The Journal Pioneer has cast its spotlight on Woodmere Farms, the 50-year-old Standardbred breeding operation in Marshfield, PEI which is in full swing right now, even though the COVID-19 pandemic has done all that it can to grind activity to a halt.

“With mares, foals, yearlings and stallions, we’ll peak at about 50 horses very soon," Bruce Wood recently told The Journal Pioneer. "Approximately 15 of those are mares that come to Woodmere for the breeding season. Typical breeding days consist of collecting stallions and taking care of semen ship outs. Then check on farm mares to take care of their 'repro' needs, which may mean breeding, pregnancy checks or scheduling their next check.”

Standardbreds pictured at Woodmere Farms.

The Journal Pioneer article explains that although it was not part of his plan, Bruce took the reins at Woodmere in 2012 when his late father, Wally Wood, the farm's founder, passed away that summer.

“I was a big fan of harness racing in my high school years, but really didn’t have any involvement at Woodmere until Wally and I bought Wildride Hanover in 2011,” Bruce was quoted as saying. “Probably all along, both Wally and I thought that my brother-in-law, David Cook, would continue on with horses at Woodmere. Unfortunately, he passed away before Wally. At that time, I knew that for Woodmere to have a fair shot, there needed to be an investment in genetics. So, we did that and were able to see a return on investment.”

St Lads Morgan meets some new friends during a Woodmere Farms open house on September 16, 2018.

In addition to discussing Woodmere, Bruce, who is the first chairman of the recently assembled PEI Standardbred Breeders Association, discussed the new organization and its aim to help build the breeding business on the island.

“There was much to do in the first few months, and we had to prioritize,” Bruce said. “We have a great diverse committee that’s engaged with the challenges that lie ahead. [We hope to build] a framework that’s inviting to both new and experienced breeders –- a foundation that showcases sustainability and a return on investment in the breeding industry that has a positive economic impact and leaves a green footprint here on P.E.I.”

Standardbreds pictured mingling with some children during a Woodmere Farms open house on September 16, 2018.

To read The Journal Pioneer article in its entirety, click here.

(With files from The Journal Pioneer)