Ever think about adopting a Standardbred? Want to learn more about tips on how to steer them in the right direction for a career once off the race track?

Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program will be at Pure Country Campground in New Berlin, N.Y.. Saturday (July 22) to help educate about the adoption process and how they prepare Standardbreds for their new homes.

The demonstration will be one of several offerings at the two-day Standardbred Retreat where guests can learn all about the breed.

Olivia Kimelman, an alumni of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, will also be on hand to demonstrate how to harness and drive a Standardbred. She will present the difference between the two Standardbred gaits — pacing and trotting.

Kimelman will also be bringing her Standardbred (that she rides and brought back to race) to showcase the versatility of the breed. She and her mare, Casbah, have been participating at the National Standardbred Show in New Jersey the past few years and are included in promotions to showcase their journey.

Kimelman, who comes from a harness racing background, will be available for questions and guidance based on her own experiences transitioning Standardbreds into different careers other than what they are bred to do — race in harness.

The retreat includes two nights of camping or there is a one-day ticket option. Booking must be done online at purcountrycampground.com.

Demonstrations and clinics will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with a saddle fitting and massage clinic.

A representative of the United States Trotting Association will be hosting a virtual presentation beginning at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The presentation will be about what the USTA is, becoming a member and looking up horse information and the Standardbred Incentive Program (SIP).

Anybody partaking in the retreat will also be able to sign up for a slot to show off their own Standardbred’s talents. Each participant will be given a 15 minute time frame. Slots are limited. Contact Michelle Miller at mnmiller84@gmail.com if interested.

On Sunday, Jillian Gemmell of Mountain Thyme Training will hold a clinic on different types of driving along with providing the opportunity for participants to learn about Navigating. Jillian is a professional carriage driver, specializing in combined driving. The Navigation 101 clinic will be limited and needs to be booked with her separately. The cost is $25 and she can be reached at 315.440.2561 or equinedriver@yahoo.com. If the Navigation does not fill the free clinic will not take place, so please get signed up.

The weekend is designed to be like a mini horse expo, but also geared for children and families just learning about horses. We also want to gain exposure to the campground, which is a great place to come camp with your horses and it is operated by a Standardbred owner and trainer.

A raffle will be held to benefit the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, so please bring an item to be included. Other activities may include a poker run drive/ride, a peddle horse race and other horse related activities.

Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, Inc. is a New York State Not-For-Profit Class “B” Corporation with Federal 501(c)3 tax exempt status. The organization is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and was formed to ensure that retired Standardbred horses find a second calling and profession. The base of operations is a 105-acre farm located in Oxford, N.Y. According to its website, the program can accommodate a maximum of 20 horses at a time.

To learn more about Purple Haze Adoption program, visit http://phsap.org. To learn more about Pure Country Campground or to book a reservation for the fun-filled weekend, visit purecountrycampground.com.