OTTWA Network Retrainers

What is a Network Retrainer?

Our network of professional equestrian trainers working to retrain and rehome retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. These professionals are supported through funding by Off the Track WA and Racing WA.

The Network Retraining pathway is the first step in the OTTWA Retraining Program. Horses submitted into the program are offered directly to Network Retrainers to take on for training and rehoming.

Ownership of the horse can be transferred to the Network Retrainer if mutually agreed upon.

These Network Retrainers have demonstrated their commitment to meeting Racing WA’s animal welfare standards of training and have a proven history with finding retired racehorses’ new homes after they retire from racing. They have been vetted by Off the Track WA to ensure that their property, riding and business (including insurances) are of an acceptable standard.

The OTTWA Retraining Program

Choosing to submit your horse for retraining and rehoming through the OTTWA Retraining Program offers a range of advantages:

• Assured training tailored to ensure each horse is set up for success beyond racing.
• Careful assessment of suitable homes for the horse.

Should a horse not be accepted by a Network Retrainer, they will be considered for the OTTWA Estate pathway.

This pathway works to find suitable outcomes for horses that may not be considered by our Network of Retrainers.

If you have been unsuccessful in your own rehoming efforts (e.g. advertised the retired racehorse for sale with little to no interest/unsuitable options) you may like to submit the horse into the OTTWA Retraining Program.

How do I submit my horse?

Submitting horses into the program is free and easily done through submission of an application form.

This form covers all aspects of the process and requires some knowledge of the horse’s behaviour, history and training.

Ownership of the horse remains with the racing owner until rehomed either by a Network Retrainer or the Estate pathway.

Print Application Form

Once received, our rehoming team will review the horse’s application and inform acceptance within five business days.

Melanie Parsons

Melanie and Ivy Parsons combine generations of racing knowledge with proven success in retraining retired racehorses. Alongside Justin Parsons, they have developed a program that assesses each horse as an individual, preparing them for suitable careers beyond racing.

Melanie’s expertise in show horses and hunters, combined with Ivy’s focus on eventing and show jumping, has seen numerous Thoroughbreds successfully transition into new homes and disciplines. Among Melanie’s proudest achievements are Chesta Piniton, later known as show champion: DP Amazing, and Magic Seignorota, who found success in the show ring as Dymonds.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Ivy has established herself in the eventing and jumping world, currently producing former racehorse De Lovely Lad into a successful performance horse.

“I take enormous pride in recognising a diamond in the rough and watching that horse develop into the superstar I always believed it could become.” – Melanie Parsons.

Bayley Thomas

Bayley Thomas is no stranger to rehoming and retraining racehorses. Raised on the harness track with grandparents, Frank and Jette Ellis, Bayley has a strong understanding of the Standardbred breed. Having worked for trainers such as Aldo Cortopassi, Jared Humphries and Craig Billingham, Bayley has a history of turning harness horses into fantastic ridden mounts.

With her heart in show horse and dressage, Bayley has a keen eye for good paces and quality horses. Throughout her retraining past, Bayley has rehomed many successful horses from both racing codes.

In addition to her retraining and rehoming, Bayley is also a dedicated, rider and show horse competitor. She has bred and produced her own horses to qualify for several Grand National Championships.

“I love both breeds, but I especially love the Standardbreds. It’s amazing how adaptable they are to go from being harness racing horses to riding horses. They are an incredibly honest breed of horse.” – Bayley Thomas

Ferne Faulkner

Ferne Faulkner has years of experience in the racing industry under her belt. Having worked at studs before transitioning into track work, Ferne is well acquainted with the full life cycle of a Thoroughbreds development into a racehorse. This experience led to Ferne’s involvement with her local turf club for over a decade.

Competing as an equestrian in show jumping and eventing, Ferne is dedicated to transitioning Thoroughbreds into new careers after racing. Having owned and competed many Thoroughbreds after racing, Ferne attributes their versatility and adaptability to success in equestrian careers.

Proud owner of Hillside Equestrian, Ferne has been a committed coach and rider for over twenty years working to better her craft and the skills of others.

“I get a lot of enjoyment out of training horses; taking a raw off the track or green broken horse and producing a horse that is reliable, educated and a pleasure to ride.” – Ferne Faulkner

Jessamy Palmer

Jessamy Palmer has years of experience connecting her to the racing and equestrian industry. With family ties in racing and having track rode for years, Jessamy also spent two years working alongside Olympian and pre-trainer of Thoroughbreds, Shane Rose. These connections helped Jessamy develop a firm understanding of how racehorses are trained.

In addition to her racing ties, Jessamy dabbles in the occasional amateur race and competes regularly in eventing and show jumping. Acknowledging their versatility, Jessamy praises Thoroughbreds and their willingness to try anything.

With a keen eye for a good horse, Jessamy’s small claim to fame is spotting a lovely big Thoroughbred at Ascot one year and connecting him with his future home. That horse was Hell on Wheels who is now competed by Shenae Lowings at Olympic and World level.

Alongside spotting and helping to connect Shenae with Hell on Wheels, Jessamy has also produced multiple horses into loving and competitive homes; including one who was purchased and imported to the United States.

“I was pretty proud to have spotted a horse like Hell on Wheels and love what Shenae has been able to do with him.” – Jessamy Palmer