Nostalgia in the slow lane
Intern driving Reckless Sabra
Horses are donated to H.O.U.R.S.E. by caring people in the harness racing industry who want their horse to have a positive purpose after racing. But many owners and trainers lack the resources to rehabilitate and retrain their unraceable Standardbred and this is where H.O.U.R.S.E. serves the industry.
When we receive a horse, we begin at "the beginning." Though these horses have excellent manners and many are accomplished drivers, we assume they know nothing. The first step is to assess their bodies for pain or tension and their behavior for bad habits and fear. Injuries (if any) are rehabilitated and fears are defused; training begins with redefining balance for the horse. He learns to slow down and enjoy a more casual pace in his new life. When his mind and body are ready, he is introduced to ground work, then a saddle and soon after, a rider mounts. Because they have usually been driven, they have "well trained" mouths. Before leaving for their new homes, it is our goal that they behave safely with a full understanding of left, right and whoa. They are essentially "green broke"; it is up to the adopter to continue his training.
Nostalgia in the slow lane
Intern driving Reckless Sabra
"While most of our Standardbreds are Pacers (a pace is a lateral two beat gait) many do trot and canter freely in their pastures. Personally, I enjoy my own Standardbred mare's silky smooth, slow pace. This is much like sitting in a gently swaying hammock which is easy on my back. I have taught her to pace, trot and canter on demand. Nearly every sound Standardbred can walk trot and canter. I believe it is not the horse who can not learn, but the horseman who can not teach."
C. Terry Holden, Executive Director