After a brilliant first career on the racetrack, Reverend Hanover found his second calling as one of the most well-known faces of the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. He is one of several OSAS ambassadors whose role is to help spread the message of the versatility of the Standardbred breed through many different activities. The ebullient son of Sportswriter quickly made a lasting impression on those involved with the program when he joined in 2019, including OSAS Administrator Joanne Colville. “Reverend has been such an asset to the program. He, like our other ambassadors, excels in whatever he is asked to do,” praised Colville. “We are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to add him to OSAS. His previous owners still follow his progress and his accomplishments in showing the versatility of the breed. “He’s a character, and he certainly knows how good he is at whatever job you give him.” Today, Reverend Hanover can be found travelling across the Ontario harness racing circuit, primarily at Mohawk, serving as the program’s star attraction at its popular Meet & Greet and Drive With Us events. Jean Posthuma and her husband Tom have been OSAS volunteers for nearly two decades. The pair, who accompany Reverend Hanover during Meet & Greets, have become quite close with the now 14-year-old pacer. Below, Jean discusses her and Tom’s involvement with the program and their connection to one of its most beloved figures. For many people, Reverend Hanover is their first introduction to the Standardbred breed when they meet him outside Mohawk’s front door on Saturday nights during the summer and fall. What can you tell us about him and your involvement with the program? “I’ve been involved with OSAS for 19 years,” said Posthuma. “I’ve travelled to most racetracks in the area, attending events, races and horse shows. Saturday nights are spent at the main entrance of Mohawk doing Meet & Greet events. We are always promoting OSAS with information and selling our merchandise as fundraising is very important. “Over the years, there have been many horses out front but Reverend Hanover has become a fan favourite. He was a star on the track during his career. He is now 14 years old and became an ambassador for OSAS after his retirement.” What are some of your favourite memories from doing the Meet & Greet events with him? “Reverend Hanover pulls into Mohawk Racetrack most nights with his head out the window calling out. He gets so excited to meet his fans. Saturday nights have become a ‘Date Night with the Rev’ for my husband Tom and me. Over the years, we haven’t missed too many nights. “Special moments for us are watching people getting so excited to actually see a horse, being able to touch Reverend and getting so excited to feed him a carrot. Reverend Hanover is so gentle and loves the attention. Being there is a great experience for everyone, especially seeing the excitement on the children’s faces.” In your opinion, what makes Reverend Hanover the perfect ambassador for the OSAS program? “Reverend Hanover has shown that he is up for any task he is asked to do. He appeared on Breakfast Television, he’s done a TV commercial, he goes on rides such as The Hunter Pace and Hooves for Hospice, he does parades and has even participated in cattle sorting. He is amazing. “The best thing he does is give patrons a real experience of sitting behind a horse. After he is finished greeting his fans, he then goes to the paddock with a driver and will go one lap around the racetrack. This is the Drive With Us program sponsored by COSA (Central Ontario Standardbred Association). It’s the thrill of a lifetime for everyone.” You’ve been volunteering with OSAS for nearly 20 years. What has been the most rewarding part of your experience with the program? “I love horses; they are amazing animals. Each has their own personality. Being a part of OSAS is very rewarding for me. The success stories, watching them go to their forever homes and being loved – retirement for them is wonderful. “I’ve met a lot of people, made a lot of friends and learned a lot. I was not raised with animals and was nowhere near a farm. I became involved with the Racetrack Chaplaincy, and from there, started helping with barn chores. Then, I met Joanne Colville, and the rest is history.” Fun fact #1 : Reverend Hanover made 27 starts during a tremendous racing career that saw him win two Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series Super Finals (2014, 2015). Fun fact #2 : Reverend Hanover, who banked over $550,000 in total purses during his career, was a $24,000 purchase at the 2013 Harrisburg Yearling Sale. He was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms. Fun fact #3 : Reverend Hanover caught the acting bug in retirement, appearing in a 2025 Breakfast Television segment and a commercial. (Photos courtesy Jean Posthuma/OSAS) 

