Episodes

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...

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 mon...

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 episode of OTTB on Tap Evaluates, we dive into the pedigrees, conformation, and potential of three listener-submitted Thoroughbreds: Flowers Apriority, Cowboy Swagger, and Mr. Cellular. Join Niamh and Emily as they analyze each horse’s unique racing background, bloodlines, and suitability for sport horse careers. From standout sires like Grand Slam and Gone West in Flowers Apriority’s lineage, to Kentucky Derby winner Grindstone’s influence on Cowboy Swagger, and the athletic versatil...

Join us for the first installment of our OTTB Training Diaries series, where we follow the journey of Go Green (aka Oscar) as he transitions from the racetrack to his new career. In this episode, co-host Emily interviews Niamh about Oscar’s December progress, featuring key milestones, training insights, and personality quirks. From mastering groundwork and lunging to navigating cross-ties and tackling off-property adventures, Niamh shares the strategies she’s using to set Oscar up for success...

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, ...

Join us for a festive and reflective episode of OTTB on Tap: "2024 Wrapped: OTTB Tales from Christmas Past and Present." This special episode is packed with untold stories from our adventures retraining and reselling OTTBs, alongside a look back at some of our favorite podcast moments from 2024. What to Expect in This Episode: Untold Tales from Our OTTB Adventures: Emily and Niamh share personal stories, like seeing an OTTB "pick their person," one OTTB's wild gallop down a hill just pri...

n this episode of OTTB On Tap, we feature Julie Anna Prusak, an amateur rider from Texas who shares her experience with her OTTB, Nemo. Earlier this year, Nemo was diagnosed with kissing spine—a condition that can challenge even the most dedicated horse owners. Julie Anna walks us through the process of choosing osteotomy surgery, navigating the rehabilitation journey, and preparing for the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover freestyle competition. Hear how this determined pair took on the cha...

This week on OTTB on Tap, we start by revisiting our second installment of OTTB on Tap Evaluates. Find out what the owners of Looking Ready, C Two, and Ruby Bleu thought of our evaluations, including their reactions and reflections on our conformation and pedigree assessments. The episode also features some exciting news—Niamh has officially found her OTTB prospect for the 2025 Retired Racehorse Makeover! Meet Go Green, a 2020 Thoroughbred gelding with outstanding conformation and a pedigree ...

In the latest episode of OTTB on Tap Evaluates, Niamh and Emily analyze three listener-submitted OTTBs, diving into their conformation, pedigree, and potential for a range of equestrian disciplines. This series offers an in-depth look at what makes an off-track Thoroughbred a great candidate for careers in eventing, dressage, or show jumping. (Submit your OTTB for a future episode here.) The featured horses include: Looking Ready, a gelding by More Than Ready with athleticism and resilien...

In this episode of OTTB On Tap, we continue our OTTB Aftercare Series by highlighting Pastured Place, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the future for retired racehorses. Guest Ali Rawles shares how they specialize in rehabbing, retraining, and rehoming OTTBs for successful second careers. We explore: The story behind Pastured Place and their milestones in thoroughbred aftercare. Their exceptional commitment to adopters, including lifetime return policies and case-by-c...

Welcome to Season 2 of OTTB on Tap! What began as a casual idea scribbled on a bar napkin has blossomed into a thriving podcast reaching over 14,000 downloads in 29 countries. In this special re-introduction, hosts Niamh and Emily share their journey from their beginnings as OTTB fans to building a vibrant community around Thoroughbred retraining. In this episode, the co-hosts look back on their most memorable podcast moments, share fan shout-outs, and answer listener questions. From inspirin...