New Berlin, NY — Ever think about adopting a Standardbred? Want to learn tips on how to steer them in the right direction for a career once off the racetrack?

Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program and some of those that have adopted from the organization will be at Pure Country Campground in New Berlin, N.Y., on Sunday (June 5) to help educate about the adoption process and how they prepare Standardbreds for their new homes.

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 Standardbred Transition Alliance and 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.

Olivia Kimelman, an alumna 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 couple of years and are included in promotions to showcase their journey. Videos documenting their “Road to Nationals” may be found on Youtube (#roadtothenationals2022, #teamkimelman).

Olivia, 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 day’s events will begin at 9:30 a.m. and are part of Family Fun Days presented by the campground to help educate about all things horses.

The event was established last year as a one day offering, but we expanded it to two because I was able to add a lot of demonstrations and clinics. I organize the event with the help of several volunteers.

It is 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 is operated by a Standardbred owner and trainer.

Festivities kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday (June 4) with a three-hour clinic on basic horsemanship and introductory knowledge into barrel racing. Jocelyn Gale, also known for being a past outrider at Vernon Downs, will be conducting the clinic.

Gale is an avid horsewoman originating from Northern New York. She showed APHA, PtHA, AQHA at regional levels. She has currently switched focus to mainly barrel racing and cow sorting.

There will be a presentation on mules beginning at noon, a message and saddle fitting demo later in the afternoon and a two-hour driving clinic beginning at 5:30 p.m. Other activities include wagon rides, a scavenger hunt focusing on finding out information about all things horse related, face paintings, children’s stick horse games, bingo, a raffle and a movie at dark. Vendors will also be on site.

All of the activities, except for items being sold, raffles and food are completely free.

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.