n this episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with Ashley Steele Norris, founder of Sunbriar Equestrian, to explore her inspiring journey in the OTTB world. Ashley shares how her childhood surrounded by horses, her time working under legendary eventer Jane Sleeper, and her passion for Thoroughbreds shaped her career. From training sensitive OTTBs to competing at the upper levels of eventing, Ashley brings valuable insights for anyone involved with Thoroughbreds.

We spotlight two remarkable horses: Best Things InLife, a versatile OTTB who transitioned from the racetrack to eventing success, and Kicken Kris, a million-dollar earner turned resilient retraining project. Ashley discusses their unique journeys, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they’ve taught her about adaptability, patience, and the heart of a Thoroughbred.

This episode is packed with stories of resilience, transformation, and Ashley’s commitment to showcasing the potential of Thoroughbreds in second careers. Don’t miss her tips on creating strong horse-rider partnerships and her vision for the future of Sunbriar Equestrian.

Connect with Sunbriar Equestrian: Website: sunbriarequestrian.com Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @SunbriarEquestrian

Listen, subscribe, and leave us a 5-star review! Cheers to the incredible potential of Thoroughbreds in second careers!

👉 Want more OTTB content? Starting Feb 6th, we will have two episodes per month on Supercast! Join Backstretch Access for our OTTB on Tap Evaluates series, or go all in with OTTB on Tap Insiders for exclusive training updates on Go Green’s journey to the RRP Makeover. Click the Membership tab on our website or visit OTTBonTap.Supercast.com to sign up and never miss an episode!

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 versatility passed down to Mr. Cellular by Nyquist and Kitten’s Joy, this episode is packed with expert insights and fascinating history.

We also touch on key evaluation tips, such as analyzing conformation photos and understanding how pedigree impacts athleticism and temperament. As always, our assessments are based on our experience and research—perfect for anyone curious about Thoroughbred breeding or retraining.

Key topics include:

• Flowers Apriority’s Louisiana-bred racing career and her Grand Slam/Forty Niner lineage.
• Cowboy Swagger’s connection to Grindstone, Unbridled, and Forty Niner, and his compact, athletic conformation.
• Mr. Cellular’s standout breeding from Nyquist and Kitten’s Joy, and what it means for his second career.

Want to see the photos and details? Check out the corresponding episode page on www.ottbontap.com. Don’t forget to submit your OTTB for future episodes and sign up for our newsletter for bonus content and updates.

Listen in for a fun, educational deep dive into OTTB evaluation—and don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review if you enjoyed the show!

References:

Staff, BloodHorse. “Major Stallion Grand Slam Dies.” BloodHorse.com, 2 June 2016, www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/130740/major-stallion-grand-slam-dies.

BloodHorse. “The Legacy of Gone West.” BloodHorse.com, 1 June 2016, www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/109542/the-legacy-of-gone-west.

Wikipedia contributors. “Forty Niner (Horse).” Wikipedia, 11 Oct. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forty_Niner_(horse).

Angst, Frank. “Kentucky Derby Winner Grindstone Dies at 29.” BloodHorse.com, 23 Mar. 2022, www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/257553/kentucky-derby-winner-grindstone-dies-at-29.

Baquero - Horse. 6 June 1998, www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Baquero.

“Nyquist (Horse).” American Classic Pedigrees, www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/nyquist.html.

In this recurring series from OTTB on Tap, we dive into the first chapter of Go Green’s (aka Oscar) journey as an OTTB transitioning from the track to his second career. Co-host Emily interviews Niamh about Oscar’s December training highlights, milestones, and personality quirks.

From groundwork basics to learning to lunge, tackling cross-ties, and his first off-property adventures, Niamh shares how she’s setting a solid foundation for success on the road to the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover. You’ll also hear about his health and nutrition plan, emotional regulation exercises, and some real-life moments that show off his personality.

Don’t miss this exciting kickoff to our OTTB Training Diaries series, where we’ll follow Oscar’s progress month by month. Want more exclusive updates and bonus content? Join our exclusive Supercast tier, OTTB on Tap Insiders, to hear next month’s episode and get insider access to bonus videos and exclusive content! Sign up here: https://ottbontap.supercast.com/

NOTE: we fixed the sign up page, so if you tried before but couldn't sign up, please try again!

For those interested in the TRT Method, which Niamh references a few times in the podcast (and is a devoted user of!), check it out here: https://trtmethod.plugandpay.nl/r?id=sXxSFrKo

Lastly (lots of links today!) we referenced some FREE BONUS training videos for this episode! You can catch them on our website or on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8DELSuO5Gst0-Oru0qf4Gz5cSd9JpL51

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we reconnect with Chelsey O’Brien, a standout trainer from our RRP Trainer Chronicles series. Chelsey shares what she and her Thoroughbred, UBie, have been up to since their incredible success at the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover, and she gives us an inside look at their post-Makeover goals.

For anyone considering applying for the 2025 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover, this episode is packed with invaluable advice! Chelsey walks us through the application process, offering tips on how to craft a standout submission, prepare an engaging video, and demonstrate your commitment to OTTB retraining.

