Well known Ontario pacer Hollywood Ham has begun his third career, this one as a riding horse, after having recently been adopted from the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. He is one of five retired Standardbreds to have recently been placed in 'forever homes' by OSAS.
A 12-year-old son of Mach Three known affectionately as 'Woody,' Hollywood Ham was trained and owned by Stacey Reinsma from a yearling until earlier this year. As his racing career, which spanned from 2010 to 2015, was winding down he began a new vocation as part of the Hands On Horses program. That popular attraction travelled to most Ontario tracks where they gave patrons the opportunity to ride behind a Standardbred alongside a qualified driver.
Woody was a fan favourite, as he would stand patiently while he was being petted and photographed by many folks who were enjoying their first-ever experience with a horse. He gave thousands of race patrons across the province their first exposure to the wonderful nature of the Standardbred. Unfortunately, due to this year’s pandemic and the operation of racetracks without fans, Woody, like many, was unemployed, and Stacey made the difficult decision to place him with OSAS.
“He has had his career as a racehorse, his second career promoting the sport, and now due to COVID he is ready for his third career as a companion and riding horse. I unfortunately am at a place in my life where I can't offer him the time and interaction he deserves,” she noted at the time.
Hollywood Ham was fostered by Susan and Bert Mollica, who taught him the riding basics. He has been adopted by Janet O’Brien, who shared photos of him in his new home on OSAS’s Facebook page yesterday along with this note: “We’re thrilled to welcome a much-deserving Hollywood Ham (AKA Woody) to his new home! He’s settled in just fine with our herd, a couple little mare squeals and that’s about it! Woody seems like an absolute gentleman so far.”
Howdy Partner and Kwik Mac, who were both stablemates of Woody’s at the Mollicas, have been adopted together by Beth Mackin. Also finding forever homes and departing from their OSAS foster homes recently were Excel PV (Kari Loscher) and Holy Checkmate (Catherine-Amelie Renaud).
Despite the unpredictability of this year, OSAS has been very busy. In addition to these five recent adoptions, OSAS has recently added a pair of mares to its program. To see all of the horses available for adoption, please visit the OSAS website.
Howdy Partner and Kwik Mac were fostered together during their time with OSAS and were adopted together, as well.
(OSAS)