by Lorraine Truitt

The ever popular Rickshaw Rumble (RR) will be held on Monday (Oct. 2), at Harrington Raceway to benefit Horse Lovers United Inc. (HLU). HLU is celebrating 25 years of helping horses on the Delmarva Peninsula and often extending well beyond. All breeds of horses are helped, however, 95 percent are Standardbreds. This is because the general public has not completely accepted the fact that Standardbreds can complete in any discipline after their racing career is over.

HLU organized the second Standardbred Makeover this year with several ex-racers being taught new careers. One of the trainers, Mercedes Bennington, took on two mares this past summer and taught them Roman riding. The mares, Billings and Lis Matty, also learned trail riding, walking on tarps without spooking and Billings also gave lessons to some of Mercedes’ students. Adonis aka Addie, was taught basic trail riding by Dale Guyette, of Guyette and Deeter.

An HLU Appreciation Day was held in conjunction with the judging of these horses and all the attendees had the honor of being judges. Those attending at Still Meadow Farm, in Salisbury, MD, included Standardbred people, Thoroughbred people, show people, and even The Lone Ranger (of Salisbury).

Monday night offers another opportunity to support the many Standardbreds being cared for by HLU. Plan to get to Harrington Raceway, located on the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Del. early, before the races start at 5 p.m. You will have the opportunity to bet on both the female and the male RR races, and a chance to win a valuable prize basket. Prizes in the baskets were donated by Harrington Raceway, Heather Vitale, Joan Hamstead, Spicer Bros., and several others.

Some of the male “horses” will be handicapped (you will see what we mean). If you have a horse racing, you will not be left out. You can bet in the paddock and have a chance to win a bucket filled with horse supplies, courtesy of Chick’s Saddlery. The RR is organized by Heather Vitale of Post Time fame. Vitale is a long time supporter of HLU.