This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with professional hunter/jumper rider and trainer TJ O’Mara. He spoke with us in mid-October during the busy indoor season.

To give you a little more background on O'Mara, he had a successful junior career, winning three equitation finals in 2016: the Excellence in Equitation Championship, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals - East, and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. In 2018, he turned professional while getting his college degree at the University of Kentucky. Two years later in 2020, O'Mara joined Max Amaya's team at Stonehenge Stables as a professional rider and trainer, with a focus on training the equitation students. Last year, he helped coach student Carlee McCutcheon to wins in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship. In the competition ring, O'Mara earned his first FEI win in 2022 and competes at the five-star level.  

In our discussion, O'Mara talks about the start of his professional career, important lessons he has learned thus far and his training philosophy.

About This Episode’s Sponsor, Purina

Confidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.