MEET OUR TEAM

Compassionate. Dedicated. Resilient.

Meet the dedicated team behind our adoption program for Standardbreds. Composed entirely of passionate volunteers, our board of directors works tirelessly to ensure the well-being of these incredible animals. With a shared commitment to building an supportive community, they strive to create lasting connections between these incredible horses and their forever homes. Together, this team embodies the spirit of compassion and dedication that drives our mission forward.

President/Co-Founder

Kimberly Hale

I have been passionate about Standardbreds from an early age, growing up around the breed in the racing industry. After spending over five years volunteering and working with retired Standardbreds, I worked with a close friend of mine and founded New Start in 2020 to continue to help these incredible horses transition into second careers and loving homes.  With a deep-rooted love for Standardbreds, I’m committed to ensuring these deserving horses have bright futures beyond the track.

I consider myself a dedicated advocate and lover of this amazing breed, I currently owns three Standardbreds of my own: Houchiegouchiemama, my beloved mare who has been part of my family since she was 6 and is now 19; Western Traveler, a 19-year-old gelding rescued in 2018; and Acefortyfourshadow, an up-and-coming young prospect who may hit the racetrack before eventually becoming a riding horse.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been watching so many incredible horses find their perfect families—whether they come straight off the track or are rescued from difficult situations. The friendships and connections made with owners, trainers, and adopters along the way have been invaluable.

This mission became even more personal when two of my own family’s former racehorses ended up in less-than-ideal circumstances, and through New Start, we were able to bring them home. However, probably the story that resonates with me the most—and truly reshaped my perspective in this role—is the rescue of the millionaire stallion, Intrepid Seelster in 2024. Finding himself in a heartbreaking state, he was in desperate need of a safe haven, and his journey to a second chance left it’s lasting mark on me.

Every single horse has a story, and seeing them land in loving homes where they are truly cherished is what fuels the passion behind what we do.

Vice-President/Co-Founder

Jasmine Gray-Scott

My passion for Standardbreds and their potential beyond the track led me to co-found New Start Standardbreds alongside Kimberly. We recognized the need for a dedicated program to rehabilitate, retrain, and rehome these incredible horses, who are too often overlooked as “one-trick ponies” meant only for racing. Giving them the opportunity to thrive in second careers or well-earned retirements has been at the heart of my work ever since.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with New Start is witnessing the transformation of these horses. Many that arrive from less than ideal histories come in uncertain, undernourished, or wary of human interaction. Seeing them gain confidence, build trust, and grow into their full potential—with bright eyes, healthy coats, and vibrant personalities—is what makes it all worthwhile.

Beyond my role at New Start, I have traveled to various countries to pursue my passion for horses, learning diverse training techniques and ideologies. These experiences have deepened my understanding of horsemanship and reinforced my commitment to helping Standardbreds succeed in new careers. I believe that every horse, regardless of background, has the potential to learn, grow, and form lasting partnerships with humans when given the right support and guidance.

At New Start, we are not just rehoming horses—we are changing perspectives on what Standardbreds can do. Their intelligence, versatility, and willingness to please make them incredible partners, whether in riding, driving, therapy work, or simply as beloved companions. I am proud to be part of an organization that is paving the way for a brighter future for these horses and the people who love them.

Secretary

Hailey Van Den Heuvel

I discovered New Start Standardbreds in late 2023 through their Facebook page and was immediately drawn to their mission of helping retired racehorses transition into new careers or loving retirement homes. Their dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Standardbreds, including bringing them back to Canada when needed, was truly inspiring. Even though I didn’t own a Standardbred at the time, I knew I wanted to be part of making a difference.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is seeing these horses progress. Whether it’s an off-the-track Standardbred excelling in a new discipline or a rescue finally receiving the care they deserve, every transformation is special. Of course, I may be biased, but my favorite adoption story is Prince Giovanni—a horse who completely stole my heart. Another inspiring rescue was Americam Idol, who arrived in poor condition but, with time and care, became a happy, thriving horse.

Beyond New Start, I am a full-time criminology student and an aspiring equine first aid instructor. Horses have been part of my life since childhood, from trail riding to working as a ranch hand and competing in western gaming. My family adopted Prince Giovanni, and also owns two off-the-track Thoroughbreds, Coco and Snickers, who we love to take on trail rides and local shows.

When I’m not with horses, you’ll find me playing music or on the ice for a game of hockey. I’m proud to be part of the New Start team and excited to help more Standardbreds find their second chances.

Treasurer/Fundraising

Trista O’Brien

I am truly honoured to step into the role of Treasurer for New Start. Horses have been a lifelong passion of mine, though I didn’t begin working with them until my late teens, when I got my first mare, Rory (Percheron cross). From that point on, I immersed myself in every opportunity, helping friends at shows, watching lessons, and enjoying the simple joy of bonding and trail riding. Now that Rory is in her late 20s and mostly retired, I’ve decided to take formal lessons and explore new ways to grow as a rider.

