OTTB on Tap

We’re back with Danielle Montgomery for Part 2 of our deep dive into Turning For Home, one of the most effective and scalable Thoroughbred aftercare programs in the country. In this episode, we focus on what makes their approach so successful—namely, their partner farm model, lifetime safety net, and emphasis on long-term support for every horse that leaves the track at Parx Racing.

With over 4,400 OTTBs rehomed and counting, Turning For Home has built a nationwide network of trusted partner farms, each committed to retraining and transitioning retired racehorses into second careers ranging from eventing and dressage to trail riding and Western disciplines. Danielle walks us through how these partnerships work, what sets Turning For Home apart in the OTTB adoption space, and what the future of Thoroughbred aftercare looks like from the inside out.

We also talk about the organization’s impact on events like the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, its unique lifetime relocation guarantee, and how their team is working to educate adopters, support trainers, and strengthen the OTTB pipeline from racetrack to new home.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone passionate about OTTBs, Thoroughbred rehoming, or improving the lifecycle of the Thoroughbred racehorse.

In this powerful first installment of our two-part interview with Danielle Montgomery, we explore the groundbreaking work of Turning For Home, a Thoroughbred aftercare program launched by the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (PTHA) at Parx Racing. Founded in 2008 as a direct response to growing public concern over racehorse welfare, Turning For Home became one of the first racetrack-based retirement programs to take full responsibility for transitioning off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) into safe second careers.

Danielle shares her personal journey from working on the backstretch to running one of the most respected Thoroughbred aftercare programs in the country. We discuss how Turning For Home came to be, the role of the PTHA in revolutionizing racehorse retirement, and how a collaborative industry effort laid the groundwork for the program’s long-term success.

Whether you're an adopter, equestrian, breeder, or racing fan, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how Thoroughbred aftercare works behind the scenes—and what it takes to ensure that no horse is left behind after their racing days are over.

We’re back with another round of OTTB on Tap Evaluates, and this time, it’s all about the greys! In this teaser episode, we kick things off by revisiting our evaluations from Vol 4, sharing listener feedback, and revealing how our predictions stacked up against real-world results. Did we get it right, or did these OTTBs surprise us?

Then, we introduce the three grey Thoroughbreds featured in Vol 5—each with an interesting pedigree and plenty of potential for sport. Two of them trace back to Exchange Rate, while the other hails from the Cozzene line, giving us a lot to unpack. As always, we’re evaluating based on just a conformation photo and a Jockey Club name, breaking down their pedigree, conformation, and suitability for different disciplines.

If you want to hear the full episode—where we analyze each horse’s structure, movement potential, and sporthorse prospects—join us on Supercast! This episode is available for both Backstretch Access ($5/month) and Insiders ($10/month) subscribers. Signing up helps keep our podcast ad-free while giving you exclusive access to our deep-dive evaluations.

🔗 Subscribe now at https://ottbontap.supercast.com or click the Membership tab on our website!

🎧 Tune in now for a sneak peek, and subscribe to hear the full analysis!

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 for falconry, explaining what makes a great falconry horse and how these ex-racehorses adapt to working alongside birds in flight. His stories and insights offer a fresh perspective on the versatility of Thoroughbreds, all delivered with a healthy dose of humor.

Beyond retraining, we discuss the immersive experiences Recycled Racehorse Falconry offers for riders, what it takes to prepare a horse for this unique career, and how the program promotes sustainability and second chances for animals. Whether you’re curious about falconry on horseback, retraining OTTBs, or just love hearing about creative second careers for Thoroughbreds, this episode is jam-packed!

Ready to learn more? Tune in and discover how these ex-racehorses are soaring to new heights!

🎧 Never miss an episode! Click the ‘Membership’ tab at OTTB on Tap or head over to https://ottbontap.supercast.com/ to sign up and get exclusive content.

February was full of big moments for Oscar—some great, some… a little dramatic. From tackling group lessons and finally settling on a saddle to his first canter and a confidence-boosting obstacle course challenge, his progress was anything but boring! In this episode, we’re sharing a sneak peek of our full OTTB Training Diaries – February Recap exclusively for OTTB on Tap Insiders.

Want to hear how Oscar handled his first canter? What about the biggest lesson breakthrough that changed the game for his confidence? Plus, we’re answering listener questions on off-property trips, bitting for sensitive horses, picking up the correct canter lead, and more.

