The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS) continues its "30 Years, 30 Stories" anniversary celebration campaign with its next profile on Reverend Hanover.
After a brilliant first career on the racetrack, Reverend Hanover found his second calling as one of the most well-known faces of the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. He is one of several OSAS ambassadors whose role is to help spread the message of the versatility of the Standardbred breed through many different activities.
The ebullient son of Sportswriter quickly made a lasting impression on those involved with the program when he joined in 2019, including OSAS Administrator Joanne Colville.
“Reverend has been such an asset to the program. He, like our other ambassadors, excels in whatever he is asked to do,” praised Colville. “We are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to add him to OSAS. His previous owners still follow his progress and his accomplishments in showing the versatility of the breed.
“He’s a character, and he certainly knows how good he is at whatever job you give him.”
Breakfast Television's Rick Campanelli with Reverend Hanover and Joanne Colville.
Today, Reverend Hanover can be found travelling across the Ontario harness racing circuit, primarily at Woodbine Mohawk Park, serving as the program’s star attraction at its popular Meet & Greet and Drive With Us events.
Jean Posthuma and her husband Tom have been OSAS volunteers for nearly two decades. The pair, who accompany Reverend Hanover during Meet & Greets, have become quite close with the now 14-year-old pacer. Jean discussed her and Tom’s involvement with the program and their connection to one of its most beloved figures in a Q&A below.
For many people, Reverend Hanover is their first introduction to the Standardbred breed when they meet him outside Mohawk’s front door on Saturday nights during the summer and fall. What can you tell us about him and your involvement with the program?
“I’ve been involved with OSAS for 19 years. I’ve travelled to most racetracks in the area, attending events, races and horse shows. Saturday nights are spent at the main entrance of Mohawk doing Meet & Greet events. We are always promoting OSAS with information and selling our merchandise as fundraising is very important.
“Over the years, there have been many horses out front but Reverend Hanover has become a fan favourite. He was a star on the track during his career. He is now 14 years old and became an ambassador for OSAS after his retirement.”
What are some of your favourite memories from doing the Meet & Greet events with him?
“Reverend Hanover pulls into Mohawk Racetrack most nights with his head out the window calling out. He gets so excited to meet his fans. Saturday nights have become a ‘Date Night with the Rev’ for my husband Tom and me. Over the years, we haven’t missed too many nights.
“Special moments for us are watching people getting so excited to actually see a horse, being able to touch 'Reverend' and getting so excited to feed him a carrot. Reverend Hanover is so gentle and loves the attention. Being there is a great experience for everyone, especially seeing the excitement on the children’s faces.”
In your opinion, what makes Reverend Hanover the perfect ambassador for the OSAS program?
“Reverend Hanover has shown that he is up for any task he is asked to do. He appeared on Breakfast Television, he’s done a TV commercial, he goes on rides such as The Hunter Pace and Hooves for Hospice, he does parades and has even participated in cattle sorting. He is amazing.
“The best thing he does is give patrons a real experience of sitting behind a horse. After he is finished greeting his fans, he then goes to the paddock with a driver and will go one lap around the racetrack. This is the Drive With Us program sponsored by COSA [Central Ontario Standardbred Association]. It’s the thrill of a lifetime for everyone.”
You’ve been volunteering with OSAS for nearly 20 years. What has been the most rewarding part of your experience with the program?
“I love horses; they are amazing animals. Each has their own personality. Being a part of OSAS is very rewarding for me. The success stories, watching them go to their forever homes and being loved – retirement for them is wonderful.
“I’ve met a lot of people, made a lot of friends and learned a lot. I was not raised with animals and was nowhere near a farm. I became involved with the Racetrack Chaplaincy, and from there, started helping with barn chores. Then, I met Joanne Colville, and the rest is history.”
Fun Fact #1: Reverend Hanover made 27 starts during a tremendous racing career during which he won two Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series Super Finals (2014, 2015).
Fun Fact #2: Reverend Hanover, who banked more than $550,000 in total purses during his career, was a $24,000 yearling purchase at the 2013 Standardbred Horse Sale. He was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms.
Fun Fact #3: Reverend Hanover caught the acting bug in retirement, appearing in a 2025 Breakfast Television segment and a commercial.
(OSAS)