There is a life after racing.

Adopt A Standardbred (NZ) is an organisation whose object is to re-train and re-locate standardbreds to new homes once their racing careers have finished. It is based on several American organisations who have been successful.

The fate of a racehorse who did not make the grade in Harness Racing would normally be humanly destroyed ("Dog Tucker"). However among that group of horses there are a large number that are healthy, young, and well mannered that would make perfect riding horses.

In the past, the standardbred has had no other use after racing but as a hack. Nowadays there is a demand for these horses in the show ring, trekking, riding schools and as carriage horses. Standardbred showing has come a long way in the last couple of years and now the horses have there own classes in most A and P shows around the country.

For financial and practical reasons it is not the intention of this organisation to rescue all unwanted horses. We are interested in those horses whose mental and physical well being are such that they will be able to be re-trained for pleasure, show and/or other horse sports.

My name is Kelly Taylor, and I am currently employed at Addington Raceway, which have given me their full support in this new venture.

I myself have spent a number of years working with standardbreds and have come to find that may others share in my passion of this unique breed. They have flexibility and honesty.

I can foresee in the future that the standardbreds in this organisation will be able to financially support themselves, and in doing so promoting the standardbred as one of New Zealand's most popular breed for recreational horse sports.

For an interview or information on "Adopt A Standardbred (NZ)" please contact: Kelly Taylor Telephone 025 224 9597 Or after 5 p.m. 03 338 8454

PRESS RELEASE 8th November 1998

Adopt A Standardbred (NZ) in conjunction with members of the NZ Ridden Standardbred Association will be involved in a ridden display of standardbreds on the track between races on Show Day at Addington Raceway.

The display is timed to start at around 2pm.

It will consist of 11 horse and rider teams and a group of four horses will be lead in-hand.

This display is a demonstration for the public to see that there is life after racing for this unique breed.

Any publicity you could provide for this event would be grately appreciated as the media is our number one way of getting our message to the public.

For any further information please contact Kelly Taylor on 03 3389 - 094 at Addington Raceway or after hours on 03 3388 - 454.

PRESS RELEASE 15th January 1999

Adopt A Standardbred (NZ) is about to celebrate it's first and hopefully annual anniversary of it's establishment this month.

It is intended to celebrate this milestone on Saturday, 23rd January 1999, with members of the Harness Racing Industry ( Owners, Trainers, and Officials) who have supported us over the last year.

During which there will be a ridden display of the standardbreds currently in the care of Adopt A Standardbred (NZ).

A presentation will be made by Mrs Mary Kotzikas to Adopt A Standardbred (NZ) of a horse float to transport the horses around the Canterbury area. This is very much appreciated and we wish to make a feature out of this event.

Over the last year Adopt A Standardbred (NZ) has achieved a number of feats to promote the standardbred as an alternative post race option for horse enthusiasts.

Archer

• Ridden display Addington Raceway on Show Day
• Ridden displays at Methven Races
  12th September 1998
  6th December 1998

  NZ Standardbred Riding Association Show (14th November)

  5 horses won 18 ribbons including Champion

  Horse Rides

  Pet Expo 98 six horses gave over 400 rides (11th & 12th July)

  West Spreydon School Fair ( 1st November)

• Over 72 horses have been accepted into the Adopt A Standardbred Programme.
• There is approximately a 90% success rate to adjust the horses to a new lifestyle.