Preparing OTTBs for New Adventures
At Hearthstone, we are committed to rehabbing and restarting off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) slowly and intentionally before finding them their next partner. (Or keeping them;))
Located in Versailles, KY and organized by Taylor Tricarico, we are a collective of passionate and experienced individuals who come together to put the horse first, ensuring each animal that goes through our program has the foundation for their next career, whether big or small.
Our methodology is based in natural horsemanship techniques and the idea that if you listen, the horse will tell you what it needs. We take our time, and it shows!
We also have the occasional Pony or QH for sale or lease.
Keep Scrolling to see available horses.
Support Staff
Course Designer
WAFFLE was originally brought on as assistant trainer to our Western-leaning horses, but it quickly became clear that his talents lie in (re)designing courses. He uses his skills to move every cone, pole, standard, barrel, flag or obstacle into its optimal position for training sessions.
Head of Security
CASHEW never misses an opportunity to be in the middle of the action, making him the perfect Head of Security. He is right there in the round pen and the riding paddock anytime his best buds are put to work. You know, for safety.
Barn Manager
Barn Manager
DUMPLING'S enthusiasm for life on the farm is unmatched. He brings a special energy (and volume) to his role as barn manager. He specializes in making sure every last piece of grain is 'cleaned up' and that fans, benches and mounting blocks are sturdy enough to stand up to regular use.
Alfons Walde (IRE)
2016 15.2H Gelding
IRISH Bred Turf Horse
Darkest bay
13 Starts
87K in earnings
There isn't anything this horse won't try! He's so much fun. - Taylor
Alfie has been with us for almost 2 years and it shows!
The brain on this horse! I genuinely can’t emphasize enough how smart and quiet this guy is under saddle. The kind of mind everyone is looking for! The results of his spectacular demeanor are:
- Low spook. Really. I’ve tried. Can’t surprise this guy with anything. His 5th off-track ride was a solo trail ride where he was charged by barking dogs. He didn't flinch!
- Brave. He’ll try anything. Jumps, Cows, Liberty, Obstacles, a Hunter Pace. You ask, he gives it a go.
- Amazing off property. Seriously. He loads and unloads like a pro and he falls asleep between classes at shows. Will stay tied anywhere as long as you need.
- Will-do attitude. Alfie aims to please. Once that tack is on, he’s all business. His trainer said that he was a delight to race train for this reason too.
- Trustworthy. I've trusted him to give lessons to beginners, pack me down the side of a two lane road with cars whizzing by and hack out alone over hundreds of acres.
- A+ Partner. He connects with his person and picks up new skills fast!
Alfie is set up to be a true all-arounder. There were multiple weeks in his re-training where he’d do a hunter show one day, trail ride the next, school obstacles a few days later, give lessons to a beginner and pen cows to round out the week. He showed up with the same willingness every time.
He is athletic, cowy and has a cute jump on him. He is a responsive guy, who is just the right amount of forward, holds his gaits and moves beautifully of the leg. Happy to ride in Western tack or English, with a bit or without. He has the foundation and the mind to excel at just about any second career! He is level-headed and calm, but can have a big personality and is not the meet you at the gate, snuggle-bug type. Alfie shows his love by keeping his rider safe and trying his very hardest! My five-year-old daughter had her first ever independent trot on this guy!
Did I mention he’s BAREFOOT and requires zero maintenance? He does crib, but it’s controlled with a collar that will go with him. I mean he has to have at least one flaw, right!? He does best in turn-out with geldings only as he gets too attached to mares.
Check out his MANY Videos.
Alfie He is just getting back into work slowly, and will compete in some local obstacle competitions and hunter shows this spring and summer. His price is discounted to $3,500. You won't find a better deal for a mind and work ethic like Alfie's!
