In Part 2 with returning guest Chelsey O’Brien, we catch up on what life looks like after the Retired Racehorse Project and what she’s working on next.

Chelsey introduces her 2026 prospect, Rustler, aka Rusty, a stakes-winning OTTB owned by Pastured Place. He’s a very different ride from the horses she’s brought along for the Makeover in previous years, and this one is pushing her in new ways as a trainer. We talk about what that process actually looks like day to day, including the moments that feel messy and the ones where things suddenly start to come together.

We also dig into the two videos that recently went viral and the reaction that followed. One features Dude, an OTTB Chelsey took on and carefully rehabbed after a difficult start. Chelsey shares the full story behind that video, how things unfolded online, and why she still believes in showing the real side of retraining off-track Thoroughbreds.

It’s an honest conversation about horsemanship, perspective, and staying committed to the horse in front of you, even when the internet has opinions.

Chelsey O’Brien returns to OTTB on Tap for a long-awaited catch-up, and this one starts with the real story behind her 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Makeover experience.

Chelsey, a Northern Virginia trainer who rides for Pastured Place, is known for restarting off-track Thoroughbreds across multiple disciplines. In this episode, she walks us through what it actually takes to bring not one, but two OTTBs to the RRP. From hunters and Western dressage to barrels and ranch work, she shares how she develops versatile sport horses and why letting the horse choose its path is central to her training philosophy.

This episode dives deep into the highs, the pressure, and the unexpected challenges of the RRP Makeover. Chelsey opens up about preparing young Thoroughbreds for competition, managing multiple disciplines, and what happens when things do not go according to plan. From historic rainstorms at the Kentucky Horse Park to tough decisions about scratching classes and putting the horse first, this is an honest look at the reality of competing OTTBs at a major event.

We also talk about her experience competing in the Real Rider Cup, a unique event that raises money for Thoroughbred aftercare, where Chelsey stepped back into the jumper ring in a completely different setting and challenge.

You will hear Chelsey’s perspective on horsemanship under pressure, how setbacks can reinforce your training philosophy, and why the makeover is just one small part of a much bigger journey with these horses. This conversation is packed with insight for anyone training an OTTB, considering the Retired Racehorse Project, or navigating the balance between competition goals and doing right by the horse.

In Part 1, we cover Chelsey’s RRP experience from start to finish, including both horses, the lessons learned, and the moments that tested everything she believes about training and partnership.

Part 2 will pick up with life after the makeover & the Real Rider Cup, and what happens when a training video goes viral.

In this episode of OTTB on Tap, we catch up with Stephanie Parkot for a recap of her journey to the 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover with her Off Track Thoroughbred (OTTB), Sterling Honor. Stephanie went into the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover with a clear goal. She wanted to finish in the Top 10 in Competitive Trail. Not only did she set that goal, she achieved it.

Stephanie shares how she adopted Sterling Honor through New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and what it took to prepare a young Off Track Thoroughbred for the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park. From months of training and hauling out to obstacle courses, to a last minute lameness scare just weeks before the event, Stephanie walks us through the real experience of preparing an OTTB for the RRP Makeover.

We talk about why she chose to compete in both Competitive Trail and Freestyle, two disciplines that test a horse’s confidence, focus, and partnership with the rider. Stephanie describes how obstacle work helped Sterling develop emotional regulation and bravery, and how cross training can benefit any horse transitioning from racing to a second career.

Stephanie also shares the story behind her fun 80s themed freestyle routine, what it was like performing freestyle in the covered arena at the Kentucky Horse Park, and how she and Sterling worked through the challenging water obstacle during the Competitive Trail finals. Her creative solution in the water helped secure a Top 10 finish and marked a proud moment in her Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover journey.

Whether you are planning to compete in the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover, retraining your own Off Track Thoroughbred, or simply interested in how racehorses transition to new careers, this episode offers an honest look at the preparation, persistence, and partnership required to bring an OTTB from the racetrack to a successful showing at the Retired Racehorse Project.

Stephanie also reflects on what she learned from her second trip to the Kentucky Horse Park, how the experience shaped her approach to training Off Track Thoroughbreds, and what comes next for Sterling Honor after the 2025 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover.

This episode discusses the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, training Off Track Thoroughbreds, OTTB Competitive Trail, OTTB Freestyle, New Vocations adoption, and preparing Thoroughbreds for second careers after racing.