David Reid, who heads up Preferred Equine Sales Agency, was elected president of the Standardbred Transition Alliance at the first meeting of that group, held Tuesday (Nov. 27) at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y.

Reid, though his work with Preferred, has sold tens of thousands of Standardbreds at public and private auction, both as a consignment agency and sales manager of Tattersalls and Lexington Selected Yearling Sales Company in Lexington, Ky. and at the Meadowlands. He also breeds and races Standardbreds.

“This is a long overdue initiative that will take cooperation of the entire industry and I’m optimistic that, over time, it will make a big difference for our horses and the groups that serve them,” said Reid. “It will also give donors confidence that they’re supporting groups with solid operational practices. I am honoured by the confidence of my fellow board members and look forward to working with all of them.”

Committees were formed to advance fundraising for and accreditation of groups helping horses in transition from traditional uses. The STA will provide grants to cover partial funding of 501(c)(3) groups serving Standardbreds and ensure they utilize best practices for equine care and financial management through an accreditation process.

The STA will adapt the established model used to accredit and partially fund 70 groups serving Thoroughbreds, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The STA is a self-standing organization that has applied for 501(C)(3) status and is a registered charity with the Ohio Secretary of State and Attorney General.

Moira Fanning, chief operations officer at the Hambletonian Society, was elected vice president, Mitchel Skolnick of Bluestone Farm will serve as treasurer and Elizabeth Caldwell of Cane Run Farm will be secretary.

The board members are Rick Moore of Hoosier Park, Kelly Young of the New York Sire Stakes, Kevin Greenfield of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and Hickory Lane Farm, Michelle Crawford of Crawford Farm, Dr. Bridgette Jablonsky of Hanover Shoe Farm, Bill Abdelnour of the New England Amateur Harness Drivers Club, Dr. Donna Franchetti, Standardbred owner and veterinarian, and Dr. Patty Hogan of Hogan Equine Clinic.

(Standardbred Transition Alliance)