This past weekend, the Truro Daily News ran an article profiling the Maritime Standardbred Pleasure Horse Association (MSPHA) and its push to find homes for former standardbred racehorses.

“Racing season has completed and with that there are always horses who need homes,” MSPHA President Jackie Moore was quoted as saying in the report. “We get a lot of interest in adoption in the spring but this is actually a good time to adopt because there are several horses available and you can spend the winter bonding with your horse.”

The article states that the MSPHA currently has eight horses waiting to be adopted.

Moore went on to say, “standardbreds are great horses and shouldn’t be overlooked.” She also explained how her standardbred, Rico, grew on her immediately and instantly became part of the family.

“I was skeptical about them (standardbreds) until I got one nine years ago,” Moore said. “Rico is 14 now and I love him. With the right training they can do all kinds of things. They’re very versatile and people who get them are pleased with their personalities. Once they have one many people want another. Another advantage of adopting a standardbred is that you get to know you’re helping, because the horses who cannot race need homes.”

(With files from the Truro Daily News)