Hundreds of horses have been adopted through the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society since its creation 30 years ago, but none with the same achievements as the recently departed True Story. That son of Kentucky Spur was a rare Standardbred who was talented on both gaits, pacing and trotting, and he became the world’s fastest double gaited performer when he won on the trot in 1:54 over Woodbine’s seven-eighths mile track as a six-year-old. His pacing record came two years earlier when he toured Balmoral Park in 1:55. To look at his pedigree, he is pacing bred with his father a star pacer who earned $1.3 million close to four decades ago. His dam, C Nanette, took a mark of 1:55.3f on the pace and earned just over $30,000. She had six foals, and True Story was the only one who trotted as well as paced. Bred by Kevin Sizer, who also campaigned C Nanette, True Story was an iron horse, racing from ages two through 12 with well over 260 lifetime starts (239 trotting, 15 pacing) and just under a half million dollars in earnings. The consistent campaigner was claimed five times in total and switched stables several times throughout his career. In May of 2007 he would enter the Paul Megens’ barn and there he would remain until his well-deserved retirement two years later. “My husband, Paul Megens, claimed him in May 2007, and we retired him in May 2009, placing him with the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. After all he had achieved, he truly deserved a wonderful retirement,” explained Stacey Newman. “He was such a classy old man. We had him for wins 45 to 51, and throughout those years, he was always happy and loved his job. He was an absolute pleasure to have in our barn and was very special to us.” True Story would go on to also be very special to Graeme McIntosh of Newcastle, Ontario, who became his next, and final, owner. Graeme was looking for a riding horse and had test ridden four horses before he rode True Story, and they formed an instant bond. “I really didn’t know what I was looking for as a new rider, but there was never a real connection with any of them. Then, I rode Q (his name for True Story). The connection was instantaneous. Our personalities bonded and the rest was history,” remembered Graeme who took six riding lessons prior to adopting True Story. At the sixth lesson his mount took off over a jump causing Graeme to fall off and break a rib. True Story, on the other hand, protected his owner at all times. Their connection would last for many more years and several hardships. “He actually took care of me during a ride. I had strokes in 2014 and 2019. When I got on him afterwards, he would subtlety move his feet out to ensure I was centred and balanced. Never once did I fall off him in 15 years,” Graeme praised. In retirement True Story was known as a riding horse but Graeme made sure the other riders were aware of his previous career. “His track stories and “fame” were a bonus and bragging rights at farms,” said Graeme who kept him at various farms in the York region. True Story was always in an indoor stall and pampered when he and Graeme weren’t out on a ride. “Our normal rides were anywhere between three to four hours through the Eldred King and Durham Region forests. I did ride him; a lot!” When asked to describe Q’s temperament, Graeme is effusive. “He was a super cool and chill horse. Being a Standardbred he was bomb proof. Nothing spooked him. Although, he was not a fan of water. “When riding he was an overachiever. A small stick or log on a trail was always four feet high! And he loved children. On rides when children approached, he would lower his head for them to touch his nose. Never once did he try to nip or be aggressive.” It was True Story’s incredible temperament which led in part to his nickname. “Originally, I was going to name him Quasar. I really have no idea why. That name got shortened, thankfully, to just Q. However, he was a favourite at every barn and all the barn staff loved him. So, Q turned into Cupid,” Graeme explained. It's readily apparent that Graeme provided True Story with an incredible life following his retirement. It is also quite apparent that the horse responded in kind. True Story’s former owners were thrilled they found each other. “We were so happy when Graeme McIntosh adopted him. He gave him an amazing home and kept in touch with us throughout the rest of his life, which meant so much to us,” noted Stacey. “We will forever be grateful to Graeme for giving him such a wonderful retirement and for loving him as much as we did. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.” True Story passed away in late August of this year and is now interred at Picadilly Acres Farm in Bowmanville. Graeme wrote a moving memorial to his cherished horse on Facebook. One of the many comments was from Garry Merner Jr. who wrote: “I had the pleasure of driving him several times and winning with him. He was a great racehorse and a sweetheart to drive.” It's apparent that all who encountered this incredible horse during his lifetime quickly became enamoured thanks to his talent and wonderful disposition making the tale of True Story a love story.

