S2 E13: OTTB Aftercare Spotlight: How Mareworthy is Changing the Narrative for Retired Broodmares

What happens to Thoroughbred broodmares when their breeding careers end? Too often, these mares are overlooked in the aftercare conversation, but Mareworthy Charities is working to change that. Founded by Kyle Rothfus, Mareworthy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to giving retired OTTB broodmares the retirement, rehoming, and second careers they deserve.

In this episode, Kyle takes us behind the scenes of Mareworthy’s mission, sharing how the organization got started and what makes their approach to aftercare unique. We dig into the challenges of rehoming broodmares, the process of matching them with adopters, and how their partnership with the Retired Racehorse Project is creating more opportunities for these mares. Plus, Kyle shares some standout success stories that prove just how much these horses still have to offer—including one familiar to OTTB on Tap listeners. Annika Greaney, one of last year’s RRP Trainer Chronicles guests, competed at the Thoroughbred Makeover with Egoli, a retired broodmare she adopted from Mareworthy.

Mareworthy is also educating future OTTB owners through Mareworthy Academy, a free, expert-led 8-week program designed to help aspiring owners gain the knowledge they need to successfully care for a retired broodmare—or any horse.

If you’re inspired by Mareworthy’s work, you can learn more and support them at mareworthy.com. Donations help cover the cost of care, retraining, and rehoming for the mares in their program, and there are plenty of ways to get involved—whether through sponsorship, adoption, or spreading the word.

Next week, we’re switching gears and breaking down listener-submitted OTTBs in OTTB on Tap Evaluates Volume 4! This episode is exclusively for Backstage Pass and OTTB on Tap Insiders members, where we’ll take a deep dive into conformation, pedigrees, and sport potential. Want in? Sign up now at OTTB on Tap Supercast to get access and never miss an episode!