SPPHA_ACT
Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of the ACT
News on SPPHA Members and their Horses
SPPHA_ACT would like to welcome Michelle and her Standardbred "Oliver" what a cutie, look at that gorgeous face.
Oliver is a 16.2 hh and 8 years old. Michelle doesn't know too much about his past only that he finished racing about 9 months ago.
Michelle got him from SPPHA NSW through their adoption program. He was first adopted by a girl near Jervis Bay and spent 6 months with her being pretty much just a paddock companion to her aged Thoroughbred, and after getting herself a third horse she found it hard to keep up with the feed requirements so decided to give Oliver back to SPPHA NSW.
When Michelle went to see Oliver for the first time she knew she had to take him home.He was pushy and impatient but Michelle had a really good feeling about him. She has had him for 2 months now and I couldn't be happier.
He's learning ground manners and no longer bites and kicks when his girth is being done up. Michelle and Oliver have started cantering which Michelle say's is great fun! He goes into the canter quite easily but fast and takes the corners like they are in the motorcycle grand prix, fast and furious!
With patience and persistance, Oliver will learn to slow things down and understand what Michelle is teaching him. Until then "hold on tight Michelle" and most of all have fun.
Olivia ownes 2 Standardbreds. One is called James who was a great eventer in his day, he is now older and retired from the competitive world but still very much loved. Olivia trialed and bought a thoroughbred but there personalities clashed so he was sold. Then one morning Jean Chapman (a SPPHA Member) spoke to Vivien (another SPPHA member) about a 4 year old standardbred that she had called Blue and he needed a new home, so Jean rang Olivia's family straight away and told them about Blue, so the next weekend they went and checked him out.
Following are Olivia's thoughts:
When i first saw blue he had a funny star on his face and an odd coloured back leg with 4 tiny little socks, he wasn't very big about 15 hands and kind of fine. Vivien had only ridden him twice but he was very laid back while we where all playing with him so we when Vivien said if you buy him and he doesnt turn out just sell him back to me.
This was about 13 weeks ago and in those 13 weeks Blue has has learnt to walk forward, trot, canter and carry his head with no trouble at all OH!! and we can't forget JUMPING! he sure does love to jump but then he is so willing he will do anything I ask him with no questions asked. Every thing he has been taught has been by voice commands and loves to hear the words "GOOD BOY BLUE!"
He is just like a dog, he follows me around and even helps me by getting his brushes out of my tack box before I use them. He is very very gentle and would never do anything to hurt anyone, for example when he sucks on my fingers like a dummy to show his affection. I love both my S tandardbreds and now my sister has one to, she also got him from Vivian. His name is Oliver and in his hay day he was trained at elementry dressage until he suffered an injury. He won Champion Led Standardbred last year at National Capital. He is big, solid and handsome,
After being with all the standy's Smooth Bert, James My Boy, Oliver Twist and The Outsider(Blue) I dont think I will ever want to have a different breed of horse because they are so wonderful and would do anything for you. They are the kindest horses ever!!!
James and his family Blue waiting patiently for Olivia
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Well our first bit of exciting news came from Lynn who adopted Lucy earlier this year. Lucy went to Lynn a very scared and timid little girl, but over the past 4 months or so, Lynn has given Lucy a lot of tender love, care and trust. SPPHA-ACT recieved this email from Lynn on Friday 30 June 06, which was very exciting.
Thought you might like to know that I hopped on Lucy the other day and there was no reaction whatsoever - she just stood quietly! I walked a few steps then got down but now I know she's not going to buck I can start working with her. I want to do it myself - don't want to send her away because I think I'd lose all that trust that I've built up - but I'll need some advice. Lynn.
SPPHA_ACT is so very proud of Lynn and her achievement, and we will certainly be their to help her out and will keep you all up to date.
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Major our "adopted" standy family member has found a new home at Hervey Bay, Queensland. Currenlty Major is still being cared for by Maryanne and Andy, but he will move to his new home once EI has been cleared from the infected areas.
