In Part 2 with returning guest Chelsey O’Brien, we catch up on what life looks like after the Retired Racehorse Project and what she’s working on next.
Chelsey introduces her 2026 prospect, Rustler, aka Rusty, a stakes-winning OTTB owned by Pastured Place. He’s a very different ride from the horses she’s brought along for the Makeover in previous years, and this one is pushing her in new ways as a trainer. We talk about what that process actually looks like day to day, including the moments that feel messy and the ones where things suddenly start to come together.
We also dig into the two videos that recently went viral and the reaction that followed. One features Dude, an OTTB Chelsey took on and carefully rehabbed after a difficult start. Chelsey shares the full story behind that video, how things unfolded online, and why she still believes in showing the real side of retraining off-track Thoroughbreds.
It’s an honest conversation about horsemanship, perspective, and staying committed to the horse in front of you—even when the internet has opinions.