WHERE ARE THEY NOW
At New Start, 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.
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.
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.
MOOSEPORT
From Kill Pen to Kids Horse
Adopted November 2024
Since joining Terri-Lynn’s family, Moose has been living his best retired life as the inseparable companion to fellow New Start alumni JJs Tassie Girl. The two are always side by side, sharing snacks, snuggles, and plenty of time with the kids who come armed with treats. Moose is especially fond of his little riders, happily taking the kids for short spins around the pen before heading back to his favorite activity: being spoiled with love.
He’s also had a positive impact on Tassie. Watching Moose soak up scratches and cuddles has helped her become much less head shy, and even though she’s clearly the boss of the duo, he’s never far from her side. Terri-Lynn describes him as a “cheeky boy” after farrier days, proudly showing off how handsome he looks with freshly trimmed hooves.
Life with Moose has been full of small but special moments, from his playful zoomies whenever a fresh hay bale gets opened, to his gentle fascination with the barn kittens (who seem to enjoy his big soft nose).
Mooseport’s journey to this happy ending wasn’t an easy one. In late 2022, he was intercepted from a direct-ship slaughter pen in Pennsylvania. Blind in his left eye, a veterinary assessment determined that surgery to remove it would give him the best chance at a comfortable future. Thanks to the generosity of donors and support from the PETlife Animal Fund, he had his surgery, and he recovered beautifully.
During his time in our foster program (known at the time as Ashur to our barn family), he quickly became a barn favourite for his kind and gentle nature. Today, he’s thriving with Terri-Lynn’s family, showing every day that Standardbreds are resilient, loving, and endlessly rewarding companions.
ONTHECLOCK HANOVER
The ultimate babysitter
Adopted December 2024
Scotch has truly settled into the good life. These days, he can be found grazing peacefully in his field alongside his two pasture mates: Pixie, a spicy 5yo mare, and his lookalike “twin” brother Gordie. Despite his easygoing nature, Scotch has stepped naturally into the role of herd leader, firm but fair, the kind of boss everyone respects.
He’s also taken on a very important job: babysitting Kaylyn’s six-year-old, Oaklyn. The pair share a special bond, riding together weekly and spending plenty of time side by side. Kaylyn describes Scotch as gentle and patient, always careful around the kids. When friends come to visit the farm, he’s the first to wander up to the fence looking for a carrot or treat, quickly becoming the crowd favourite.
Kaylyn says adopting a Standardbred has been a gift. It gives them that second chance and second career, whether it’s as a companion or trail buddy. They’re so gentle, eager to please, and willing to learn, it’s just so special.
Scotch (Ontheclock Hanover) was one of our first adoptions back in 2020. After his racing career was cut short by a nagging stifle injury, his owner entrusted him to New Start to find his next chapter. He was adopted into a wonderful home, but when life circumstances changed, Scotch returned to us. During his time in foster care, he became a steady babysitter for younger horses and a reliable friend to those who needed a companion.
That chapter eventually led him to Kaylyn and her family, where he is now thriving in the best role yet: a beloved family horse, a gentle teacher, and the heart of his herd.
DEBIS KEEPER
The absolute professional
Adopted May 2025
“It has just been a little over a month since Keeper came into his forever home! He has settled right in, become best buddies with his new companion – Rex. He loves scratches under his chin, and our hand walks around the field. He went to his first lesson this week – although a little overwhelmed by a big night out, he did great.
He will keep working over the summer under saddle and I’m so excited to see his personality to keep coming out.
Since then, Keeper has been gaining confidence every day. He’s starting to understand the routine and is becoming more relaxed with new experiences. We’ve been introducing him to new sights and sounds slowly, and he’s taking it all in stride. His bond with Rex is stronger than ever—they’re practically inseparable! I’m incredibly proud of how far he’s come already, and can’t wait to see what the next few months bring.”
This 19 year old gelding was a winner of $229,000 on the track and spent half of his 130 starts racing in Canada. Over Christmas, he unfortunately landed himself in a bad spot and was on his way to a processing plant in Mexico. Thankfully, due to the timing and holiday delays, he had to wait—giving our incredible American friends just enough time to come together and raise the money needed to bail him out. Once he was safe, we were contacted and asked if we could bring him home, given his strong Canadian ties. He wasn’t with us for very long before he found his perfect forever home, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped give this deserving boy a second chance.
