Update

We're very pleased to say that Best is still doing well in Maryland.  His owners bought another horse (I believe it is a Standardbred but am not 100% sure) to drive with him in a pair.  They're looking forward to all that 2017 brings!

Best in the Park

It has been awhile since I last posted about Best but by all accounts he is doing well in his new home. Right now he is visiting Acadia National Park while his owner takes part in the American Driving Society's annual meeting.   We're so pleased that Best has found a home where he can continue to grow and thrive.

New Home!

Best has been fortunate enough to find a new home!  He is now in Maryland, near Fair Hill, which means he has acres and acres of driving trails.  I'm kind of jealous.

 If Best plays his cards right he may become part of a driving pair with this nice filly.  The two are the same height and very similar in color.

Best can stay in his new home because he passed the 'dog test.'  

Best is nice and fuzzy this time of year.  Here he is rushing out to explore his new home.  Who says Standardbreds can't canter?

Best is a fantastic driving horse and we hope he'll be very happy in his new home.  As always, he has a home with us if things don't work out.

Best is homeless!

Through no fault of his own (he is being bullied by other horses) Best is being returned to us.  His temporary owner had nothing but good things to say about him. They took him to The National Drive and had a great time.  They bought a sleigh and proceeded to give lots of people rides, Best was his normal, dependable self.  He's just not getting along with his pasture mates and that is making it very hard for them to feed.  Best does tend to be beta in the pasture although he will try to bully young stock.  He does not particularly care for cows but will ignore them when in harness.

Best is once again for sale.  If you are interested please contact me PittsburghHaak at Yahoo.com.

The Best of 'the Best'

After much debate Against the Best has moved on to a new phase in his life.  He is now going to be primarily a pleasure horse in upstate NY.  Here he is with his new owner, as excited as ever.

You haven't seen the last of Best though.  The USTA will include photos of him in one of the October editions of Hoof Beats.  While we wait for the article on the United States Trotting Association's new partnership with the American Driving Society here are a few pictures of Best over the last few years.

This one was taken by Sue Andrews as my Dad recovers from open heart surgery.  My parents share the seat while driving Best during a fun class.  While perhaps not the safest option every, they certainly had fun with him that day.

Two reserve championships at the Saratoga Driving Trial is nothing to sneeze at.  He's never going to be a dressage master but he's a lot of fun to drive in cones and on the marathon course.  I remember the first time we did the marathon course here, he was surprised to find a hazard in the woods.

First year

Second year

Under saddle and without blinkers in the woods!  He was so good on this judged trail ride.  It was like Gilligan's Island - supposed to be a 2 1/2 hr ride that turned into 5 hrs.  It was his first ride in the woods and we were seriously overmatched by the terrain but he got it done and finished 6th in his division.

Best and I hanging out on the rail, working on his social skills.  We spent a lot of time hanging out.

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And perhaps the best thing about Best, the opportunity to drive tandem with Best and Draken.  What an exciting thing to do!

Our whole family joins in wishing Best the best with his new family.  If for any reason he should ever need a home again, our barn will always have a stall for him.

Come Join Us at Equine Affaire!

I'm very pleased to announce that I will be speaking at Equine Affaire Ohio this year!  Thursday, April 11th at 10 am I will be discussing From Racing to the Ring: Transitioning the Standardbred from the Racetrack in a New Career on the Nutrena Seminar Stage.  Among the topics that will be covered are:

Finding the best career fit for your horse - western, english and driving or any combination thereof

Bending and balance

Trotting, pacing and other gaits including the canter

Showing - SPHO and open shows

Overcoming prejudiced

I hope you'll come out and learn a bit more about this wonderful breed.

For a full schedule click here.

Best's National Award Arrived

I have to say that the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization puts out some rather fancy end of the year prizes.  Thank you for Best's award!