Woodstock, VA – The United States Harness Driving Club (USHDC) has teamed up with Shenandoah Downs to, once again, form an alliance in supporting the National Standardbred Horse Show, which will take place at The Horse Park of New Jersey near Allentown, Sept. 19-21, 2025.
In making the announcement, USHDC Treasurer Tom Eichas said, “For over 25 years, our club, through the cooperation with the tracks at which we race, has been able to make meaningful charitable contributions benefitting the welfare of our equine athletes and organizations beginning with local communities stretching to national programs.
“Last year, we were honored to be a platinum sponsor in the Equitation/Horsemanship events in the 13-18-year-old class with a separate stipend for its participants.
“Our club strongly believes in the ‘aftercare’ of horses when their racing careers are over and the National Standardbred Horse Show exemplifies that belief.
“As mentioned, our contributions are made possible by our club members who donate 100% of their earnings from our amateur races to worthy charitable causes.
“And THAT is made possible, in this case, by Shenandoah Downs and Dee Lineweaver, recognizing the vast benefits for our sport through our amateur events.”
USHDC President Dein Spriggs echoed Eichas’ statements relating, “When the fate of a racehorse – any breed – is uncertain at the end of their racing days, it’s events like these that prove to the world that horses are valuable in their second careers as riding horses, show horses and those used for rehabilitation enriching the lives of those in need.
“These horses have been used for pleasure and healing beginning with youngsters as young as 2 or 3 years of age with success stories documented in folks in their 80s.
“Last year, the American Drivers Club also provided vital sponsorship, as well, and this is a perfect event to have all amateur clubs get involved in supporting this important event … and I hope they will join us in support of the National Standardbred Horse Show.
Again, this year’s show will feature over 200 classes featuring only Standardbred horses, showcasing their docile nature and agility.
Among the judged categories this year are Western Dressage, Obstacle Course Driving, Open Roadster, Pleasure Driving, Walk/Trot Flag competition, Barrel Racing and Showmanship.
Standardbreds are allowed to race beginning at the age of 2 with mandatory retirement as they reach age 15, with an extra season allowed for horses racing in amateur events.
When hearing about the 2025 edition of the Standardbred Horse Show, noted veterinarian Michelle Clarke said, “This show is the epitome showing the agility and versatility of the Standardbred breed.
“They are quick learners and, usually, when I am training one for their ‘second career,’ it might take me only a few weeks to train them under saddle or in harness to compete in this show.”
Helene Gregory has been involved with the show since 2003 and secures sponsorships for the extravaganza and related that equine participants in the show have been as young as 3 years old on up to their mid-20s.
“Many,” she said, “have been in some very prestigious events such as the Breeders Crown and to see them in their glory in this competing for ribbons is just great!
“As for the human side of the ledger,” she related, “the age range is from the ‘single digits’ to the most senior of citizens.
“That’s the beauty of this competition,” she added, “as we save countless horses from a tragic ending and fulfill many lives in the process.” For further information on this year’s National Standardbred Horse Show in New Jersey, contact Helene Gregory at 609-439-7818 (sphonj.org).