Columbus, OH – When visitors attend BreyerFest at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., July 10-12, they’ll experience much more than a colorful celebration of Scandinavia. Thanks to Ohio Standardbreds & Friends, they’ll also witness firsthand the remarkable versatility of the Standardbred.
As part of BreyerFest’s “Mid-Summer Fair” theme, 12 retired Standardbreds and on Trottingbred—including a few that found success without ever stepping onto the racetrack—will represent Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland while demonstrating the many careers these horses enjoy long after racing.
Collectively, the participating trotters and pacers amassed more than $2.2 million in lifetime earnings, 1,110 starts, and 174 victories. Today, they share another impressive accomplishment: thriving in successful second careers as riding and driving horses. These horses also represent some of the breed’s most recognizable stallions, including Art Major, Dragon Again, Like A Prayer, Artiscape, Western Ideal, Cash Hall, Pet Rock, and Andover Hall.
Denmark is represented by Just Like Lloyd (Like a Prayer), now known as Padron, who earned more than $370,000 during his racing career. Today, he enjoys life on the trails with his rider, Rosann, proving that a successful racehorse can become a dependable trail companion.
Joining him is Cheyenne Danny (Cheyenne Rei), better known as Walker, who earned more than $60,000 before transitioning into Western Pleasure with his rider, Melanie.
Completing Denmark’s lineup is Framed Art (Artiscape), known as Artie, a New York Sire Stakes standout who earned more than $500,000 on the racetrack. Today, he showcases the precision and elegance of classical dressage.
Representing Norway is Trottingbred Ima’s Hit, known as Homer, from the Harness Horse Youth Foundation Stable, a former racehorse and program favorite who continues to demonstrate the breed’s versatility while being shown in harness.
Joining him is Luminosity (Cash Hall), or Lumi, who raced for nine seasons for Burke Racing Stable and earned nearly $900,000. Today, Lumi and his rider, Gracie, have formed a successful partnership in dressage.
Sweden’s horses demonstrate just how adaptable the Standardbred can be. Fire and Smoke (Western Ideal), known as Bic, began his second career in English Pleasure before transitioning to Western Dressage with his rider, Alayna.
Allamerican Legacy (Dragon Again), or Big Al, wasn’t fast enough for the racetrack, but that hasn’t stopped him from succeeding in the show ring across Ohio, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Canada. Today, Big Al has partnered with his 52nd rider, Kenzie, to demonstrate English Pleasure.
Little Harbor (Andover Hall), known as Rina, showcases Swedish-inspired Western riding, blending traditional Western techniques with trail riding through forests and mountain terrain alongside her rider, Paige.
Not every Standardbred needs a racing résumé to prove the breed’s versatility. Yankee’s End (Yankee Douglas), known as Brisk, never raced but has excelled in rodeo, roping, gymkhana, and open horse shows, including top placings at the Ohio State Fair and the All American Youth Show. Brisk and his rider, Alex, will represent Sweden in eventing.
Representing Finland is Ardeen (Art Major), better known as Ardi, a towering 17-hand gelding who earned more than $150,000 on the racetrack before being adopted through New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program by his rider, Jamie. Today, Ardi enjoys trail riding and show jumping, earning ribbons at local competitions while exploring trails throughout Ohio and beyond.
Representing Iceland are three retired Standardbreds whose second careers continue to highlight the breed’s adaptability. Hadrian Rock (Pet Rock) was bred, raised, and raced by rider Danielle and her family, now demonstrates gaited Western Pleasure.
Ryter’s Bang (Warm Breeze) and his rider, Teresa, showcase Western sidesaddle in traditional Icelandic costume.
Finally, Squirrelly Dan (Custard The Dragon) now known as The Marshall, and his rider, Chris, bring Iceland’s Viking heritage to life during the demonstrations.
Together, these horses tell the same story repeated throughout the Standardbred community: athleticism, intelligence, willing temperaments, and trainability don’t end when a racing career does. Whether competing in dressage, Western disciplines, eventing, trail riding, jumping, driving, or breed demonstrations, Standardbreds continue to excel long after leaving the racetrack.
Visitors are invited to stop by Barns 5 and 6 throughout BreyerFest to meet these incredible equine ambassadors and learn more about the many opportunities available to retired Standardbreds. Their journeys from racehorses to riding and driving horses are a testament to the breed’s exceptional versatility and willingness to take on whatever challenge comes next.
Ohio Standardbreds & Friends is dedicated to promoting the Standardbred beyond its racing career, showcasing these remarkable horses as trusted partners in the show ring, on the trail, in harness, and beyond. With their willing attitudes, athleticism, and adaptable nature, Standardbreds continue to win over new fans wherever they go.
Follow Ohio Standardbreds & Friends on Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and event highlights throughout the year.