🎬 Bonus Content Alert! Supercast members also get access to bonus videos, including Oscar’s progress and a special voice-over breakdown where Emily and Niamh react to Emily’s first three-day event at the NAYRC CCI*—you don’t want to miss it!

🚀 Unlock the full episode & exclusive content by joining the OTTB on Tap Insiders at ottbontap.supercast.com or hitting the Membership tab on our website.

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 and conformation quirks in an OTTB PPE
• What PPE red flags matter—and which findings may not be dealbreakers
• Misconceptions buyers often have about vetting an OTTB
• How to work collaboratively with your veterinarian for a thorough pre-purchase evaluation

Whether you're a first-time OTTB buyer or a seasoned equestrian looking to refine your pre-purchase exam strategy, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights to help you choose the right horse.

🔗 Learn more about Twin Ponds Farm’s rehabilitation and performance programs: https://www.twinpondsfarmpa.com/

🔗 Never miss an episode! Click the "Membership" tab on our website or visit https://ottbontap.supercast.com for exclusive OTTB content!

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 journey began in Topsfield, MA, where she grew up competing in eventing and participating in United States Pony Club activities before earning her veterinary degree from Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After an intensive equine internship, she relocated to Pennsylvania and eventually became co-owner of Sports Medicine Associates of Chester County, a leading equine sports medicine practice. In 2019, she founded Twin Ponds Farm, a state-of-the-art equine rehabilitation and fitness center designed to provide top-tier care for sport horses and OTTBs alike.

At Twin Ponds Farm, horses benefit from advanced therapies like:

• Cold saltwater treadmill therapy for conditioning, strength, and post-injury rehab
• Cold saltwater spa treatments to reduce inflammation and aid tendon and ligament recovery 🔆
• Infrared solariums to enhance circulation, improve muscle function, and boost Vitamin D
• Shockwave and regenerative laser therapy for deep tissue healing and faster injury recovery
• Eurociser and dry treadmill training to improve fitness, flexibility, and stamina

In Part 1, we discuss common OTTB injuries, their natural resilience, and the rehabilitation techniques that help them recover and perform at their best. Whether you're retraining an off-track Thoroughbred or simply want to keep your sport horse feeling great, this episode is full of expert insights!

🎧 Don’t miss Part 2, where we dive into the often-debated topic of PPEs!

🔗 Explore Twin Ponds Farm’s services: https://www.twinpondsfarmpa.com/

🔗 Want exclusive OTTB content? Click the "Membership" tab on our website or visit https://ottbontap.supercast.com to sign up and never miss an episode!

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 month so you can listen in!

🔗 Sign up now at OTTBOnTap.Supercast.com. 📲 Link your Supercast subscription directly to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app—no extra hassle! 📸 Follow along with conformation photos at OTTBOnTap.Supercast.com.

Ready to take your OTTB knowledge to the next level? Subscribe today! 🎙️🐎

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 makes their approach to aftercare unique. We dig into the challenges of rehoming broodmares, the process of matching them with adopters, and how their partnership with the Retired Racehorse Project is creating more opportunities for these mares. Plus, Kyle shares some standout success stories that prove just how much these horses still have to offer—including one familiar to OTTB on Tap listeners. Annika Greaney, one of last year’s RRP Trainer Chronicles guests, competed at the Thoroughbred Makeover with Egoli, a retired broodmare she adopted from Mareworthy.

Mareworthy is also educating future OTTB owners through Mareworthy Academy, a free, expert-led 8-week program designed to help aspiring owners gain the knowledge they need to successfully care for a retired broodmare—or any horse.

If you’re inspired by Mareworthy’s work, you can learn more and support them at mareworthy.com. Donations help cover the cost of care, retraining, and rehoming for the mares in their program, and there are plenty of ways to get involved—whether through sponsorship, adoption, or spreading the word.

Next week, we’re switching gears and breaking down listener-submitted OTTBs in OTTB on Tap Evaluates Volume 4! This episode is exclusively for Backstage Pass and OTTB on Tap Insiders members, where we’ll take a deep dive into conformation, pedigrees, and sport potential. Want in? Sign up now at OTTB on Tap Supercast to get access and never miss an episode!

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!