retraining off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). Tom and Clare share their proven methods for managing farrier care, including the use of X-rays, glue-ons, and hoof boots, to help OTTBs adjust to their new lives. They also dive into the body changes horses experience during the transition and provide practical advice for managing ulcers and other common challenges. A standout topic...

In this episode of OTTB On Tap, we’re joined by Tom and Clare Mansmann of Pacific Farms in Hume, VA, for an in-depth discussion on their fundamentals-first approach to retraining off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). From working with legendary mentors like Jimmy Wofford, Karen O’Connor, and Jessica Ransehousen to establishing Pacific Farms Inc, Tom and Clare share the experiences that shaped their passion for OTTBs. They break down their proven methods for evaluating a horse’s natural abilities, ...

In this Season 1 Finale of OTTB on Tap, we continue our conversation with Jessica Redman of Benchmark Sport Horses, who brings her expertise on the latest trends in the Off-Track Thoroughbred market as 2024 concludes. Jessica offers her professional insights on buyer demand, examining whether small chestnut mares might be the next rising trend, as well as differences in interest from amateur versus professional buyers. We also tackle hot-button issues in pre-purchase exams (PPEs), including h...

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we’re joined by Jessica Redman, an expert in Thoroughbred resale and the owner of Benchmark Sporthorses, to discuss the latest Thoroughbred bloodline trends for sport horses in 2024. Jessica shares her industry-leading insights on what makes a bloodline stand out for eventing and other equestrian disciplines, along with tips for buyers on how to evaluate bloodlines when selecting an OTTB. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, where we focus specifically on bloodlin...

What's in a price? Let’s talk about the taboo topic of pricing an OTTB. Join us as we dive deep into the world of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and the often misunderstood practice of buying from resellers. Hosted by Niamh and Emily from OTTB on Tap, this episode features a candid conversation with Jessica Redman, founder of Benchmark Sporthorses, as we dissect the intricacies of determining the fair market value of OTTBs. ***spoiler alert, Niamh also gets to fulfill her long-held dream...

In this week's episode, we sit down again with Jessica Redman of Benchmark Sporthorses to pick her brain about how evaluates and assesses horses upon arrival and her process for a successful first ride. She gives us a firsthand behind-the-scenes look at her operation and shares some industry tips and tricks for setting your OTTB up for success.

In this week's episode, we use answers from a poll we took in our Facebook group OTTB Market where we asked Resellers, "What is one thing you wish buyers knew about OTTBs" -- we break down the answers into themes and discuss the responses and share some of our experiences, thoughts and opinions as well.

In this week's episode, we join forces with Jessica Redman from Benchmark Sporthorses and discuss how to become a reputable buyer through the eyes of one of the most prolific resellers in the US. We go over some of the characteristics that resellers in a busy program would like to see from buyers, general etiquette, and things you can do to gain their trust and respect throughout the buying process. Jessica reveals some industry tips for making the sales process smooth for everyone involved and ...