ADOPTION SUCCESS STORIES

Where Are They Now

At New Start Standardbreds, every adoption marks the beginning of a new chapter. Our "Where Are They Now" stories celebrate the incredible journeys our horses and their adopters have taken together. From first rides to lifelong friendships, these updates showcase the heartwarming transformations that happen when a Standardbred finds their perfect match. We invite you to explore these success stories and see the lasting impact of a new start.

MC AULEYS SILVER -

Sampson’s Second Chance

Adopted in April 2023

Not every path to home is a straight line—and for Sampson, the road had a few extra turns.

When we first heard about Sampson, he was at another adoption farm. The people there were kind, the care was top-notch, and the love was abundant. But it was a busy place, and sometimes, the environment just isn’t the right fit—no matter how much everyone wishes it were. Sampson, shy and uncertain, struggled to settle. It took an entire month just to catch him in the paddock.

We first laid eyes on him standing quietly in a stall. There was something in his eyes—gentleness, yes, but also hesitation. He didn’t even know what a treat was. His trust in people was cautious, like a door cracked open but not yet wide enough to step through.

Then came a cold, rainy Saturday morning. Sampson was delivered to us, quietly stepping off the trailer and into a stall that opened into our pasture. The other horses came to meet him, curious and welcoming. We gave him space, warmth, and patience. By Sunday night, he made his way into the pasture as if he’d always belonged there. And by then? He’d figured out what treats were—and decided they were definitely a good thing.

Three weeks later, we were riding him.

He’s still a little shy at times, still a bit tricky to catch here and there, and he needs regular groundwork to stay connected. But he’s a joy. A quiet, willing soul who just needed the right pace, the right space, and a little more time to bloom.The biggest lesson Sampson has taught us? Sometimes, no matter how much we want something to work, it doesn’t—at least not where we expected it to. But that doesn’t mean it won’t work somewhere else, with a different rhythm and a bit more room to breathe.

We’re so grateful to New Start Standardbreds for their dedication to matching horses with the right homes. Because Sampson didn’t just find a new place—he found his place.

BASIC STATS

Birth: July 25, 2009

Race History: Unraced

Freezebrand: 7GP82

BASIC STATS

Birth: April 16, 2010

Race History: 227 Starts, 29 Wins, $430,174 in earnings

Freezebrand: 9H867

UF ROCKIN DRAGON -

Henry vs the Rain

Adopted in April 2023

Let me tell you a little something about Henry: he. does. not. do. rain.

Wind and rain? That’s just unacceptable.

It wasn’t even cold, really. Just one of those damp, blustery, gloomy days that Henry considers a personal attack. So, naturally, I thought I’d do him a favor and walk him from his grass paddock to join his girlfriend in the adjacent one—so they could be miserable together, of course. Romantic, right?

Apparently not.

As soon as we stepped out, the theatrics began. Head bowed low like the weight of the world was on his shoulders, hooves stomping like he was walking through fire and not just mildly wet grass. He looked at me with pure disbelief. “How could you do this to me?!” his eyes said. And honestly? I kind of felt bad. But also not, because the drama was just too good.

But the best part? Oh, it came at the gate.

As soon as I unhooked the lead rope, Henry spun around and—no joke—walked backward all the way across the paddock to the shelter. Backwards. The entire way. Like some kind of reverse runway model avoiding every drop of rain that dared touch his noble face. I could hardly breathe from laughing. I’ve never seen such commitment to staying dry.

I think he might’ve been mad at me for a while after that. But hey, love means occasionally dragging your dramatic gelding through a light drizzle to see his lady.

He’ll survive; Just don’t ask him to do it again.

NOT MY MAN -

Neo: Not My Man, But Definitely Our Hero

Adopted in September 2023

Once upon a time, in a land of green pastures and clucking chickens called Go Away Farms (yes, that's really the name—no one ever actually goes away), there lived a horse with a name cooler than a cowboy on a Tuesday: Neo.

Now, Neo wasn’t your average neigh-sayer. He was New Start Standardbreds’ very first kill pen rescue—a title he wears with quiet pride and a couple extra oats. Before that, his life was... well, let’s just say it was more spaghetti western than spa retreat. But that’s all behind him now.

When his housing situation took a turn (probably involved a suspicious goat and an overturned water trough), Neo packed his metaphorical bags and trotted over to Go Away Farms—where the grass really is greener.

At 14 years young, Neo is what we lovingly call a "laid-back legend." He hangs out in a herd of seven other horses, living the dream: munching hay, sunbathing like a lizard on vacation, and doing the occasional light ground work just to remind everyone he’s still got it. And drives? He’ll humor you. But mostly, he’s about that pasture life.

Here’s the thing about Neo—he’s not the boss. He’s not even second in command. He’s somewhere between “that one who always shows up late to roll call” and “the guy everyone secretly likes best.” Sweet, gentle, and always down for a chin scratch, Neo has become a farm favorite. Even the barn cats seem to respect his vibe.

Despite being the youngest in his herd, Neo carries himself with an old soul's wisdom (and the occasional ear flick of sarcasm). He’s not your man, he’s not my man—he’s Neo. And Neo is living proof that sometimes, the ones who come from the hardest places shine the brightest when finally given the space to be… just a horse.

We love him very much. And in case you're wondering, yes—he totally knows it.

BASIC STATS

Birth: March 7, 2011

Race History: Unraced

Freezebrand: 1JR66

HOMER JAY -

From Warhorse To Family Treasure

Adopted in October 2023

For the past year and a half, I’ve had the absolute privilege of being Homer Jay’s mama.
On May 29th, Homer Jay turns 19, and he has been the bestest boy every single day.
He’s the oldest, kindest soul, wrapped in the goofiest and silliest personality—which, if you ask me, makes him the most perfect package there is.

He’s a toe-tapping, head-bobbing extraordinaire, especially when he knows supper or treats are on the way. We also discovered he's a bit of an escape artist—but not to be naughty or run off. Just to quietly let himself out, visit his herdmates, or help himself to a second round of hay.

Homer Jay is everything I love about the Standardbred breed—tough as nails with all the grit in the world on the track, and sweet as apple pie off of it. He’s kind, eager to please, loves his herdmates, avoids conflict, and has a big love for toys. Forever a giant kid at heart.
When he first arrived, I joked about rolling out the red carpet for this warhorse with $432,000 in earnings! He is, after all, the only horse to ever beat the infamous Muscle Hill! But in true Homer fashion, all he really wants is a kiss on the cheek, an apple in his belly, and a warm, fluffy bed at night.

And that’s exactly what he’ll get—for the rest of his days.

BASIC STATS

Birth: May 26, 2006

Race History: 208 Starts, 25 Wins, $432,624 in earnings

Freezebrand: 3D786