The Centaur Podcast — Episode Summary

Podcast: The Centaur
Host: Camron Adibi
Episode: The Heart of a Thoroughbred (October 17, 2025)
Theme: The powerful bonds between humans and thoroughbred horses, as revealed at the Thoroughbred Makeover event, with a deep dive into the horses’ second careers, the people who support them, and the vital themes of aftercare, community, and healing.

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt, immersive episode, Camron Adibi takes listeners to the Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park—an annual event run by the Retired Racehorse Project. Through candid interviews with competitors, judges, charities, veterinarians, and organizers, Camron explores what makes thoroughbreds special, how the event changes both horses’ and humans’ lives, and how aftercare and advocacy build a tightly connected, passionate community. Special emphasis is placed on the healing connection between horses and people, including stories of loss, resilience, and hope.

Key Segments & Insights

1. Introducing the Thoroughbred Makeover

• [00:15] Camron describes his first experience as a volunteer at the Thoroughbred Makeover, emphasizing the event’s inclusivity and the diversity of people it attracts.
• Main Point: The event is a “real treat,” featuring 250+ competitors, 10 classes, and a profound dedication to giving ex-racehorses a second chance.

2. Competitor Voices: What Makes Thoroughbreds Special?

Alexandra Lerner & Cadence Manino with Peanut Butter Toast

• [01:30–02:45] Alexandra describes the trainability of thoroughbreds:

  “I love how trainable they are... You just have to show them how kind you are and they’re willing to listen and do whatever you want.” (Alexandra Lerner, 02:15)

• Their horse, Peanut Butter, is noted for his relaxed demeanor even in intense situations.
• [02:45] Camron highlights the visible bond between horse and human, a recurring theme.

Nathan Bowers & Flying Cheeto

• [03:05] Nathan credits his horse for their trail competition victory:

  “Honestly, it’s the right horse. He’s just a great horse, and he wanted to do it.” (Nathan Bowers, 03:10)

Colorado Team with Christine Oliver and 19 Oysters

• [04:05–05:20] Collaborative spirit is key. The group’s detailed choreography and unique approach, including ski joring, showcase the versatility of thoroughbreds and creativity of their trainers.

  “She jokes it’s his emotional support fish…” (Alexandra Lerner, 05:10)

3. Behind the Scenes: An Event’s Heart and Structure

Announcing & Charity (Kyle Rothfuss, Mare Worthy Charities)

• [05:43–07:57] Kyle explains the freestyle event and shares the origin of his nonprofit, which saves and rehomes retired broodmares:

  “They have done so much… for me, it was about how do I have a place for them.” (Kyle Rothfuss, 07:19)

Judging and Horsemanship (Julie Robbins)

• [08:27–09:44] Julie shares what makes a performance exceptional:

  “It is the simplicity of the partnership... that herd of two, as I call it—that is what is a winning performance to me.” (Julie Robbins, 09:18)

4. A Performance with a Mission: Jacqueline Dickey & Donner

Dedication to Suicide Prevention

• [10:45–18:21] Jacqueline, whose son Austin died by suicide, wins the freestyle with a moving performance dedicated to mental health awareness.

  “I’m just incredibly thankful that Donner and I were able to give suicide awareness a voice in a very unique way, using horse and rider…” (Jacqueline Dickey, 10:48)

• The performance inspires others to share their own mental health struggles:

  “Since then, I’ve received multiple messages… from people who saw the performance and were touched by it.” (Jacqueline Dickey, 12:46)

• Jacqueline shares the healing power of her partnership with Donner:

  “Donner has helped me to have a healing road that I would not have had if I didn’t have him.” (Jacqueline Dickey, 18:24)

• Advice for those in crisis:

  “If you’re struggling, reach out, ask for help… Don’t be afraid of the stigma involved with asking for help.” (17:20)

5. Welfare and Aftercare: The Veterinary Perspective

Dr. Shannon Reed, RRP Board Member & Consulting Veterinarian

• [21:00–29:23] Shannon details the rigorous arrival exams and veterinary care—all horses get checked for health, body condition, vaccination, and basic soundness.

