Farrier Jason Hillman CF, based in Chester County, PA, joins OTTB on Tap to tackle one of the most debated topics in Thoroughbred aftercare: hoof health. Jason shares insight into Thoroughbred feet, OTTB hoof care, and the real factors that impact long-term soundness, drawing from his experience working with a large Thoroughbred client base and retraining his own OTTBs.

In addition to being a trusted farrier in the Mid-Atlantic, Jason is also an event rider. He competes his supermare Cruisewithbrandon and is preparing his warhorse gelding Kingsville for the 2025 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, where he’ll compete as a team with his mother, June Hillman—a past guest on the podcast and lifelong Thoroughbred advocate.

From radiographs and shoeing cycles to common concerns like thin soles, weak walls, and negative palmar angles, Jason breaks down what matters most when managing OTTB hooves. We also explore modern tools like glue-ons, frog support, wedges, and flat pads—plus when to use them (and when not to).

You’ll hear:

• What to expect post-track and how to set your horse up for success
• Tips for high/low syndrome, moisture management, and fly season
• Why farrier-owner communication is essential—and how to build it
• Listener-submitted questions on PPEs, bell boots, and hoof hacks

Whether you're retraining your first OTTB or working with seasoned sport horses, this episode offers real-world hoof care advice from someone who lives it in and out of the saddle.

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. 🐎💛

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.