OTTWA Network Retrainers

What is a Network Retrainer?

OTTWA Network Retrainers are experienced equestrians who work with retired thoroughbreds and standardbreds as they transition from racing into their next careers.

Network Retrainers bring a wealth of knowledge across a range of performance and pleasure equestrian disciplines.

Network Retrainers have demonstrated their commitment to horse welfare and to providing retired racehorses with the care, education and opportunities needed to succeed beyond racing.

The OTTWA Retraining Program

The OTTWA Retraining Program connects owners and trainers with a trusted network of experienced OTTWA Network Retrainers across Western Australia, including regional locations, supporting additional pathways for horses as they transition beyond racing.

Horses that meet the eligibility criteria and are accepted into the program are made available for selection by an OTTWA Network Retrainer.

If a horse is not selected by an OTTWA Network Retrainer within 30 days, it will become eligible to enter the OTTWA Estate Retraining Pathway.

This additional pathway helps support more horses by increasing retraining and rehoming opportunities.

Applying to the OTTWA Retraining Program

Submitting an application is the first step towards your retired racehorse being eligible for the OTTWA Retraining Program.

The application provides our team with information required to understand your horses suitability for the program. Simply click the button below to start your horses retraining journey.

Download Application Form

Applications submitted to: animalwelfare@rwwa.com.au or posted to the OTTWA Estate, 18 Money Road, North Dandalup 6207

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

Melanie Parsons

Melanie, alongside daughter Ivy and husband Justin, combine generations of racing knowledge with proven success in retraining retired racehorses. 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 and Ivy’s focus on eventing and show jumping has seen numerous thoroughbreds successfully transition into new homes.

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 with Melanie’s guidance.

“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

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, 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 retired racehorses and their willingness to try anything.

Jessamy has also produced multiple horses into loving and competitive homes; including one who was purchased and imported to the United States.

Michael Dagostino

Michael is a very experienced equestrian competitor and has competed in many different equestrian sports including eventing, show horse, dressage, show jumping, polocrosse and polo. 

Michael’s main discipline is eventing where thoroughbreds truly excel. Having retrained retired racehorses for several years and a Board Member of Perth Racing, Michael and his team are invested strongly into the racing industry.

Having competed up to the highest level, Michael has worked with many talented horses following their retirement from racing. Most notable horses include Rockleigh, Samson Lad and current mount, Steel Business (winner of the Bunbury OTTWA Six-Bar competition).

Michael’s property, Oakford Equestrian, comprises of 200 acres and has an extensive range of facilities which allows off the track horses to have a unique opportunity to experience a range of different environments; a significant advantage in their training and long-term education

Sammy Bain

Sammy has been competing and working with retired racehorses for over a decade. At seventeen, Sammy along with riding racehorse, also brought along ‘Lightning Sky’ as her first OTT, producing the mare up to 2* eventing. This was just the beginning of her OTT journey.

Competing in both eventing and show jumping, Sammy has a fond appreciation for the talent that Thoroughbreds have towards these disciplines. With connections in the racing industry, Sammy enjoys searching for a horse with good confirmation, good feet and a good brain. These are the three attributes that Sammy most values in a racehorse.

Having rehomed and retrained several horses throughout her career, Sammy fondly recalls Scurgey Boy as one of her ‘highlights’ and described the gelding as a “kindhearted horse who deserves the world”.

“Another horse isn’t just another horse. They become part of my family, and they stay as part of my family even once sold on.”

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 cycle of a thoroughbred’s 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 horses 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 horse and producing one that is reliable, educated and a pleasure to ride.” – Ferne Faulkner

Natalie Hibbert

Natalie Hibbert combines years of experience in the equestrian community with several years of working with racehorses. Having worked with Allan Matthews and Ivan Haggerty, Nat is well acquainted with racehorses and their routines in and out of racing.

Competing predominately in eventing, Natalie has competed to the highest level of competition, competing on the Trans-Tasman team and representing Australia on thoroughbred, Willie Orwonti. She has also groomed for Sonja Johnson at the Olympics and World Equestrian Games, adding to her knowledge of equine welfare and competition preparation.

Currently competing onboard her gelding, Two Chances, Natalie has produced super results and enjoys the opportunity to introduce a retired racehorse to a new career. Together ‘Wally’ and Nat recently won the High-Point OTT Show Jumper award at the Perth Royal Show and won Runner-Up Best Performed OTT at the 2025 Equestrian in the Park Grand Prix.

“I have always had thoroughbreds and have loved everything about them; their heart and stamina is amazing.” – Natalie Hibbert