What happens when you take an off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) into the hunter ring and stop treating it like an “alternate” to a warmblood? In this episode of OTTB on Tap, Niamh flies solo for our first truly hunter/jumper-focused OTTB episode with Pennsylvania pro Madison Barnett of MB Equine (USEA event rider + hunter/jumper trainer) and standout junior rider Caden Nolt.

Madison breaks down why Thoroughbreds became the backbone of her program, what retraining her first OTTB taught her about horsemanship, and why OTTBs often “expect” riders to show up like professionals. We talk cross-training hunters with eventing (conditioning, bravery, brain engagement), why some Thoroughbreds thrive when the work stays interesting, and how that forward-thinking approach can create a more rideable, competitive hunter.

Caden shares what it’s like producing a Thoroughbred in the hunters as a junior—including riding Geo Lemon, his one-eyed Thoroughbred gelding, and navigating the (very real) bias against a one-eyed horse in hunter derbies. He also explains how eventing experience (including riding with William Fox-Pitt) has influenced his hunter style—especially when the fences get bigger, the turns get tighter, and the questions get scarier.

We also dig into the big-picture conversation: if we want OTTBs to be taken seriously in the performance hunter divisions, riders have to actually put them in the ring against warmbloods—and have them prepared to win. Madison and Caden share practical advice on starting OTTBs over fences, confirming lead changes (without over-schooling), and what they look for in a Thoroughbred prospect for hunters.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• OTTB retraining for hunters: what matters most early (and what doesn’t)
• Why Thoroughbreds can make riders better: faster thinking, full-picture horsemanship
• Cross-training hunters with eventing: conditioning, boldness, and keeping brains fresh
• One-eyed horse in the hunter ring: rules, perceptions, and how Geo Lemon proves people wrong
• The mindset shift: moving from Thoroughbred-only divisions to performance divisions
• Caden’s goals for Junior Hunter Finals + bringing along a new OTTB prospect

If you’re Googling things like “best OTTB for hunters,” “how to retrain an off-track Thoroughbred for hunter/jumper,” “OTTB lead changes,” “Thoroughbred hunter derby training,” or “can a one-eyed horse compete in hunters,” this conversation is for you.

Plus, Niamh shares a fascinating lesson on rider biomechanics using a mechanical horse.

In this first-ever OTTB on Tap Unscripted episode, we hit record with no outline and dive straight into an OTTB buyer reality check that every rider needs to hear.

We start with an honest conversation about rider self-evaluation and why choosing the right Off-Track Thoroughbred should begin with you, not the horse. From green horse readiness and riding confidence to time commitment, training support, barn environment, and major life changes, we break down the questions that matter most before you shop. If you have ever been tempted by the flashiest or hardest horse in the barn, this episode explains why there is truly no prize for choosing the harder horse.

From there, the conversation expands on biomechanics as Niamh walks through her experience riding a mechanical horse equipped with sensors that track balance, symmetry, and position. The lesson highlights how subtle physical habits affect real horses and why self-awareness in the saddle is a critical part of being a responsible OTTB owner and rider.

This episode launches our new Unscripted series, where we trade formal outlines for candid, off-the-cuff conversations about OTTBs, riding, and the realities of horse ownership. It is a Patreon-exclusive episode for both paid tiers, and we are also releasing it on our public feed as a preview of the extra content available on Patreon. Check us out (you can join as a free member): https://www.patreon.com/OTTBOnTap

How a Fake Horse Can Help You Ride a Real One: https://tinyurl.com/RideAFakeHorse

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 Moya
• S2 E16, Recycled Racehorse Falconry
• S2 E24, Ali Kuhn & Little Hail

Emily’s picks

• S2 E7 & 8, Tom & Clare Mansmann
• S2 E20 & 21, Aubrey Graham
• S2 E31 & 32, Shannon Riley

Honorable 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, or
• Commenting on the episode post on social media

Listener Prompts

1. Year of the Snake: If the Year of the Snake is about shedding skin, what are you no longer carrying into the next season?
2. Year of the Horse: If 2026 is about movement that feels right, where would you go first?
3. 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.

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