Blog Post
An Equine Love Story
June 23, 2020
Talented equine artist Michelle Hogan first met iron tough pacer Conrad Seelster when she was in her early 20s and he was a grizzled racetrack veteran with eight years of racing under his harness. Eighteen years later they are still together and Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society graduate Conrad is a beloved member of Michelle’s family.
“He moved in with us when we bought our first home, he was there on our wedding day and now he’s here while my twins grow up. My daughter, Autumn, in particular, loves him dearly,” said Michelle.
Michelle, whose twins Owen and Autumn will be four this August, stays connected to horse racing now through her art. She is a juried member of the American Academy of Equine Art (AAEA) and her first award from AAEA was for “Shady Daisy Shadow Roll”.
“It is most unusual to see Standardbred art hanging in an AAEA show, so to see my racing art not only be accepted, but awarded, is something I am thrilled with. I have worked so hard to get here,” she said at the time.
More recently, Michelle’s beautiful ink drawing of the great trotter San Pail was selected by Owen Sound’s juried art show to be on a banner that is hung on the town’s harbour for a year.
Like San Pail, Conrad Seelster is enjoying retirement surrounded by people who love him. And for both, it is a well-earned retirement. Conrad Seelster may not have been horse of the year in Canada twice, but he was an absolute iron horse throughout his 12 year racing career which saw him face the gate an incredible 445 times. His lifetime summary was 54 wins, 62 seconds and 61 thirds for $310,285 in earnings.
The son of Threefold bred by Seelster Farms never left Ontario during his racing days and he competed at 16 different racetracks in the province including several which are no longer operating (Sudbury, Elmira, Belleville, Barrie and Windsor). He was ultra consistent, averaging 37 starts per year from age three through 14.
Conrad was trained at the start of his career by John Yake of Woodstock, Ontario, who campaigned him until the end of his three-year-old season. Fred Maguire would take over the training responsibilities for a handful of starts. In May of Conrad’s four-year-old season Jeff Houghton claimed him from a race at Elmira for $3,500. It was the only time in his long career that he was claimed and from the age of four until 14 he was owned by trainer Jeff and his wife, Catherine, and it was in the Houghton barn that Michelle first met Conrad.
She grew up close to Flamboro Downs and her love for horses led her to become a caretaker. She worked in the Houghton stable looking after Conrad Seelster from 2002 until 2004.
“Conrad was always a gentleman. He was the barn favourite, of course. Jeff’s boys grew up with him. He could be strong on the track to jog and warm up, he liked to do things his way,” Michelle remembers.
Jeff’s son, Eddie, was two when the horse first came into the stable. “For my brother (Will) and I it was our routine for many years, each week watching Conrad race somewhere. He was such a special horse, he knew how to take care of himself and that’s why I think he raced as long as he did,” Eddie recalled recently.
Conrad’s most successful season was at age eight when he banked just over $70,000 from 44 starts. Jeff Houghton wasn’t afraid to race the consistent pacer throughout the province and Conrad spent quite a bit of time that season in Northern Ontario competing at Sudbury Downs. In late 2000 he had a four race win streak at Sudbury, including two in the $20,000 preferred.
“Dad would race him where he thought he could be the most successful and never touched WEG tracks. He excelled on a half-mile track. I remember racing at Sudbury and we’d eat at a restaurant that would give kids stuffed animals with their breakfast. I choose a horse and named him Conrad and took him everywhere with me for a long time,” said Eddie with a laugh.
The horse would earn his life record of 1:56.3 as a 10 year-old and Eddie remembers the amusing story behind that race at Clinton on July 14, 2002. Trevor Henry was up behind Conrad with the plan to leave with him. Just before the race was about to start the horse beside Conrad fell to the track (he was fine, but taken off the track and scratched).
“Conrad just took off, he ended up winning by five lengths. My dad always said he just wanted to get off the track as fast as he could after he saw that horse fall,” Eddie recalled.
Conrad made headlines at the end of his racing career. On New Year’s Eve, 2006 Rideau Carleton Raceway hosted a ‘Clash of the Iron Horses’ race that pitted Conrad against Kendal Python who was two years younger at 12. At the time Conrad had more lifetime starts than any horse in North America while Kendal Python had the second most. Python would surpass him in that category though, as he retired with 494 lifetime trips behind the gate two years later.
