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 odd ...
... Read more
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.
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.
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!