Twizzler
2019 16H Gelding
*RRP 2025 and 2026 Eligible*
JC Name: Midnight Dajoey
BY Twirling Candy out of Lighting Lydia
3 Starts
$22,400 in earnings
I don't know what he loves more, treats or kisses on the nose. - Taylor
Twizzler is quiet and smart, not to mention affectionate and kind. He has just the brain and demeanor we look for!
He is brave and willing. On his first trail ride he crossed everything including a rolling, wide creek. We've also had kids and beginners on him and he takes good care of them, like the sweet boy he is.
Twizzler is training for RRP2025 in Ranch Work.
$3,500 Sale. After RRP in October his price will increase.
Videos Soon
Taco Tuesday
2019 14.2H Paint Gelding
IN YOUR POCKET
Barefoot
No other animal has brought me as much joy as Taco! - Taylor
Do you like to be entertained? Enjoy a little sass combined with the smoothest trot around? Want to trail ride and win some ribbons at the local shows? Interested in being followed around by a 1000 lb puppy dog!?
This absolutely love of a boy is a huge pet and ex-track pony. He’s not a little kids horse (yet) and needs a confident older kid or adult who can ride him at least three times a week to reach his full potential. He will pay you back with alllll the Love. And could he be any cuter!!??
Taco enjoys: Obstacles, Liberty, Trail Riding, Jumping (up to 2"), Hunter Paces
Check out his videos for a glimpse at his unmatched personality!
$200/mo Off-Site Lease
Mom's Moon
2019 16.1H Gelding
*RRP 2025 and 2026 Eligible*
Barn Name: Moonpie
BY Kittens Joy out of a Consolidator Mare
16 Starts
$77,725 in earnings
Is it possible for a horse to be perfect is EVERY way? - Taylor
We waited months for this one to retire and come home. Moonpie had his last race on October, 8th 2024. On October 12th he was in the round pen calmly free-lunging and responding to my queues like we'd been paired up for months.
This one is special! He is athletic and willing but also kind and gentle. (Check out the video linked below of him sleeping on my shoulder!) Just a sweet, affectionate dude!
We've discovered he LOVES jumping so he's on his way to RRP 2025 in Show Jumping and/or Hunters under the stewardship of Danica Lawler.
After RRP in October he will be available for lease.
Hoosier Artist *SOLD*
2017 15.2H Mare
*Competed in RRP 2023*
Flashy Liver Chestnut
8 Starts
Less than 2K in earnings (She slow!)
God I love this mare! Once you earn her trust she will do anything for you. - Taylor
Safe. Sound. Sweet. Willing. Did I say Sweet!?
- Can be turned out with mares or geldings. Low on the totem pole.
- Not spicy and easy to catch from pasture.
- Stands tied and still for baths and grooming.
- Does great riding alone or with other horses in the arena or trails. Can go in any order when trail riding.
- Can pony horses off of her of any size and can be ponied.
- Can start on the lunge line quick but is easy to settle.
- She’s sound to walk, trot, canter and jump. Can pick up correct leads either way.
- Can ride in an arena with fencing or out in an open field.
- Stands still to get on/off.
- Brave to obstacles, terrain and fences.
- Barefoot with no maintenance and an easy keeper.
- Can be moderately anxious off property for the first few minutes but quickly borrows confidence from her rider to calm down.
- LOVES kids
- Gives great nuzzles and hugs
"Frida" is an in your pocket OTTB who wants nothing more than to please her people. She is the perfect combination of brains and beauty. She rides western or English and does everything a good broke horse should do, and then some. She loves the trails, but is also really taking to jumping and ranch riding. Three balanced gaits with lead changes. Obstacles are also her jam and she competed in the 2023 RRP thoroughbred makeover in competitive trail. Everyone who meets her LOVES her and I trust her with my five-year-old daughter. Whomever ends up with this girl in their barn will be very, very lucky.
Frida has had two full years of thoughtful post track training. She is the barn favorite everywhere she goes.
HER Origin STORY: https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/tag/hoosier-artist/
$7,500 Sale or $250/mo Off-Site Lease