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 language OTTBs already understand from their racing careers. From bridging your reins and staying calm when things get spicy, to getting off when that is the safest choice, Lloyd brings a no-ego, common-sense approach to working with ex-racehorses.
Niamh and Lloyd also talk about UK Thoroughbred aftercare, the Retraining of Racehorses program, what riders often get wrong in the first few months with an OTTB, why hacking and happy retirement deserve more credit, and how confidence grows when we stop making every moment with a horse into a battle.
Whether you are retraining your first OTTB, rebuilding confidence after a fall, or just love thoughtful conversations about Thoroughbreds in second careers, this episode is full of practical advice, humor, and grounded perspective from across the pond.