Ambassador Horse Stories
2006
Maatingly
Grady's Falcon
2005
Cutting Edge
2004
Getinany Bluegrass
Henry The Hunter
Ambassador
Horse Program & Mission
While we are
not an adoption agency, our ambassador horses are one way in which
we are able to retrain and place Standardbreds. Horses of any
age may be donated by their owner. They might have failed to show
promise in early training, have had an injury that prevents racing,or
have been retired at the compulsory age of 14. If physical problems
are apparent, a vet check might be performed, but once accepted
by SPHO-ME the horses are retrained for pleasure use. A panel
of three SPHO members agrees to sponsor each horse to insure that
no one person makes vital decisions. Members volunteer to board,
retrain, trailer, and show the horses free, but are reimbursed
by SPHO-ME for feeding, worming, annual immunizations, and other
veterinary services up to the value of the horse. Volunteers also
present these Standardbreds to the public at a variety of equine
events, such as parades, open shows, trail rides, and other public
venues, where they act as goodwill ambassadors for the breed.
When the horses are deemed ready for adoption, they are put up
for sale to a responsible owner with the proceeds being used to
fund another Ambassador Project horse and/or to further SPHO-ME's
mission. Now finishing its third year of operation, the program
has successfully retrained and placed four horses, with another
currently in training. It must be said, however, that many other
Standardbreds are placed outside of this program simply by word
of mouth between the racetrack and SPHO members.
SPHO-Maine
is accepting donations of hay, grain or other supplies for the
Ambassador Program. If you are interested in donating please contact
Denise at 499-7556 or email denise@sphomaine.net