Officersoldierboy is the latest graduate from the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society, heading off to a forever, loving home and family. His touching story is written by Matthew Loman of WEG and is part of the 30 years, 30 stories campaign which is celebrating OSAS’s 30 th anniversary. After just a few short months at the Tottenham, Ontario, farm of Bert and Susan Mollica, Officersoldierboy moved into his forever home last week. Susan was effusive in her praise for the gentle gelding and his former owner Brenda, who showered Officersoldierboy with affection and kindness before entrusting him to the Mollicas and OSAS. “To start, I’d like to say a big thank you to Brenda for her love and care of Soldier Boy, and for making him such an easy, lovable horse for us to train and find a forever loving home for,” said Susan. Fun fact #1: Officersoldierboy’s barn name is Soldier Boy. Fun fact #2: Over his two-year career, Officersoldierboy made 42 starts across the Ontario harness racing circuit for five different trainers, recording three wins. Fun fact #3: Officersoldierboy, a four-year-old by McWicked, is the second foal of Shadowofhersmile. Her first foal, Wild Doc Holliday, is currently competing on the Ontario B circuit. What were your first impressions of Officersoldierboy? What have you come to learn about him? “He’s the sweetest boy you’ll ever meet,” said Susan. “He loves people, and he loves kids. We had a nine-year-old girl ride him four weeks after he got to us, and he just loved her. “Soldier Boy gets along with every horse he meets, too. He is so friendly; with every horse, he’s the low man in the pecking order. If one is mean or aggressive, he moves away. There’s not a mean bone in his body.” How smooth did Soldier Boy make the training process for Bert? “When he came here, he was an instant start. His previous owner (Brenda), who had donated horses to OSAS before, put so much love and attention into him that he was completely ready for us to start. “Because he already had a lot of human connection, it made it easy for Bert to go out, do a little bit of groundwork, tack him up, and start riding him. Soldier Boy can do all the obstacles in the Xtreme paddock. He can walk-trot. He stands for mounting. He also will stand at the mounting block, which is a big obstacle for some of the horses initially. “He put his trust in Bert, and everything Bert asked of him, he did it.” It sounds like Soldier Boy found the perfect match with his new family. Tell us a bit about them and how they found each other. “The woman (Andrea) who’s adopting him has her own family farm; they just bought it a year ago. She has two kids, 10 and 5, and her daughter, who’s 10, has taken some lessons, and she’s going to be riding Soldier Boy, as well. You could just tell when they met for the first time that they were in love with each other. Soldier Boy just fell in love with her. She fell in love with him – it was chemistry. “Andrea actually found out about the program because one of her friends, Shauna, adopted Reaganomics a couple months ago. Shauna’s moving Reaganomics to be with Soldier Boy, so two OSAS horses from completely different women are going to be together. “Soldier Boy found his home through a friend and that’s what makes OSAS special, and so amazing for families.”

OSAS is celebrating 30 years of finding forever homes for Standardbreds and one of the hundreds of horses rehomed is Explosive Space. That 15 year-old mare with a love for the outdoors, and the woman who provided her forever home, Erin MacPherson, are profiled by WEG’s Matthew Loman in the latest 30 years, 30 stories feature. The pair celebrated five years together this past August, giving MacPherson a chance to reflect on a relationship that’s grown significantly over the past half-decade. “We love trail rides and being together and having some fun,” she said. “It’s not super extravagant. It’s just our life, and we’re living it.” Fun fact #1: Explosive Space has three nicknames: “Princess,” “P” and “Bubba.” Fun fact #2: Explosive Space had a brief racing career, making five starts across Mohawk, Georgian Downs and Grand River. Fun fact #3: Explosive Space’s dam, Springer Cam, has only one other foal, Springers Luckyboy, who won 13 races and earned $78,712. Walk us through your first impressions of Explosive Space. “I saw several horses that were up for adoption, but she was already adopted out, so I inquired about a different one. After that, they said, ‘We’ve also got this one, Princess (Explosive Space).’ I thought she was adopted, and she was, but it did not work out. So, Bert [Mollica] picked her up and brought her home. “When I went to see her, she was absolutely beautiful. Bert did a good job starting her under saddle, but I knew she’d be a project. She was a nice forward ride, with an attitude, but I gravitate towards those types. “She was pretty good under saddle, but the groundwork was not there. She would’ve been a late nine or 10 years old when he started her, so she had a late start. She didn’t race much. She just really needed time and patience. “It took a long time for that to come along, but I knew that going into it. So, I gave her that chance, and although it took some time, we got there.” How would you describe your relationship with Explosive Space, and how has it grown during your time together? “We have a good relationship. She is very sensitive, so it took a long time for us to understand each other. It grew to where, now, she obviously trusts me. She gets a little nervous with other people because she’s a one-person type of horse. “Overall, it has gone really well. I threw her into the deep end a couple of times, taking her out to different places. She looked to me when she was nervous. I didn’t take another horse with me. It was just me and her. She really looked to me, and that was when I knew that this was going well and we’re connecting. She makes me happy.” What are some of the hobbies that you two share? “We just live our best life. We have been to shows, we’ve done that. We went to the Standardbred Showcase the second year I had her. We went to a couple of speed shows just to get her out to have some fun. I think she really enjoyed it. We’ve done a lot of obstacle work. I’ve set up an obstacle course for her at home. We also go out to different places that have clinics. “We love to go camping, too. Generally, we try at least once a week to go somewhere for a trail ride, just to trail her out and see some new stuff and be with friends. She loves to have friends. When I’ve taken her to clinics or anything where it’s just me and her, she looks to me, but she also tries to find a friend. She’ll find one that looks like the horse she’s currently out with and go, ‘Hey, is that you?’ “She’s very gentle with other horses. She’s not a kicker. She doesn’t rear or bite. She’s a big, big girl, but she’s a sweetheart. We have our time together, but she also loves her friends a lot. They’re herd animals, so they need that connection.” What are you most grateful for when it comes to Explosive Space? “She’s taught me a lot. She’s different from other horses I’ve had in the past. With her quirks, I had to explore some different ways of doing things. She’s really taught me a lot about patience. You can’t get mad at her. She seems to know that and thinks it’s funny. “She’s taught me different ways of thinking about things. My biggest tool since I’ve had her has been a flag, the kind that trainers use. I never touched her with it. It’s just an extra tool that, for whatever reason, she’ll listen to. “My friends just think it’s hilarious because if I try to load her in the trailer and she’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t really feel like it, Mom,’ she’s not pulling away or anything, but I’ll just pull out my flag and say, ‘Okay, now it’s time to go,’ and she jumps right on. For whatever reason, she thinks that’s just the boss. “With us doing our training, every little win is a celebration. I tend to dress her up weird sometimes, mostly for fun, and she’s put up with all of that. She’s just my girl and I’m happy that she came into my life and taught me a bunch, and we just keep moving forward.”