In that Rideau match-up Conrad set the pace, and down the lane his rival swept up the inside and the pair battled down the stretch with Conrad prevailing by a slight margin. It was Conrad’s last racetrack appearance and fittingly Houghton drove him for the first and final time. Many of the extended Houghton family were on hand for his final performance. That race may be watched through this link.
At the end of the race, following the winner’s circle presentation, one of the commentators noted that a horse of his calibre deserved a decent retirement home and Michelle has certainly provided that for him.
After his racing career concluded at the mandatory age of 14, Conrad was part of the OHHA Youth Camps which saw children spending the week learning the basics of harness racing, and working with four retired Standardbred horses. At the end of the week they put their skills to the ultimate test, competing in two four-horse exhibition races while accompanied by professional drivers.
“Conrad hadn’t been off the track for too long and I think they found he was too competitive for those races, he still wanted to compete,” said Eddie.
“I believe he was with the camp for two years before being given to OSAS. I was working as a vet assistant at the time and came across an advertisement in Horse Trader magazine for him. I immediately sent an email saying I would bring him home. He has been with me now since July of 2010,” noted Michelle.
Conrad was part of Michelle’s wedding to her husband Tim Casson and her photographer on that special day, Carrie Clarke Scott, was thrilled to see Conrad. “Carrie was his caretaker while he was with OSAS and she was my wedding photographer and was so happy to see him again.”
He also has other regular visitors. “Jeff and his family come up and stay every so often to have a good visit with him,” explained Michelle.
“I remember the last time I went to visit him with Dad,” said Eddie. “We walked up to the paddock and couldn’t see the horses. Dad called out ‘hey Conrad’ and we hear this nickering and then see the horse come running. I’m sure he remembered Dad’s voice. My dad often says what a relief it is that he’s found a home with Michelle, she is awesome.”
Conrad spends most of his days hanging out with Michelle’s other horse, a paint. He’s been lightly ridden and she’s hoping to let Autumn sit on him this summer.
“He really is a special horse. He has been so lucky to have so many good people in his life,” said Michelle. Judging by the beautiful photo Michelle recently posted of now 28 year-old Conrad Seelster looking fantastic, the feeling is mutual.
Thanks to Chris Loman of Woodbine Entertainment for following up on the story of Shadow Place who was recently found a forever home by OSAS. An iron horse who included the coveted Gold Cup and Saucer among his accomplishments,Shadow Place has found a loving forever home with Alexandra and Tim Dickieson on their farm in Holland Centre. In Chris's feature story, he explains the significance of the Gold Cup victory for his longtime owner Katie Miller, a detective with the Regional Police in Waterloo and the Dickiesons. The full story may be read: https://newsroom.woodbine.com/shadow-place-strikes-gold...
The 2025 OSAS Stallion Auction concluded today with tremendous interest and bidding, and we appreciate everyone who donated and bid to make it another successful fundraiser for our retired harness horses. The following are the stallions and their successful purchasers. STALLION BUYER Alarm Detector Calabode Farms Alarm Detector Calabode Farms All Bets Off Chris Cain Betterthancheddar Zach Carroll Big Jim Chris Bradt Bulldog Hanover Ben Ramsey Cattlewash Philippe Trudeau Century Farroh Bill Mackay Control The Moment Ashley MacDonald Dancin Lou Nancy MacNevin Dancin Lou Michelle Bohrer Lookslikeachpndale Ian Fleming McWicked Stuart Bolender Run Director Vernon Wagler Sunshine Beach Kelly Bryczka We express our sincere appreciation to Seelster Farms, Tara Hills Stud, Winbak Farms, Steve Calhoun, Dave Kryway, Ontario 1362313 and Heather Davies for their generous stallion breeding donations and to all the bidders for your interest and support. Founded in 1996, OSAS is the official agency responsible for finding forever homes for retired Standardbreds and to showcase the versatility of the breed.
