The British Columbia Standardbred Horse Adoption Society (BCSHAS), which was established six years ago, has announced it recently went through some changes in both their facilities and personnel
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At the invitation of the BC Standardbred Association (BCSA), the BCSHAS relocated its Greener Pastures adoption program to the new training centre in south Surrey. The property was formerly part of the Robert Murphy farm. The BCSHAS has a large barn on a quiet corner of the training centre which comes complete with a large hay loft, turn out paddocks and a training ring. Not only is the new facility located closer to both potential volunteers and adopters, but thanks to the BCSA, the rent is significantly lower than the market rate.
The move to the new facility was marked by an open house on September 13. The occasion was also used to thank the many volunteers who have contributed to the program. In fact, the move was made smoother by approximately 15 horsemen who showed up for a work bee prior to the move. In one day this crew cleaned the blackberries and alder from the paddocks, built and patched fences and constructed the training ring.
The BCSHAS also engaged a new Program Coordinator this year. Sue Allan has experience in both show ring and harness racing. She also has management experience in the retail sector. Hired in March, Sue has proven to be well matched to the task.
The Board of Directors has acquired two new faces. Alina McLeod has joined the board and has taken on the role of Secretary. Tim Larsen has been appointed to be the BCSA representative. These two joined the incumbent directors, President Ann Elder (Fraser Downs), Vice-President Mary Austin (BC Standardbred Breeders Society) and Treasurer Marge de Boer.
The BCSHAS remains unique in North America in that it is a Standardbred adoption organization founded and supported by the harness racing industry. Over 225 horses have been placed in caring recreational homes since the Society was incorporated in June of 2003. The BCSHAS is a registered non-profit society and has charitable status with Revenue Canada.
More information regarding the program is available at the BCSHAS web site at www.greener-pastures.ca, while Sue Allan can be contacted at 778-571-1118.
(BCSHAS)