One of the reasons the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society is commemorating its 30 th anniversary in 2026 is thanks to adopters like Monica Koehler who celebrate the Standardbred breed as loudly and as often as possible. A lifelong rider, Monica adopted her first Standardbred, A Marked Player, in 2019, just a few weeks after the daughter of Shadow Play made her 11 th and final racing start in October at Flamboro Downs. A Marked Player was bred by Kim Mark who owned her during her brief racing career. The fourth and final foal of the Camluck mare Nina Seelster, A Marked Player is a sister to $211,000 winner Mea Lilley Mark and $124,000 earner On The Minute Mark. To say Monica is pleased with her decision to adopt the now 10 year-old mare she calls Marlie, would be a gross understatement. “I thank OSAS every year for Marlie in my (social media) posts as she is the loveliest, sweetest, and safest horse I have ever had the privilege to work with,” she said right after Marlie competed successfully in a dressage competition. A retired Occupational Therapist from the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, area, Monica had no experience with harness horses until she worked at a breeding farm several years ago. “That was my first exposure to the breed, and I became really interested in them. I’ve been riding since I was nine and always had a horse but never a Standardbred. Someone abandoned a weanling filly at the farm, she was the sweetest creature, but no one came back for her. So, I worked with her and found her a home and afterwards I thought ‘why didn’t I keep her for myself?’ “That’s when I did some research and found out about OSAS and reached out to Joanne (Colville, OSAS’s administrator) who was so wonderful and helpful. I was very specific, I wanted a horse that could be an ambassador for the breed, a young horse that I could train as a dressage prospect. I wanted a mare. Joanne pointed me towards a couple of horses, interestingly they were both by Shadow Play. “I had no aspirations to compete at a high level, I was close to 50, this was for pleasure. I have a background in eventing, and I hit the jackpot with Marlie. She is the kindest soul and a great friend for me. And most importantly, I can do what I want with her knowing I’m safe,” explained Monica who now works part time at Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies which has helped further her knowledge of the harness racing world. With the help of an experienced dressage coach, Allie Schmidt Dressage, Marlie has truly blossomed into the kind of competitor who continually amazes her owner. “From the minute I saw A Marked Player I knew she was my heart horse. As a three-year-old, we slowly got to know each other, and she was so easy to convert into a riding horse. “Developing good, clear gaits was difficult, but Marlie never stopped trying,” Monica noted. The pair have captured many ribbons and championships at various dressage competitions including Caledon Dressage, Dressage Niagara and Ontario Dressage. “Dressage requires constant growth, it’s very fluid and very hard to do. We are now working on the Second Level and that’s a big ask for Marlie. She’s very willing and always tries. I don’t think there are too many Standardbreds at the same level and I’m so proud of her. Every time I think we’ve capped her capabilities she shows a little bit more.” When Marlie and Monica compete (they did so virtually during Covid and recently as well as in person), their fellow competitors were taken aback to discover the horse’s background. “They see her freeze brand and ask about it, most people are very surprised she’s a Standardbred. It’s generated a lot of really interesting and fun discussions.” One of OSAS’s mandates is to showcase the versatility of the breed. Monica and A Marked Player are certainly contributing to that goal. “I truly believe that Standardbreds are misunderstood and under recognized. In my experience they are innately easy-going, amazing to handle, smart and willing with a great sense of humour. I truly enjoy their personalities and am looking forward to many more years with Marlie.”