Professionally, I am a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who has previously worked in and managed small animal practices. Today, I work on the pharmaceutical side of veterinary medicine. Outside of work, I’ve always sought out opportunities to connect with animals, from our local wildlife to water buffalo and alpacas.

I am blessed to be a mom to an amazing almost 4 year old little girl, two great dogs (a chihuahua and a rotti cross), a cat who thinks he is a dog, a royal python, and finally Rory and Douglas (a mini gelding).

I first learned about New Start through local connections, and after a wonderful conversation with Kimberly, I became a foster home and had the privilege of caring for several incredible horses. My family quickly fell in love with Standardbreds, and the more I learned about the breed and the racing community, the more passionate I became about the importance of a program like New Start. These initiatives provide a vital, logical path for aftercare, ensuring these amazing horses have the futures they deserve. So, when the Treasurer position opened, I knew I wanted to contribute in a bigger way.

Above all, what brings me the greatest joy is the bond horses form with the people they trust. That connection is at the heart of everything I do.

Donor Relations & Community Development

Shelby Gunn

Horses have been a part of my heart for as long as I can remember. Growing up, every birthday wish I made was for a horse of my own, and I spent as much as possible around family horses and local farms, simply enjoying being in their presence. Even without access to formal riding lessons at the time, my love for horses never faded.

In 2024, I found a lesson barn that quickly became my extended family. My partner and I began taking lessons, and in 2025, we welcomed our first horse home — Brooklets Wildfire, or Brooke, a 21-year-old OTSTB mare. Owning Brooke has been everything I dreamed of and more. While the journey has come with challenges, it has strengthened my connection to Standardbreds, a breed I will always hold close to my heart.

I am a proud mother of two wonderful toddlers and work in healthcare. I am a lifelong animal lover and could never picture a life without my animals. Aside from Brooke, I also have two beautiful West German Show Line German Shepherds who are cherished members of our family.

My involvement with New Start began after discovering the organization through Facebook while already owning a Standardbred who came to me from a neglectful situation. Helping her heal showed me just how life-changing compassion and rehab can be. I began by sponsoring horses and participating in initiatives like Secret Santa, and when the Donor Relations role became available, I knew it was the perfect way to give back.

Getting to participate with New Start and be part of the process of helping Standardbreds find their new careers is incredibly meaningful. What impacts me most, though, is seeing the adoption updates, horses thriving, loved, and safe, and the joy they bring to their new owners. I love seeing the success stories. Those moments remind me why this work matters so deeply and why New Start is hope, healing, and second chances put into action. 

Director of Maritimes Development

Christina Wright-Robertson

I live in St. George, New Brunswick, with my husband, son, and a lively mix of animals, including our dogs, cats, chickens, and beloved horses. My passion for horses has been lifelong, and in 2020, it led me to adopt By Golly Ollie, a Standardbred rescued from a Pennsylvania kill pen. This adoption, facilitated through New Start Standardbreds, introduced me to their incredible mission and inspired me to get involved.

Initially assisting behind the scenes—helping identify Standardbreds in need and reaching out to past owners—I quickly became immersed in the work. Before long, I joined the board as Director of Maritimes Development in 2024, committed to advocating for the breed and supporting their transition to new careers.

One of my most memorable rescues was Extreme Measure, a Standardbred saved through a collective effort and rehabilitated in Nova Scotia before finding his forever home. His journey, like so many others, reinforced my love for this breed and their incredible resilience.

Although my first horse was a Clydesdale cross, and I now have a young Belgian, Standardbreds have stolen my heart. With four currently in my care, I am dedicated to promoting their versatility and ensuring more of these amazing horses find their second chances.

I’m proud to be part of New Start and excited to continue making a difference in the lives of these deserving horses.

Development and Marketing

Riley McCavour

I’ve been involved with horses for many years through riding and hands-on care. I’ve spent a lot of time in barn environments doing everyday horse care and working with horses at different stages of training, and horses have always been a really important part of my life.

Outside of horses, I’m a university student with a strong interest in animal welfare, conservation, and community-based programs. I enjoy staying active and working on creative and organizational projects, especially behind-the-scenes work that helps keep things running smoothly and consistently.

I wanted to get involved with New Start because the program really stood out to me for its focus on giving horses meaningful second chances, while also supporting adopters and Standardbred owners along the way. I love that the program emphasizes preparation, education, and long-term success rather than just placement.

The part of New Start’s mission that feels most meaningful to me is the care that goes into thoughtful transitions and responsible matches. Knowing that horses are supported, showcased, and set up for success in their next homes is something I really value, and I’m excited to help support that work through outreach, communication, and community engagement.