We’re back with Stephanie Parkot for round two of her RRP Trainer Chronicles journey—and wow, what a summer she and her OTTB Sterling Honor (by Honor Code, from New Vocations) have had. From tackling a Mounted Police Clinic with her son to braving the atmosphere of the Erie County Fair Hunter/Jumper Show, Stephanie shares the highs, the challenges, and the big takeaways as she and Sterling prepare for the 2025 RRP Makeover.

Noise sensitivity, buddy sour moments, show-ring chaos—Sterling has tested her patience in all the classic OTTB retraining ways. But he’s also shown just how much heart Thoroughbreds bring when given a chance. Stephanie breaks down what’s working, from earplugs to confidence-building hacks, and why figuring out her horse’s “comfort zone” has been such a game-changer.

And remember that mounting block dance from her first episode? That’s now a success story. Stephanie walks us through how she taught Sterling to stand still for mounting—a small detail with huge safety implications for any OTTB rider.

As always, Stephanie keeps it real about balancing family life, motherhood, and horse training, sharing how a supportive husband, a training log, and even a backyard-built water obstacle are helping her get ready for Kentucky. With her trademark “flexible consistency” and a clear focus on progress over perfection, she’s proof that the road to the Makeover is just as rewarding as the event itself.

Photo by Megan Pattern