  “For every year, the arrival exams happen from Monday and Tuesday and get them all done in that 18-hour period of time.” (Shannon Reed, 22:00)

• She underscores the need for proper nutrition, transition care, and the importance of a post-purchase vet exam for new owners.

  “We wanted to get away from that myth that thoroughbreds have to be skinny. They don’t, but they do need a proper nutrition program.” (Shannon Reed, 25:57)

• On why adopt a thoroughbred:

  “There’s a built-in heart of an athlete in there… they have a lot of intelligence too. So it’s a little bit of a fulfilling challenge.” (Shannon Reed, 27:49)

6. Event Origins & Advocacy: The Retired Racehorse Project

Kirsten Green (Executive Director) & Kristen Kovac Bentley (Managing Director)

• [31:51–53:44] The RRP and Thoroughbred Makeover were inspired by reality TV, expos, and Mustang makeovers, but have become a unique platform promoting aftercare and increasing demand for thoroughbreds.

  “One of the biggest, most visible ways that the Retired Racehorse Project executes its charitable mission, which is to increase demand for thoroughbreds...” (Kirsten Green, 32:24)

• RRP offers services:

  • Free online horse listings
  • An education library with 200+ articles and seminars
  • In-person clinics and graduate programs

• Measurement of success is based not on prize money but on increased value of thoroughbreds, improved retention and transition outcomes, and comprehensive data collection.

  “We’ve noticed… the purchase price of horses has gone up. So to us, that’s something that we can kind of hang our hat on to say… we have helped to increase that…” (Kirsten Green, 43:42)

• RRP serves as a bridge between the racing world and new owners, striving for better traceability and support throughout a horse’s life.

• On the enduring allure of the thoroughbred:

  “I think so many people would say it’s the heart. And… at the risk of being corny or cliche, like, yeah, it’s the heart.” (Kirsten Green, 53:16)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "They’re so fun and easy to guide to simple things. They just are like, yeah, ready?"
  (Alexandra Lerner, 02:23)
• "It’s pretty easy to do things with a horse that wants to do things."
  (Nathan Bowers, 03:17)
• "Really it is the simplicity of the partnership... that is what is a winning performance."
  (Julie Robbins, 09:18)
• "Donner has helped me to have a healing road..."
  (Jacqueline Dickey, 18:24)
• "There’s a built-in heart of an athlete in there... it's a fulfilling challenge, I guess."
  (Shannon Reed, 27:49)
• "It’s the heart... what other breed has been around contributing in so many ways over so many hundreds of years?"
  (Kirsten Green, 53:23)

Notable Timestamps

• 00:15–01:26 — Camron’s introduction, setting the stage
• 01:26–05:19 — Competitors’ stories and recurring themes about thoroughbred qualities
• 05:43–07:57 — Announcing and the charity perspective
• 08:27–09:44 — Judging insights and the definition of true partnership
• 10:45–20:20 — Jacqueline Dickey’s moving segment on suicide prevention, community response, and healing
• 21:00–30:45 — Detailed breakdown of veterinary protocols and welfare philosophy
• 31:51–53:44 — Origins, goals, adaptability, and future vision of the RRP and the broader aftercare sector

Takeaways & Episode Tone

• Community & Healing: The event is not just a competition; it’s a place of healing, support, and inspiration for both humans and horses.
• Education & Advocacy: Aftercare, retraining, and adoption are at the heart of the RRP’s mission, with transparent systems and a commitment to ongoing improvement.
• Thoroughbred Versatility: Time and again, speakers return to the thoroughbred’s heart, intelligence, and adaptability.
• Original, Positive Energy: Camron’s inquisitive, warm, and grateful style brings out genuine stories of hope, partnership, and transformation.

For more information or to get involved, visit therrp.org.