by Dot Morgan

Lexington, KY — It was Standardbred weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park this past Saturday and Sunday. Though the temperatures were cold, the audience was gracious and eager to see the versatility of the Standardbred. Eleven former racehorses presented by the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Ohio demonstrated a variety of skills.

Allamerican Legacy is ridden Saddleseat by Becky Pitcock at the Standardbred weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Senator Sahbra animatedly carried the flag to the song “I’m Proud to Be an American.” Thank You Sam boldly circled the arena in full racing colors, Jo Pa’s Shark demonstrated a “Hunter Under Saddle” while Allamerican Legacy was stunning as a Saddleseat mount.

No Homework was exhibited Side Saddle, and I Feel Lucky Today carefully packed her 2-year-old rider who delighted the audience with a big smile and lots of waves.

Fire In Her Eyes caught everyone’s attention as she circled the arena in full Fox Hunting Apparel. Mic Mac Aussie brought murmurs of approval as he demonstrated the beauty and suppleness of a Standardbred for pleasure driving.

Twenty-year-old Trabajador was superb with her 13-year-old rider showcasing her smooth rack and easy canter. Our Sugar Baby reminded the audience that Standardbreds excel at trail riding, and Looks Like Flynn wrapped up the show with a dynamic barrel racing pattern.

SPHO of Ohio did a superb job promoting the Standardbred to many that had little previous knowledge of the breed. The horses were housed in the historic Big Barn where a steady stream of visitors were greeted by enthusiastic club members eager to share the wonderful temperaments and versatility of these horses.

Most of the horses were adopted through New Vocations, whose representatives were on hand to encourage visitors to make their next horse an ex-racehorse!

For information on the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization visit www.sphooh.org. For information on adopting or donating a horse visit www.horseadoption.com.