Anything But Standard

ABS came about for one reason: a love of Standardbreds. Not just in racing, but life after racing as well. Standardbreds are for pleasure harness and riding too!

BUT, did you know: We too started out believing the typical stereotype that surrounds Standardbreds. This myth, for us, started at Pony Club!.... Instructors saying Standies are no good, that they'll always pace, that they're forced to pace and harness racing is cruel........ So we grow up believe it to be true. What instructor would mislead an impressionable pupil?...

But the years went by; we grew up; we wanted a quieter horse than your typical OTT TB; we wanted less drama.....  We were re-introduced to the Standardbred..... To the REAL Standardbred.... And you know what?! We've never looked back!

While you're here, we'll share our love with you....... for as long as you can stand it!!

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While we also have racing horses, our foundations and beginnings lie within retraining and rehoming the ex-pacer; those are our roots.

Today, we exercise the full lifecyle of racing and rehoming, not only with our own horses, but with local trainers as well. They too have come to realize that these horses are far too good to just cast them aside; that they deserve a second chance and a second career.

You will find us at the harness stables in the afternoons helping out, working the races, and driving harness trackwork on weekends. We strive to understand the racing standardbred, as much as the ridden one.

It's a never ending revolving door at the racetrack, but our goal, our motto, is all about changing people's perceptions of the Standardbred, one off the track Standy at a time! (not to mention supporting our favourites at the track!)

Where we are based: Canberra/Goulburn and surrounding regions (Australia).

What we do:

• At this point in time, our main focus is on offering a life after racing to retired Standardbreds in the region. All horses are assessed and introduced to their new life under saddle, with minimal stress to both horse and rider.
• We also endeavour to show our Standies at as many local shows and events as possible.
• We will be moving into breeding for both racing and performance in 2010. Stay tuned!
  

Our promise: We represent our horses with 100% honesty. When you come to visit, you'll be told the good and the bad (if any!) about your potential partner. This way, you can be sure you're making the right decision!