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.