Plus, as Niamh prepares her OTTB, Go Green, for the Makeover, Chelsey offers personalized advice for first-time competitors, including insights on timelines, training strategies, and navigating competition day.

Whether you’re an OTTB owner, a prospective RRP applicant, or simply a fan of Thoroughbreds, this episode is a must-listen!

🎙️ Key topics include:

• How to excel in the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover application process
• UBie’s post-Makeover journey and future plans
• Tips for training and competing with your OTTB
• Advice for preparing for the Makeover timeline and event atmosphere

Don’t miss this deep dive into all things RRP and OTTBs with Chelsey O’Brien!

📌 Visit www.OttbOnTap.com for links to everything discussed in this episode.

In the second half of our conversation, Tom and Clare Mansmann of Pacific Farms in Hume, VA, share their expertise on advanced OTTB care and their innovative approach to rehoming Thoroughbreds. Topics include farrier and hoof care essentials such as managing expectations, X-rays, glue-on shoes, and hoof boots. They also address common challenges like ulcers and the physical transformations OTTBs experience while transitioning to their new lives.

A key highlight of this episode is their Train to Own program, a revolutionary OTTB reselling model designed to create lasting horse-and-rider partnerships. Tom and Clare explain how this program evolved from years of helping clients rehome horses and why it’s become a cornerstone of their mission at Pacific Farms.

The episode concludes with their best advice for first-time OTTB owners and touching stories of a few remarkable horses who left lasting impressions.

Don’t miss Clare’s insightful articles for Eventing Nation, where she shares more about OTTB training and care here

If you missed the first half of the interview, go here to listen: https://www.ottbontap.com/s2e7

In the first part of this two-episode feature, Tom and Clare Mansmann of Pacific Farms in Hume, VA, share their rich equestrian history and passion for retraining off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). From Young Riders to training with legendary equestrians like Jimmy Wofford, Karen O’Connor, and Jessica Ransehousen, Tom and Clare provide an inspiring look at the philosophy behind Pacific Farms and how they developed their love for OTTBs.

Tom and Clare reveal their methods for evaluating OTTBs’ innate skills, retraining them for second careers, and helping them thrive in new disciplines. They also dive into their meticulous approach to OTTB care, including nutrition, turnout, and management strategies during the crucial post-track transition period.

As an experienced writer, Clare has shared in-depth advice for OTTB owners through her articles for Eventing Nation. Be sure to explore them here.

Whether you’re an OTTB owner or a prospective trainer, this episode is full of practical advice to build a solid foundation for success.

Be sure to tune in to S2 E8 for the second part of this episode!

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 prior to a buyer showing up, and the chaos of wrangling rescue horses during a client visit. Plus, hear the emotional journey of Emily's mare's from rehab to getting to see her move for the very first time.
• 2024 Podcast Highlights:
  • We revisit the year’s most inspiring episodes, including standout interviews, heartfelt underdog stories, and practical insights for OTTB enthusiasts.

Explore by Category: (Great for our new listeners!)

We’ve made it easy for you to revisit or discover episodes you’ll love. Check out the links below:

• Aftercare Organizations: Featuring Pastured Place and After the Races.
• Underdog Stories: True journeys of OTTB resilience and recovery.
• RRP Trainer Chronicles: Following trainers and their OTTBs on the road to the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover.
• Jessica Redman’s Insights: Deep dives into bloodlines, market trends, and transitioning OTTBs.
• OTTB on Tap Evaluates: Listener-submitted OTTB evaluations for conformation and pedigree.
• Clinic Recaps: Lessons from William Fox-Pitt, Lucinda Green, Boyd Martin's Camp Windurra, and more!
• Resellers and Practitioners: Insider perspectives from industry professionals.

This episode is the perfect mix of nostalgia, inspiration, and practical insight for OTTB lovers. Whether you’re here for the untold stories, the year’s biggest highlights, or both, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow OTTB enthusiasts. For more links and episode details, visit our website’s episode page. Cheers to an incredible 2024 and an even bigger 2025!

This week on OTTB On Tap, we’re chatting with Julie Anna Prusak, an amateur rider from Texas, about her OTTB, Too Much Crown, or "Nemo" to his friends. Julie Anna earned her spot on the podcast by winning our Underdog Stories contest in the OTTB Market Facebook group, where she captured the hearts (and votes) of our community.

Earlier this year, Nemo was diagnosed with kissing spine—a tough diagnosis for any horse owner. Julie Anna didn’t shy away from the challenge. She chose osteotomy surgery, navigated the challenges of rehab, and worked tirelessly to prepare for the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover in October. In this episode, Julie Anna shares the milestones of Nemo’s recovery, the preparation for the freestyle competition, and the sense of accomplishment that came with competing at the RRP. (And they earned a top placing!)

While this is a serious topic, Julie Anna’s humor and honesty make this a lighthearted look at the trials and triumphs of OTTB ownership. From managing health challenges to celebrating the unique quirks of Thoroughbreds, this episode has something for every OTTB fan.

Legal Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians. This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your veterinarian for any medical decisions regarding your horse.