S2 E16: Recycled Racehorse Falconry - Merging OTTB Retraining with the Art of Falconry

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!

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