After a season of intense growth, big goals, and even bigger emotions, OTTB on Tap is back for Season 3.

In this return episode, Niamh and Emily come up for air and reflect honestly on burnout, boundaries, and what it really looks like to fully commit to something and then choose a new way forward.

Inspired by a quote from Matthew McConaughey about the clarity that comes from fully committing instead of living in the limbo of a half-assed effort, and a reminder from Taylor Swift that energy is expensive, this episode sets the tone for a more grounded chapter for the podcast and for life with off-track Thoroughbreds.

We reflect on the emotional and mental load of 2025, including the aftermath of the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover, and talk openly about equestrian burnout, OTTB identity beyond competition, and what sustainable progress really looks like for horses and humans alike. This conversation centers on non-linear OTTB journeys, rest without guilt, and redefining success in the OTTB retraining world.

Spotify Wrapped 2025 and Standout Episodes

We also dive into our Spotify Wrapped 2025 data, celebrating just how much OTTB on Tap grew this past year and what that growth has meant to us and the community.

We each share our most memorable episodes:

Niamh’s picks

• S2 E27, Ramon Moya
• S2 E16, Recycled Racehorse Falconry
• S2 E24, Ali Kuhn & Little Hail

Emily’s picks

• S2 E7 & 8, Tom & Clare Mansmann
• S2 E20 & 21, Aubrey Graham
• S2 E31 & 32, Shannon Riley

Honorable mentions, because we truly love every episode, include Trotty by Nature, Turning For Home, Pastured Place, and our RRP Chronicles trainers Amanda Chance, Harley Whittaker, Stephanie Parkot, and Chelsey O’Brien.

Looking Ahead to 2026, The Year of the Horse

We frame 2026 as the Year of the Horse, a season focused on intentional movement, partnership, and forward motion that feels right rather than constant output. We also share how OTTB on Tap is evolving in Season 3, with more conversational episodes, listener involvement, and space for honest conversations about balance, mental health, and life after big goals.

This episode is for anyone navigating life after the RRP, questioning hustle culture in horse sport, or learning how to stay connected to their OTTB and themselves without burning out.

Listener Giveaway! Win an “Easily Distracted by OTTBs” T-Shirt

We are giving away three OTTB on Tap “Easily Distracted by OTTBs” t-shirts, one winner for each prompt below.

To enter, respond to one or more prompts by:

• Leaving a comment on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or
• Commenting on the episode post on social media

Listener Prompts

1. Year of the Snake: If the Year of the Snake is about shedding skin, what are you no longer carrying into the next season?
2. Year of the Horse: If 2026 is about movement that feels right, where would you go first?
3. One Word Check-In: One word to describe 2025 and one word you are carrying into 2026.

Important If you comment on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, please email us at [email protected] to let us know you entered and include your display name or a screenshot. Podcast platforms are often anonymous, and we want to be able to contact you if you win.

1 winner will be selected per prompt.

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