Here in Manitoba the September long weekend marks the end to another season of Great Western Harness Racing. This has been a tough summer with several race day rainouts and many many days when our training tracks were simply too wet for jogging , let alone training.
The end of the season also can mean the end of the line for horses that simply did not make the grade for one reason or another. Some because of age, some due to injury and others because they just could not go fast enough. Some of these horses are sweethearts who have given years to competitive racing while others are like grumpy old men, simply not nice to be around.
This summer I had the pleasure to meet a "Sweetheart". Actually I think he was my mare Jane's sweetheart as they are best buddies. His name is Pampered. 10 years old and the vetran of 162 races with 19, firsts, 16 seconds and 15 thirds. At his peak he paced the mile in 1.58:1 and earned $54,302.00 foi his owners. However the ravages of time and the track have slowed Papered down to where he is not competitive, but non competitive does not equal useless.
Retired standardbreds are perfect for many retirement occupations like pleasure driving, riding and just plain fussing over. They have been exposed to everything from vehicles, track maintenance machines to screaming crowds and usually are unflapable. They are used to being handled and typically love people. So Pampered has a new occupation - exhaulted pasture ornament and pleasure driving horse.
I am not opposed to horse slaughter. It is a necessary evil. However some old road warriers like Pampered need and deserve a loving home. He now stands proud in his new pasture, making new friends with grass rustling around his knees as his muscles recouperate. He is learning the joy of retirement
The Standardbred industry in BC is in a state of flux. The potential for racing to end is real. With that comes the potential need for many "Sweethearts" like Pampered to need a new home. Before you buy your next pleasure horse, investigate the possibility of giving a horse who has given his life to the rigors of racing a home for life.
Open your heart, and your barn to a Standardbred. See www.greener-pastures.ca for more information.