Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

SRF Celebrates Open House

October15, 2007

On October 14th, more than 200 people traveled to Hamilton, New Jersey to celebrate the Standardbred Retirement Foundation’s (SRF) Open House.

At the grand opening of SRF’s premier facility, horse lovers of all ages were treated to a barn full of happy Standardbreds, all of whom feasted on lots of apples and carrots. Humans attending the festivities were treated to demonstrations of Standardbred versatility under saddle ranging from dressage to jumping to pole bending while munching on pies and baked goods while sipping cold apple cider.

Founded in 1989, the Standardbred Retirement Foundation has found over 2,000 loving homes for non-competitive or unwanted Standardbreds in careers ranging from law enforcement to therapeutic riding. The Foundation currently cares for 160 horses, 80 of whom will not be adopted due to age or injury. Visitors to the Open House got to see adoptable horses and horses in need of long term sponsorship.

The Foundation will also operate its Youth In Focus program from the Hamilton facility. This program helps youngsters in need of direction to focus and channel their energy in a positive way. SRF works with school guidance counselors to target students who will benefit most in after school and summer programs. With guidance, two students take on the responsibility of caring for a horse. They learn to work together, building self-esteem and setting and accomplishing goals as they prepare their horse for a loving home.