EBONY
“Easy Does It: Ebony’s Big Firsts”
Adopted December 2024
Once upon a time, in a quiet little paddock with a good patch of clover, a young filly named Ebony was taking life exactly as it came—calm, steady, and with just the right amount of curiosity.
She had just celebrated her first birthday, a milestone she greeted with her usual laid-back charm. No bucking, no bouncing—just a happy sigh and a slow blink in the sunshine, like she knew she had all the time in the world.
That week brought a few more “firsts,” but Ebony handled each one like a seasoned pro. Her first fly mask? Slipped it on without a fuss. If anything, she seemed pleased to have a little extra shade on her face. Fly spray? That could’ve been a spa treatment for all she cared. She gave it a sniff, stood perfectly still, and let the humans marvel at her unshakable good nature.
And then came the real showstopper—Ebony walking down the driveway like a total rockstar. Not the flashy, wild kind. More the chill, confident type who knows exactly who she is. Her ears were relaxed, her pace unhurried, and you’d swear she gave a little nod to the birds as she passed.
Ebony may be young, but she’s already showing the world just how special she is—with a big heart, a quiet mind, and a steady soul.
And she’s just getting started.
Sweet Ebony was brought into the world by a special mare named So Cute Hanover, who we rescued from an auction in rough shape. Despite everything she’d been through, So Cute poured her heart into raising Ebony—and what a job she did.
When Ebony was weaned, she joined our foster program and immediately showed us her true colors: calm, kind, and wise beyond her years. Whether it was cross-tying for the first time or standing like a champ for her first trim, Ebony handled each new experience with quiet confidence.
It didn’t take long for this lovely girl to find a home—her sweet demeanor and good mind made her a favorite from the start.
From uncertain beginnings to a bright future, Ebony is proof that love, patience, and second chances really do make all the difference.
RYKER
A foal’s journey to success
Adopted November 2024
Ryker is inquisitive, independent, cheeky—and just the right amount of a troublemaker. He’s always curious about the world around him and isn’t shy about testing limits… like mum’s newly installed fencing, which he’s already inspected thoroughly.
He gets along well with the rest of the herd, though his donkey and mini pony brothers might say he takes his role as the big kid a bit too seriously. Ryker turns two in July and already stands over 16 hands tall—but don’t tell him that. He still thinks he can fit in your pocket.
His favourite thing to do is hit the trails. Whether walking on lead or roaming at liberty, he’s confident and keen—often taking the lead through fields, forests, rocks, deep snow, and water. He’s tackled in-hand obstacle exercises and played dress-up with all sorts of tack without a second thought.
Ryker has already earned a few rosettes from online shows, along with some lovely compliments from the judges. His adopter is looking forward to the future and hopes they’ll get to try a bit of everything—dressage, jumping, eventing, and trail—with fun always at the heart of it.
We love seeing Ryker thriving in a home that celebrates his big personality and adventurous spirit.
BUNNYBOY
The tale of this bunny boy
Adopted July 2020
Not so long ago, there was a sweet but overlooked 19-year-old gelding named Bunny Boy. He stood patiently in his stall, day after day, waiting for someone to see the potential behind his kind eyes and quiet demeanor. Many came and went, but not a single person showed true interest—until Steph arrived.
She saw something in Bunny Boy (Bugs) that no one else had. Maybe it was his gentle heart, or maybe it was just fate—but whatever it was, it was the beginning of a whole new chapter.
Fast forward six years, and Bugs is now 25, full of life and thriving like never before. Under Steph’s care and guidance, he transformed from the horse nobody noticed to a western gaming star. He absolutely loves the sport, charging through patterns with joy and focus. In fact, he even clinched first place in the 2D division at North River Riders—a proud moment for him and everyone who believed in him.
Beyond the arena, Bugs has proven to be the best trail partner anyone could ask for. Steady, confident, and sure-footed, he’s the horse you want beneath you on winding forest paths, open fields, or riverside rides. Whether leading the group or happily following behind, he takes it all in stride and helps nervous riders feel completely at ease.
And just when you thought he couldn’t be more versatile—he decided to dabble in jumping too! While it was never his main focus, Bugs gave it his all, popping over small fences with enthusiasm and heart. It’s clear he enjoys the challenge, and watching him try something new with such curiosity and effort has only made his fans love him more.
In 2024, if you happened to be at CanAm, you might have spotted a proud standardbred strutting his stuff in the All Breeds Show. That was Bugs, representing both New Start and his breed with heart and style.
