BIBLE HILL - In 2007 a small group of people familiar with standardbreds decided to take steps to let more people know what wonderful pleasure horses they can be. To do this in an organized way, they formed the Maritime Standardbred Pleasure Horse Association (MSPHA).
The organization's volunteers have now helped many former race horses in the Maritimes find new homes when their racing career ended.
MSPHA president Jackie Moore of Truro never planned to get a standardbred, but now has had one for seven years and says she wouldn't consider parting with him.
When a horse Moore used to have died, a friend found Rico (Charlotte's Rico) for her to cheer her up.
"I noticed his kind eyes right away," she recalled. "I thought I would train him and then sell him, but now I wouldn't sell him for a million dollars."
She and Rico were the winners of the standardbred under saddle class at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition last month.
"Since getting Rico I have found out what amazing horses standardbreds are," said Moore. "They have great stamina and are versatile. Even though most of them haven't been ridden before they're very willing and will try to do whatever you ask them to do. They can trot, canter, barrel race, jump, and do dressage and trails, and more."
Standardbreds are becoming more popular as riders/owners relate positive experiences with the breed.
There are many standardbreds who leave racing while they are still young because they are not fast enough to make money or because of a minor injury. A few horses race until the mandatory retirement age of 15 and then become saddle horses.
MSPHA, which is a registered non-profit society, is not a rescue organization but a volunteer network of people who promote standardbreds and try to connect those who need to find a home for a horse with potential buyers.
"We share tips on retraining standardbreds and share stories," said Moore. "We are willing to provide new people with information on the horses."
If it were not for the MSPHA some of the horses which found new homes would have gone to the livestock auction, where many are purchased for slaughter.
The members of the MSPHA don't make any money, but they feel rewarded when they see a horse happy horse in its new home.
More information can be found on the MSPHA website at www.mspha.ca/ and on the organization's Facebook group.