A reminder that the 2025 OSAS Stallion Auction closes today, Thursday, February 13, starting at noon. The annual fundraiser features 13 of the province’s top sires as follows: Alarm Detector All Bets Off Betterthanheddar Big Jim Bulldog Hanover Cattlewash Century Farroh Control The Moment Dancin Lou Lookslikeachpndale McWicked Run Director Sunshine Beach It will be a staggered close starting alphabetically with Alarm Detector at noon and the next horse 15 minutes later until it concludes with Sunshine Beach. Note that if a bid occurs in the final 60 seconds of the stallion’s availability, the auction for that stallion will be extended for 120 seconds or until all bidding ceases. To view the auction please click here . A reminder that you are required to register prior to placing your first bid. Any questions or concerns, please reach out to Joanne Colville at osashorses@gmail.com or call or text 905-339-6748. There has been a tremendous response to this year’s auction and we are extremely grateful to the stallion owners for their generous donations and to the many bidders for your support.
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society’s annual Stallion Auction gets underway today (Monday, February 10) at noon and features some of the most popular and prolific sires in the province. At the recent O’Brien Awards the first two trophies given out were to offspring of sires in our auction – Chantilly by Big Jim and Stonebridge Wizard by Dancin Lou. Many of the stallions available were O’Brien winners themselves including three named Canada’s Horse of the Year – Bulldog Hanover, Century Farroh and McWicked. The auction also gives breeders the opportunity to access Cattlewash whose book is full and closed for the 2025 breeding season as well as to the sport’s fastest performer of all time, Bulldog Hanover. The complete list of stallions available are, in alphabetical order: Alarm Detector All Bets Off Betterthanheddar Big Jim Bulldog Hanover Cattlewash Century Farroh Control The Moment Dancin Lou Lookslikeachpndale McWicked Run Director Sunshine Beach The auction will end Thursday, February 13 with a staggered close also starting at noon and is once again hosted by Easy Auction and may be accessed here . A reminder that you are required to register prior to placing your first bid. This auction is annually one of the most successful fundraisers for OSAS and we are so grateful to all the stallion owners for their generous donations and to all the bidders for your support. Any questions or concerns, please reach out to Joanne Colville at osashorses@gmail.com or call or text 905-339-6748.
OSAS is pleased to announce the dates for their annual stallion auction which could be the last opportunity to obtain a breeding to popular sires whose books have already closed for this year’s season. The 2025 OSAS Stallion Auction will run from Monday, February 10 starting at noon and close Thursday, February 13 with a staggered close also starting at noon. Always one of OSAS’s most popular fundraisers, this year’s stallion auction will be once again hosted by Easy Auction which may be accessed here . To date the sires which will be available are, in alphabetical order: Alarm Detector All Bets Off Betterthanheddar Big Jim Bulldog Hanover Cattlewash Century Farroh Control The Moment Dancin Lou Lookslikeachpndale McWicked Run Director Sunshine Beach Please check back regularly for updates to the list. OSAS thanks every stallion owner for their generosity and support again this year. Additional sires will be accepted up until February 8. To donate, or if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Joanne Colville at osashorses@gmail.com or call or text 905-339-6748. Established in 1996, OSAS is the official adoption agency for Standardbred horses in the province, responsible for spreading the message of the versatility of the breed and finding forever loving homes for retired pacers and trotters.
Shadow Place, whose accomplishments during his storied career included winning the coveted Gold Cup and Saucer, recently found a forever home through the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society. Now 14, Shadow Place began his career as a two-year-old in 2013 which saw him successfully compete in the Ontario Sires Stakes, winning a Grassroots event at Hanover Raceway in his second lifetime start. The son of Shadow Play had additional OSS wins as a sophomore and then went on to enjoy a long career as a veteran campaigner throughout Ontario in addition to a couple of stints at US tracks. His most successful year was 2017, his seven-year-old season, which saw him take in over $136,000 and capture the Maritime’s most prestigious harness race, the Gold Cup and Saucer at Charlottetown Driving Park. That was very special for Katie Miller, who was with Shadow Place for the majority of his career as well as his retirement up until now. “Obviously growing up on the east coast, the Gold Cup & Saucer is the holy grail. So, to take him there, let alone win it, was beyond anything I can ever describe. I actually thought I was going to pass out walking back to the winner’s circle that night. He stood there for 20 minutes, like an angel, while people took very muddy photos with him,” she described. Shadow Place’s final career start came in December of 2021 at The Raceway in London. Upon his retirement his stats show 142 trips behind the gate for a summary of 27-13-19 with $360,539 banked. His life best of 1:49.1 was recorded at Mohawk during his five-year-old season. “When I retired him four years ago, he had a tendon injury and he stayed with me until the opportunity came through OSAS to give him an amazing forever home with Alexandra and Tim Dickieson, who are lovely. I personally can’t provide such a picturesque property for him to live out his days and may never be able to,” explained Katie, a detective with the Regional Police in Waterloo, Ontario. “All we can do is put our horses first and I think this is the least I can do for him given all he has done for me,” added Katie who plans to visit Shadow Place at his new home at the Dickieson’s farm in Holland Centre, Ontario where he moved to last week. Shadow Place, who Katie broke to ride, has joined the couple’s other horses who are saddle horses or Standardbreds enjoying some time away from the racetrack. “He loves it, he has two other geldings and three mares as buddies. They are out together during the day and in stalls at night,” said Tim who currently has five horses racing. Four: Kaptain Karlos, Mamba, Ilikemebettor and No Wait List - are with Blake MacIntosh while Tyler Moore trains the recently acquired Fashion Forward for them. While Shadow Place will never grace the winners’ circle again, it seems he’s found a winning retirement surrounded by people who simply want the best for him.
