You Asked. We Answer.

Because every question brings clarity, trust, and a safer path for Standardbreds.

Welcome to our FAQ hub! Whether you’re curious about adoption, fostering, rehabilitation, or how we stay running on pure volunteer power, you’re in the right spot. Browse the questions below, and if your query remains unanswered, reach out—we’re always here for clarity.

Q: How much does adoption cost?
A: You’ll find each horse’s adoption fee listed right under their bio on the appropriate location page (Ontario, Quebec, Maritimes), because rates vary depending on individual needs and requirements.

Q: Can I breed an adopted Standardbred?
A: No. Our adoption contract strictly prohibits breeding. Our focus is on lifelong care and quality of life, not bloodlines.

Q: How long does the adoption process take from application to approval?
A: We aim to follow up with all applications within 72 hours of receiving them. Please ensure you save our email address as a safe sender, as many times the first time we email you, we end up in your spam folder. Alternatively, you can also connect with us before or after you submit your application so we have an alternate way to connect with you, if your follow up email does get flagged.

Q: Can I adopt if I do not own my own farm?
A: Absolutely! We know that owning a farm is a luxury these days, and many adopters board their horses instead. All we require is that the boarding facility be approved through us, and that the barn is aware your horse is adopted through our program so they can reach us directly if anything ever comes up.

Q: What happens if a horse does not work out in my home?
A: If a horse doesn’t work out in your home for any reason, they always come back to us. Every horse adopted through our program is guaranteed a safe place with New Start, no matter what. We do not allow them to be sold, given away, or placed elsewhere without our involvement, this ensures their safety for life.

Q: What does fostering involve and what support do you offer?
A: Fostering means offering temporary care—some horses arrive straight from the track, others need rehab. We support foster homes with supplies, vet assistance, and guidance every step of the way. Your support moves them toward their forever home.

Q: Who covers the costs while a horse is in foster care?
A: While a horse is in foster care, veterinary care is covered by New Start. Foster homes handle daily care (feed, hay, supplements, farrier), and those expenses may be reimbursed depending on the arrangement. Because every horse’s situation is unique, the level of support required from us can vary to ensure each foster home has what they need to be successful. If you choose to cover some or all of those costs, we can issue a tax receipt.

Q: How long is a typical foster placement?
A: The length of a foster placement can vary depending on the horse, but typically it lasts a few weeks to a few months. Some horses are adopted quickly, while others may need more time for training, recovery, or simply waiting for the right match. We work closely with our foster homes to make sure the arrangement is manageable for them and in the horse’s best interest.

Q: Why is so much fundraising necessary?
A: We’re entirely volunteer-run and unfunded. Every dollar to feed, care for, and rehabilitate horses comes from donors like you. Basic monthly costs can range from $200 to $500 per horse (not including unexpected veterinary bills), so your generosity keeps us going.

Q: Is it safe to donate by credit card?
A: Yes! Please use our CanadaHelps donation link—it’s a trusted, secure platform with full encryption to protect your payment info.

Q: Where do the funds raised go to?
A: Funds raised go directly toward the care of the horses in our program. This includes veterinary care, farrier services, feed, transportation, training, and other essentials each horse needs to transition safely from the track to a new home. Every dollar supports their journey, from intake and rehabilitation to fostering and adoption.

Q: Are donations tax deductible?
A: Yes, New Start Standardbreds is a registered Canadian charity, so all donations are 100% tax deductible. If you’d like a receipt for your contribution, just let us know and we’ll provide one.

Q: Can I help with fundraising or marketing instead of hands-on horse care?
A: Supporting New Start isn’t just about hands-on horse care; fundraising, marketing, and awareness-building are just as vital to helping our horses. From sharing posts and designing materials to organizing events or connecting us with sponsors, there are many ways to volunteer your skills and time that make a huge difference.

Q: How do I contact you?
A: Email is fastest and most reliable—you’ll reach any team member at administration@newstartstandardbreds.com. Please note: our mailing address (6046 County Road 50, Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0) is not a barn facility.

Q: Where is New Start based?
A: New Start Standardbreds is home-based in Ontario, Canada, but our foster and adoption network stretches across the province and east into the Maritimes. We work with approved foster homes and adopters in multiple regions to make sure every horse has the best chance at a safe, successful transition.

Q: Do you only have Standardbreds, or do you adopt out other breeds to?
A: We only work with Standardbreds from all walks of life, whether they’re coming off the track, from breeding programs, or from other situations. At times, we may have unregistered Standardbreds whose lineage isn’t fully Standardbred. And, if a Standardbred comes to us bonded with a non-Standardbred companion, we’ll always work to place them together as a pair.

Q: Is there a facility where I can come visit the horses for adoption?
A: We don’t operate from a centralized barn or facility. Instead, our horses are placed in a network of approved foster homes across Ontario and the Maritimes. This allows each horse to receive the individualized care and attention they need. While we don’t have one location for visits, we’re always happy to connect potential adopters or sponsors with the foster homes caring for our horses.

Q: Are you affiliated with the racing industry?
A: We’re an independent registered charity, not formally affiliated with the racing industry. While we don’t receive industry funding, we do work closely with trainers, owners, and breeders who care about ensuring their horses have safe, successful futures after racing. Our focus is on collaboration and building bridges—not criticism—so that together we can give Standardbreds the second chances they deserve.