OTTB on Tap

Niamh O'Connell and Emily Kocubinski
  • 5.0 (26)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

OTTB on Tap is a podcast focused on all aspects of Off Track Thoroughbreds. Hosted by Emily Kocubinski and Niamh O'Connell, the podcast explores the care, retraining, and experiences of OTTBs after their racing careers. The show features special series like the 'RRP Trainer Chronicles,' highlighting trainers preparing horses for the Retired Racehorse Project, and 'OTTB Underdogs,' sharing stories of horses overcoming the odds.

  1. S3 E1: OTTB on Tap Returns: Burnout, Balance & the Year of the Horse

    3D AGO

    S3 E1: OTTB on Tap Returns: Burnout, Balance & the Year of the Horse

    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 MoyaS2 E16, Recycled Racehorse FalconryS2 E24, Ali Kuhn & Little HailEmily’s picks S2 E7 & 8, Tom & Clare MansmannS2 E20 & 21, Aubrey GrahamS2 E31 & 32, Shannon RileyHonorable 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, orCommenting on the episode post on social mediaListener Prompts Year of the Snake: If the Year of the Snake is about shedding skin, what are you no longer carrying into the next season?Year of the Horse: If 2026 is about movement that feels right, where would you go first?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 ottbontap@gmail.com 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. Follow us on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    1 hr
  2. S2 E35: Expect the Unexpected: Harley Whittaker on Training OTTBs for Dressage, Rider Fitness & the Road to Kentucky | RRP Trainer Chronicles

    09/18/2025

    S2 E35: Expect the Unexpected: Harley Whittaker on Training OTTBs for Dressage, Rider Fitness & the Road to Kentucky | RRP Trainer Chronicles

    In this RRP Trainer Chronicles update from OTTB on Tap, we sit down again with dressage trainer Harley Whittaker of HW Dressage in Kirkwood, Pennsylvania to hear the latest on her 2025 RRP Makeover partner, Juancho (“Jack”). Harley shares the ups and downs of Jack’s first dressage show experience, why she’s choosing to keep him in dressage as his primary discipline, and what kind of home she sees for him after the Makeover. Beyond Jack’s journey, Harley gives us an inside look at her training business, the horses currently in her barn, and even a recent appearance she made on JJ Tate’s podcast. She offers a practical training tip for green horses and OTTBs—breaking down how she adjusts her approach between Jack, a Thoroughbred gelding, and Navy, a young warmblood mare. We also dive into Harley’s passion for rider fitness, exploring how her six-day-a-week gym routine translates into better feel, empathy, and effectiveness in the saddle. Harley explains how fitness outside the barn supports her students too, and shares advice for riders looking to get started on their own programs. With the Makeover countdown on, Harley reflects on the biggest lesson Jack has taught her (“expect the unexpected”) and looks ahead to more off-property practice before they head to Kentucky. Whether you’re an OTTB owner, dressage enthusiast, or rider wanting to balance horse training with personal fitness, this conversation with Harley is packed with insights and inspiration.

    52 min
  3. S2 E34 | Double the OTTBs, Double the Disciplines: Chelsey O’Brien’s Journey with Peppy & Fuzzy | RRP Trainer Chronicles

    09/04/2025

    S2 E34 | Double the OTTBs, Double the Disciplines: Chelsey O’Brien’s Journey with Peppy & Fuzzy | RRP Trainer Chronicles

    In this installment of RRP Trainer Chronicles, an OTTB on Tap Original Series, we catch up with returning trainer Chelsey O’Brien as her 2025 RRP Makeover journey takes shape. This year, Chelsey is retraining two very different OTTBs—each with their own story and style. ✨ Peppy (JC name: The Pepsodent Show) has stepped into the hunter ring, showing the elegance Thoroughbreds can bring to the discipline. His second Makeover division is still undecided, but one thing is certain—he’ll be available for adoption through Pastured Place after the competition, ready to shine in a new home. ✨ Fuzzy Wuzzy, her fiery mare “built like a French Bulldog,” is tackling barrels and ranch work—proving that OTTBs can excel in Western arenas just as much as English ones. Chelsey opens up about how she decided which disciplines fit each horse, the obstacles they’ve faced along the way, and how she balances her roles as a trainer, breeder, and mom. She also takes us behind the scenes at the Virginia Thoroughbred Association Yearling Futurity, where she proudly presented homebred colts and fillies just a year after foaling them out. With her philosophy of striving to be 1% better every day, and her belief that training is an art form, Chelsey shares one of her go-to OTTB training tips that listeners can put into practice. If you love stories of OTTB versatility, retraining insights, and the heart behind the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover, this episode is a must-listen.