But Bug’s journey didn’t stop there. Lately, he’s taken on a new and deeply meaningful role: helping with special needs lessons for kids. With his calm presence and gentle soul, he’s become a fan favorite among the children. Whether he’s being brushed, ridden, or simply standing quietly beside a nervous beginner, Bug gives his whole heart.
From a forgotten gelding to a champion, a trailblazer, a jumper, a breed ambassador, and a therapy horse, Bug is living proof that the right person can change everything—and that a horse’s story is never over, no matter their age.
LYONS ROCK
From Speed to Serenity – Zeke’s New Life
Adopted March 2024
When we first welcomed Zeke—registered as Lyon’s Rock—into our lives, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. He came to us from the high-speed world of racing, a sleek, spirited Standardbred used to the roar of crowds and the rhythm of the track. But in no time at all, Zeke showed us he was ready for a very different kind of life.
Now, Zeke spends his days outside, 24/7, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine like he was born for the trail life. Try putting him in a stall, though—even just for a quick farrier visit—and he’ll let you know exactly how he feels about it. He’ll paw the ground, shake his head, and stick his tongue out in dramatic protest. But give him a little love and attention, and just like that, he melts. All the theatrics vanish. That’s Zeke for you—equal parts sass and sweetheart.
What’s truly special is the gentle soul behind those expressive eyes. When our grandchildren came to visit, Zeke transformed into the calmest, kindest companion. He lowered his head for little hands to stroke, stood patiently for hugs, and earned the title of “love bug” from everyone who met him.
These days, he’s being ridden lightly around the farm, taking to the new routine with his usual laid-back charm. He doesn’t mind the slower pace; in fact, he seems to enjoy it. Every day, he surprises me with his intelligence and easygoing nature. It’s as if he’s been waiting his whole life for this second chapter. I can’t wait to get him out on the trails later this summer. Watching him become such a confident, content partner has been an absolute joy. Zeke may have once been bred to race, but now, he’s racing straight into our hearts—and I’m so glad we adopted him.
He had a short racing career at just 2 years old before a significant heart murmur forced early retirement. At first, we didn’t even know if it would be safe to geld him. Once we got him home, we worked closely with our vet to assess everything — and thankfully, the procedure went smoothly.
With the help of an amazing community, we raised the funds to take him to Guelph for a full cardiac workup. The results gave us the green light to move forward, and now we know it’s safe for him to be ridden.
This guy’s been through a lot, but he’s come so far. We would be unable to help any of the horses in our program without the generosity of our donors
OAKROCK ELDORADO
Retired Racer Turning Therapy Star
Adopted September 2023
Once a steady name on the Standardbred racing circuit, Oakrock Eldorado—affectionately known as Oaky—has transitioned from track life to farm life with all the grace (and sass) you’d expect from a seasoned athlete turned local celebrity.
Now retired on a peaceful hobby farm, Oaky spends his days charming the mares (while expertly playing hard to get), engaging in a mutual understanding with his paddock pal, an elderly miniature gelding who matches his stubborn streak stride for stride. The two have reached a mutual understanding: respect is given, grumpiness is tolerated, and snacks are not to be shared.
He’s cautiously warming up to the resident cows. Chickens, however, remain a point of contention—some minor incidents have occurred, and although Oaky insists he was provoked.
But beyond the laughs and pasture politics, Oaky is stepping into a new and meaningful chapter. This fall, he’ll be trying his hooves as an Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) horse, helping humans find healing, confidence, and connection through the quiet wisdom that horses so naturally offer. With his expressive personality, strong presence, and intuitive nature, he’s a perfect fit for the job.
From harnessing speed on the racetrack to helping hearts in the arena, Oaky’s journey is a beautiful testament to the versatility, resilience, and emotional depth of Standardbreds. He’s not just a retired racehorse—he’s a partner, a teacher, and a friend.
Before his well-earned retirement, Oak racked up an incredible 269 starts, 40 wins, and $208,000 on the track — tough as nails and all heart. After spending the final years of his racing career on the east coast, kindness from his connections and strangers helped bring him back to Ontario for a proper retirement — exactly what a warrior like him deserves.
When he arrived in foster care, he was dealing with a big knee, sore stifle, and a few tender spots from years of hard work. We were only able to give him the rehab he needed thanks to YOU, our amazing community who came together to make it happen. We are very grateful that we had the chance to give this boy a rehab spot and bring him along so he could thoroughly enjoy his retirement years.