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society sends warm wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and happy and healthy 2025. Thanks to Brooke Luke for this wonderful photo of Frightful Watch (aka Kevin) and Weatherly (Wes) who she adopted from OSAS a few years back. At the time she had no idea the pair were former stablemates in the Julie Walker barn. That story was a feature on OSAS and may be read Racing Buddies Together Again In Retirement
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society congratulates the winners of our annual Second Chance Raffle and sincerely thanks all who donated prizes and purchased tickets. The winners were drawn on a live Facebook post on Friday (December 13) evening by Emma Christoforou, who co-ordinated this year’s event once again with the assistance of her mother, OSAS’s Joanne Colville, and dedicated long time volunteer Jean Posthuma. This year 19 baskets were offered with varying values and included a myriad of wonderful items including Toronto Maple Leaf tickets, a full harness, various horse supplies, cosmetics and much more. The following is a list of this year’s baskets and their lucky winner. Emma will reach out to the winners to organize pick up and/or delivery. Thanks again to everyone for their participation in this always popular fundraiser. Our horses appreciate your support. 2024 Santa’s Second Chance Raffle Winners BASKET WINNER Basket 1 Nat Steacy Get Western Two $25 Pleasant Ridge Gift Certificates, The Hat Effect, Bushel Barn and $100 Greenhawk gift certificate. Basket 2 Zara Thurgood Leaf Tickets Two tickets to Toronto Maple Leafs (January 29, 2025). Value approx. $600. Basket 3 Sue Brookes Marlies Night Four tickets to Toronto Marlies vs. Bakersfield Condors (December 14, 2024). Basket 4 Dianne Currie Date Night Two gift certificates to Jakes Oyster House ($50 each), Yuk Yuks at Grand River, $100 Keg & $50 & $25 multi restaurant cards. Basket 5 Cathy Walsh Wildwinds 4 golf passes to Wildwinds Golf Course, value $320. Basket 6 Cathy Walsh Lucky Lotto $170 worth of lottery tickets. Basket 7 Sheri Whitworth Preserves Assorted homemade preserves, heated blanket, holiday cutting board, dish towels and three in one wireless charging station. Basket 8 Derek Reid Granite Ridge Four golf passes to Granite Ridge golf club. Approx. value $360. Basket 9 Debi O’Brien Moran Chocolate Lovers Large assortment of a variety of chocolates. Basket 10 Nat Steacy Equine Oil 1 18L bucket Smart Earth Camelina Oil Basket 11 Rena Soundy Girls’ Night Assortment of wine, coolers, shots. Value $170. Basket 12 Sally Roberts Chevy GMC travel mug, t-shirt & toque. Basket 13 Bethany Bahr Self-Care/Beauty Basket A myriad of wonderful self-care and beauty products. Value: $1,700. Basket 14 Nat Steacy Horse Care Two gallons Smart Earth Camelina Oil, gift certificate, clean kit, riding socks and $100 Greenhawk gift card. Basket 15 Rena Soundy Happy Gilmore OSAS golf merchandise, golf balls and ball cap. Basket 16 Chris Ruhl Complete Harness Includes blind bridle, lines, handholds, Buxton, race halter (winner can select colour). Basket 17 Arabella Kanter Horse Lovers $100 gift card to MareFlare equestrian & a variety of horse care products. Basket 18 Arlene McIntrye Racing Night Dinner for two at Mohawk, Mohawk swag & a handmade wooden clock. Basket 19 Alyson Roberts Cosmo For Her A wide variety of women’s cosmetics. Value: $900. 