    1h 25m
  4. S2 E33: Stephanie Parkot's Summer of Progress with Sterling Honor | RRP Trainer Chronicles

    08/21/2025

    S2 E33: Stephanie Parkot's Summer of Progress with Sterling Honor | RRP Trainer Chronicles

    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

    56 min
  5. S2 E32: More Than a Rider: Shannon Riley on Body Image, Online Criticism & Mental Health in the Saddle (Pt2)

    07/22/2025

    S2 E32: More Than a Rider: Shannon Riley on Body Image, Online Criticism & Mental Health in the Saddle (Pt2)

    In Part 2 of our candid conversation with Shannon Riley of Infinity Sport Horse, we go beyond the arena to talk about the challenges many riders face but few openly discuss—body image, online criticism, and the mental health toll of working in the equestrian world. Shannon shares what led her to speak out, how she’s learned to protect her peace, and why creating a healthier, more inclusive space matters for the next generation of professionals. But it’s not all heavy—Shannon also dives into her practical approach to retraining Off-Track Thoroughbreds. She shares how she transitions OTTBs from track to sport, her go-to groundwork and under-saddle exercises, and how she gauges a horse’s potential as a confidence-builder or upper-level competitor. Whether you’re a rider, trainer, or OTTB fan, her tips are grounded, real-world, and designed to meet horses where they are. We also explore what mentorship looks like in her program and why she believes her greatest success stories are the riders she’s helped launch into their own careers. If you’ve ever struggled with confidence in the saddle—or wanted to build a barn culture that values growth over perfection—this episode is for you. 👉 Missed Part 1? Be sure to go back and listen to S2 E31, where Shannon shares her early journey with OTTBs, how she built Infinity Sport Horse, and the personal turning points that shaped her career. Photo Credit: Liz Crawley Photography 2025

    39 min
  6. S2 E31: Why OTTBs Win Her Heart: Shannon Riley on Retraining Thoroughbreds and Building Infinity Sport Horse

    07/18/2025

    S2 E31: Why OTTBs Win Her Heart: Shannon Riley on Retraining Thoroughbreds and Building Infinity Sport Horse

    In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with Shannon Riley of Infinity Sport Horse for Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation. Based in Aiken, South Carolina, Shannon is a professional eventer, OTTB trainer, and resale specialist known for her thoughtful, honest approach to developing sporthorse prospects. Shannon shares how her early love of horses—and her first Thoroughbred—set her on a path that would eventually lead to the founding of her training and sales business. From formative experiences with mentors and milestone competitions to the devastating personal loss that pushed her to rebuild her life in Aiken, Shannon reflects on the moments that shaped her as a rider and horsewoman. She also opens up about her early struggles with imposter syndrome—something both Niamh and Emily can relate to—and the advice she’d give to anyone battling self-doubt while building a career in horses. We explore Shannon’s deep connection to Off-Track Thoroughbreds: why she’s drawn to retraining OTTBs, what makes them such versatile athletes, and how she evaluates prospects for resale or upper-level competition. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how she runs Infinity Sport Horse and what green flags she looks for when selecting a Thoroughbred for sport. Whether you’re a first-time OTTB owner, a resale-focused rider, or someone building a training program from the ground up, this episode offers inspiration, real talk, and actionable insight. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Shannon opens up about rider fitness, body image, online criticism, and how she’s mentoring the next generation of equestrian professionals. Photo Credit: Liz Crawley Photography 2024

