M.S.P.H.A.

I thought I would share with everyone a well-written and thought out update on a very special relocation last year. Sunshine, now known as “Sunny” had thankfully made his way to a new and loving home, due to a somewhat unconventional rehoming. The MSPHA had gone out on a limb and replied to an online inquiry for someone looking for a trail safe riding horse. Little did we know that by doing this it would mean a whole new life for Sunshine.

Check out Livia’s blog about Sunshine’s journey from start to present, it is well worth the read

http://medwaystables.blogspot.com/2011/09/sunshine.html

The Exhibition is but half over, and the MSPHA is having a great time! Our booth is set up in the industrial building with information, applications, available horses, success stories, and pictures. The standardbred undersaddle class went great with three entries. 11-year old Riley Bezanson rode “Mischevious Lad”, a standardbred who was adopted through the MSPHA program last fall. Theresa Totton rode her horse “Danny Boy” and Jackie Moore rode her horse “Charlotte’s Rico”. There were also three entries in the standardbred roadster class!

Today, live harness racing starts at 1:30pm, so if you didn’t get your standardbred fix yesterday, come on down to the track today for live harness action!

MSPHA also has 2 horses available on the track grounds, so if you or someone you know is looking for a new friend, tell them to fill out an application, and these horses can be shown during the week.

Enjoy the pictures and see you at the Ex!

A great time was had by all last Sunday at the Truro Raceway! This time every year, each racing horse receives a bag of carrots as a way to say thank you to the breed! This year the MSPHA thought it would be nice to offer treats to the spectators as well, and had a bake sale! The treats were a hit, we talked to lots of people, and saw some great live racing! Thank you to all who stopped by the booth, thank you to those who contributed the yummy baked treats, and for Truro Raceway for once again being a great supporter of the organization!

For more information and race schedules, check out the Truro Raceway website -  http://www.truroraceway.ca/

Riley Bezanson (owner of  Island Enforcer, Mischevious Lad, both adopted through MSPHA) wanted to feature the MSPHA for his heritage project for school. His first presentation allowed him to be invited to regionals, where I had the opportunity to stop by and see his wonderful display.  His presentation was great, and well represented the organization. Riley was proud to promote the MSPHA, as well as share his personal stories of his own horses! Congrats Riley, and thank you for considering the MSPHA for your project!

MSPHA had a great weekend at the Atlantic Horse Fair! Many people were expecting to see us, and were quick to come say hi! “Save a Nag, Buy an Egg” was a success, as well as our button promotion. Most importantly we were able to connect with MANY great people and spark interest in the horses we have available. We also had Canadian celebrity Jonathan Torrens stop by our booth, and shared some encouraging words!

Two standardbreds also represented the breed in the “Parade of Breeds”. We had a great weekend overall, and look forward to doing it all again next year Many thanks to the Truro Raceway for being so supportive of the organization, and providing us with everything we needed for the weekend! Happy Easter from the MSPHA!

An article in the Truro Daily News is announcing that live racing is resuming again this weekend at the Truro Racway. After a four month hiatus, the Sunday races will return, starting with 8 races this Sunday! Check out the article for more details, and make sure to put some bets on the ponies to welcome harness racing back for 2011!

http://www.trurodaily.com/News/Local/2011-03-29/article-2378027/And-theyre-off/1?action=sendToFriend

Live racing will be resuming again at the Truro Raceway Sunday, April 3rd, 2011. Live racing had taken a winter break this year, but will be back again for the season in only a couple of weeks. Make sure to stop by the Truro Raceway Sunday afternoon to help kick off the 2011 Harness Racing Season!! Check out their website for more information! http://www.truroraceway.ca/

She’s Still Drinking aka “Brandy” was adopted through the MSPHA this fall by Emilie Fowler. Brandy is coming along just great in her under saddle training this winter! You will soon see this new duo in some central Nova Scotia shows VERY soon! Great work Emilie and Brandy!! Here is Brandy working on her lovely trot despite the cold winter snow!

2010 was a great year for the MSPHA and we could not have done it alone! Thirteen standardbreds have been directly adopted through our adoption program this year, and several others we have helped indirectly with other organizations. Many networks have been established with local businesses and rescue organizations to help educate people on the versatility and pleasure involved with owning an off the track standardbred. Our website has also been launched for a year, and we are becoming a familiar organization within the Maritimes for what we do.

Stay tuned for News, events and available horses into the new year! We will be at Atlantic Horse Fair this April, Atlantic Grand Circuit week this summer, and have other events in the works! Don’t forget to check out our chat forum that is now being updated to accommodate your Facebook login! This will help to make it easier to stay connected with other standardbred owners and share success stories and questions!

All the best to everyone in 2011! We look forward to what it has to hold!