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society is pleased to once again host a Christmas Second Chance Raffle named to reflect our mission to give retired Standardbreds a second chance and forever home. How it works is you view the 19 baskets being offered this year at the Facebook page Santa's Second Chance Raffles. Select the ones you wish to bid on and purchase however many tickets you want for it. Ticket prices are $2 or $5 depending upon the basket. Brief descriptions may be found below, fuller descriptions on the FB page. Tickets may be purchased up until December 12 at midnight. The winners will be drawn the following evening live on Facebook (time to be determined based on racing schedules). To pay please send e-transfer to santassecondchanceraffles@gmail.com or give cash to either Joanne Colville or Emma Christoforou at Mohawk or Flamboro. We encourage folks to purchase their tickets early to help our volunteers stay organized. Any questions please call or text Joanne at 905-339-6748 or email osashorses@gmail.com. Thanks to everyone who supports this fundraiser, contributed to the baskets and helps behind the scenes. Our horses appreciate everyone’s efforts. 2024 Santa’s Second Chance Raffle Baskets Basket 1 Get Western - $2/ticket Two $25 Pleasant Ridge Gift Certificates, The Hat Effect, Bushel Barn and $100 Greenhawk gift certificate. Basket 2 Leaf Tickets - $5/ticket Two tickets to Toronto Maple Leafs (January 29, 2025). Value approx. $600. Basket 3 Marlies Night - $2/ticket Four tickets to Toronto Marlies vs. Bakersfield Condors (December 14, 2024). Basket 4 Date Night - $2/ticket Two gift certificates to Jakes Oyster House ($50 each), Yuk Yuks at Grand River, $100 Keg & $50 & $25 multi restaurant cards. Basket 5 Wildwinds - $2/ticket 4 golf passes to Wildwinds Golf Course, value $320. Basket 6 Lucky Lotto - $2/ticket $170 worth of lottery tickets. Basket 7 Preserves - $2/ticket Assorted homemade preserves, heated blanket, holiday cutting board, dish towels and three in one wireless charging station. Basket 8 Granite Ridge - $2/ticket Four golf passes to Granite Ridge golf club. Approx. value $360. Basket 9 Chocolate Lovers - $2/ticket Large assortment of a variety of chocolates. Basket 10 Equine Oil - $2/ticket 1 18L bucket Smart Earth Camelina Oil Basket 11 Girls’ Night - $2/ticket Assortment of wine, coolers, shots. Basket 12 Chevy - $2/ticket GMC travel mug, t-shirt & toque. Basket 13 Self-Care/Beauty Basket - $2/ticket A myriad of wonderful self-care and beauty products. Value: $1,700. Basket 14 Horse Care - $2/ticket Two gallons Smart Earth Camelina Oil, gift certificate, clean kit, riding socks and $100 Greenhawk gift card. Basket 15 Happy Gilmore - $2/ticket OSAS golf merchandise, golf balls and ball cap. Basket 16 Complete Harness - $5/ticket Includes blind bridle, lines, handholds, Buxton, race halter (winner can select colour). Basket 17 Horse Lovers - $2/ticket $100 gift card to MareFlare equestrian & a variety of horse care products. Basket 18 Racing Night - $2/ticket Dinner for two at Mohawk, Mohawk swag & a handmade wooden clock. Basket 19 Cosmo For Her - $2/ticket A wide variety of women’s cosmetics. Value: $900.
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society is pleased to offer an additional way to donate funds which benefits everyone. By donating stocks, securities or mutual funds in kind it allows the person donating to claim a higher rate on their taxes in addition to supporting OSAS. Essentially a win/win for all. “We have arranged that OSAS can now accept and issue charitable receipts for stock donations. For stocks with large accrued gains this is a terrific opportunity to support a great cause and get a great tax benefit,” explained long time owner Clay Horner. OSAS recently found a forever home for A Rockaway Bay, a half-brother to Clay’s talented pacer Doonbeg. It’s best to make the donation before the end of a calendar year to be able to claim it on the current year’s taxes. To learn more about this opportunity please click here . OSAS is working with the Royal Bank of Canada on this venture. To access the information to make a donation please click here .
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