Links - Adoption Agencies & Societies

Galahad is an organization based in Quebec, devoted to the mission of helping Standardbreds in need. It provides a network of shelters for horses as a temporary or permanent refuge, reducing slaughter and euthanasia. Galahad works with horse owners who can no longer bear the costs for various reasons, as well as neglected or abandoned horses. Travelling throughout the province, the group promotes the safety and well-being of horses with educational activities, information and inspection.

Based in British Columbia, Greener Pastures is a registered non-profit charitable organization. The horses are donated by racing owners who wish to have them placed in caring, recreational homes. Greener Pastures is dedicated to changing the lives of horses, retraining them before finding loving homes for the racing retirees. Estabilished in 2003, the organization has managed to adopt out over 50 horses per year.

New Start Standardbreds was founded in 2020 to assist in the re-homing of Standardbred horses across the province of Ontario. In 2022, New Start Standardbreds teamed up with the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in the USA, to take on overseeing the adoption contracts for slaughter rescued horses coming back to Ontario / Eastern Canada.

Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS) was founded in 1996 to assist in the adoption and relocation of retired and non-racing Standardbred horses. OSAS’s program educates and oversees the retraining and management of the horses and showcases the versatility of the incredible Standardbred breed. Each adoptive family are matched to the temperament and capabilities of the individual horse and follow ups after adoption ensure ongoing success. OSAS is operated by a Board of Directors.

Performance Standardbreds was established in 1990 in Calgary, Alberta. Standardbred enthusiasts realized the potential these horses had as saddle horses. This organization promotes the breed in a new and positive light, recognizing and showcasing their incredible versatility. A placement program for horses retiring from the track was implemented in 1992, ensuring new careers. Horses are both purchased by and donated to the program, to assist in the transition from trackside life to suitable homes.

Starting as the P.E.I. Equine Retirement Society in 1996, the registered charity Sadie’s Place was renamed in 2008 in honour of an equine resident. Sadie’s Place is focused on helping retired, unwanted or neglected horses in Atlantic Canada find new, loving homes. While the organization is an all-breed rescue, it is predominantly involved with Standardbreds. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the organization's caretakers, many horses have gone on to new careers in dressage, reining, jumping, pleasure and trail riding.

Un centre d'adoption de chevaux Standardbred situé à St-Just-De-Bretenières à 7 minutes des lignes du Maine et d'une douane. Notre mission: Acueillir les chevaux Standardbred en fin de carrière de course, de poulinage, maltraité ou ceux qui veulent s'en départir, de tout âge. Nous les accueillons et soignons dans un environnement naturel. Nous nous occupons des recherches et transferts de propriété. Certains seront vendus avec un contrat d'adoption pour s'assurer de leur bien-être, d'autre seront gardés en permanence avec nous, selon l'entente avec les donateurs. Standardbred Québec Adoption est une organisation enregistée qui accepte les donations.

An adoption society for Standardbred horses located in St-Just-De-Bretenières, Que., only seven minutes away from the Maine/U.S. border. Standardbred Québec Adoption's mission: "Shelter horses after their racing/breeding career, mistreated or for those who just wants them to find a good home, for all aged horses. We will take them in and bring them back to health if needed in a natural environment. We will take care of the research and transfers of ownership. Some will be sold with Adoption contract to ensure the best re-homing possible while others will stay with us permanently, depending on the agreement with the owners." Standardbred Québec Adoption is a registered charity that accepts donations.

The Standardbred Retirement Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt organization created to care for, rehabilitate and secure lifetime adoption of non-competitive racehorses, to ensure their proper care with follow-up, and combine the needs of youth at risk with these horses in therapeutic equine programs to benefit both.