    1h 12m
  7. S2 E29: A Tale of Two OTTBs: Chelsey O’Brien on Confidence, Giving Back & RRP Dreams

    06/26/2025

    S2 E29: A Tale of Two OTTBs: Chelsey O’Brien on Confidence, Giving Back & RRP Dreams

    Virginia-based trainer Chelsey O’Brien returns to OTTB on Tap as she gears up for the 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover—this time with two OTTBs and twice the determination. Representing the nonprofit Pastured Place, Chelsey introduces us to The Pepsodent Show (“Peppy”), a charismatic 5-year-old gelding by VE Day. With a name that throws it back to the golden age of radio—The Pepsodent Show was a wildly popular 1930s–40s comedy series hosted by Bob Hope, not unlike today’s podcasts—Peppy brings brains, athleticism, and a big personality to the table. Chelsey is also retraining her personal mare, Fuzzy Wuzzy, a powerful 4-year-old by Palace, for the barrels and possibly ranch work. In this candid episode, she walks us through how she juggles training two very different OTTBs, her role as a Pastured Place ambassador, and what it means to advocate for Thoroughbred aftercare as both a horsewoman and a mom. From groundwork and restart strategies to hauling, first shows, and building mental fitness, Chelsey shares thoughtful advice for anyone bringing along an off-track Thoroughbred. She also reflects on how organizations like Pastured Place and The Western Thoroughbred are changing the landscape—making OTTBs more visible and accessible in both English and Western disciplines. This episode is part of the RRP Trainer Chronicles, an OTTB on Tap Original Series spotlighting the trainers and Thoroughbreds preparing for the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover. Whether you're considering an OTTB for barrel racing, competitive trail, eventing, or the Thoroughbred Makeover, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways from a trainer who's all heart—and all in. OTTB on Tap is 100% independently produced by two horse girls who love Thoroughbreds and great storytelling. If you enjoy the show, you can support us through Buy Me a Coffee at buymeacoffee.com/ottbontap. Every bit helps us keep the mics on and the stories flowing. 🐎💛

    46 min
  8. S2 E28: Meet Ruby Bleu: Amanda Chance’s Warhorse Partner for the 2025 RRP

    06/17/2025

    S2 E28: Meet Ruby Bleu: Amanda Chance’s Warhorse Partner for the 2025 RRP

    In this RRP Trainer Chronicles episode of OTTB on Tap, we sit down with adult amateur eventer, longtime Thoroughbred advocate, and sporthorse breeder Amanda Chance, who’s making her Retired Racehorse Project Makeover debut in 2025 with a true warhorse—an off-track Thoroughbred with over 50 starts (he raced a whopping 100 times!) Known for her candid blog and podcast Breed.Ride.Event., Amanda brings a unique perspective to the OTTB world—combining her eye for conformation with real-world experience restarting Thoroughbreds for second careers in eventing and sporthorse disciplines. She shares what it’s like retraining a seasoned racehorse, how her breeding background shapes her OTTB evaluations, and why she believes more adult amateurs should take the leap into Makeover territory. We talk about selecting her RRP partner, how his extensive racing career impacts his retraining, and the mental and physical adjustments involved in transitioning a veteran OTTB. Amanda also offers advice for first-time RRP trainers, her favorite sporthorse traits in Thoroughbreds, and how she keeps the journey fun, even when progress stalls. Whether you're a fellow OTTB owner, eventing enthusiast, adult amateur, or curious about the Thoroughbred Makeover, Amanda’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

    1h 5m
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About

OTTB on Tap is a podcast focused on all aspects of Off Track Thoroughbreds. Hosted by Emily Kocubinski and Niamh O'Connell, the podcast explores the care, retraining, and experiences of OTTBs after their racing careers. The show features special series like the 'RRP Trainer Chronicles,' highlighting trainers preparing horses for the Retired Racehorse Project, and 'OTTB Underdogs,' sharing stories of horses overcoming the odds.

Information

  • Creator
    Niamh O'Connell and Emily Kocubinski
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ottbontappodcast 2023
  • Show Website
    OTTB on Tap

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