The Horse Whisperer

December 16, 2020

Horses have played an integral and therapeutic role for every member of the Mollica family and now patriarch Bert is sharing his talents with OSAS horses with great success.

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“He has two loves in his life, his family and his horses.” That’s how Susan Mollica describes her husband Bert. “You know how a good mechanic can listen to a car and know what’s wrong with the engine? Bert’s the same way with horses.”


Bert’s affinity for horses has been quite evident since he and Susan decided to foster horses for the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society earlier this year. In just a few months they’ve hosted several newly retired Standardbreds: Hollywood Ham, Steam Machine, Lisvinne, Kwik Mac, Marc Et Master, Howdy Partner and Masseno (Bugsy) and within just a few weeks Bert’s had them all turned into riding horses and ready for new forever homes leading to Bert’s nickname, the horse whisperer.


A life long horseman, Bert is quick to point out that his success with the horses is thanks in large part to their previous care givers. “I don’t call what I’m doing with the horses training them, I say I’m tuning them up, they’ve already been trained. The horses we’ve had, I have to give credit to their trainers, owners and grooms, anyone who had been looking after them, they put in the hard work,” he said humbly. 


“These horses are smart, they have the manners and they want to learn. I’ve worked with other breeds, some Thoroughbreds for example, that were very hyper and weren’t trained properly, you can tell the difference between the horses. If you get one that was treated terribly you can’t do anything with them. In my experience Standardbreds just want loving and the Standardbred horse people really love their animals, it’s not just a business for them. For the most part the horses are not being treated like machines and the people genuinely like working with the horses. When I go to the track it’s obvious everyone loves their horses. So when I get a horse from an environment like that, the work is mostly done. The horses are very happy to learn and work.”


While Bert downplays his success with the retirees, the time he commits to each one is an integral part of his formula. “I do spend a lot of time with them, they all become my babies. For me it’s not a business, I enjoy it, I’ll spend hours standing in the field just talking to them. I don’t have a bridle or a saddle, I just spend as much time as I can and the horses seem to like it. I don’t push them, they’ve been pushed all their lives. One of the biggest things I have to teach them is they don’t have to race anymore. They don’t have to go fast. We become buddies, I don’t have a whip, I don’t use a whip. If any horse I’m riding is afraid of something, I get off the horse, we walk up to it and I take the time to let them understand whatever it is.”


“I’m forever calling him in for lunch or dinner, he’s always out there with his horses,” laughed Susan. “We met when I was 16 and he was 18 and he loved the horses as much then as he does now.”


The couple met while Bert was working for the Thoroughbred operation Gardiner Farms. “I started in the broodmare barn and then moved to the racing barn,” Bert remembered. They’ve been together for more than three decades and during that time have faced a great deal of adversity but despite that they remain optimistic and positive with an unwavering love for their sons and horses.


Their son Christopher was born 31 years ago and was deprived of oxygen during birth which left him severely handicapped. He cannot speak but can nod his head to communicate and currently gets around in a wheelchair. 


“He has well exceeded multiple life expectancies we’ve been given,” explained Susan. “He’s very intelligent, he could read a race program from the time he was two. My father, Earl Henry, had race horses. He worked at Woodbine and Georgian Downs and he and Christopher would bet with pennies.


“Our other son, Adam, is a high school teacher in Barrie. He’s good with the horses, he can harness and tack a horse. He went through to be an industrial designer, and then went back to York to get a degree in education. By the time he was 22 he had two bachelor degrees. He’s our right hand man and helps with anything we need as he’s only a half hour away. He’s at the farm all the time giving us a hand.”


Both sons share their parents’ love for horses. When Christopher was young Bert built him a special saddle with a backrest so he could ride. After several surgeries that wasn’t possible, so Bert created a cart which accommodates the wheelchair to allow Christopher to drive his horse, the Standardbred mare Eight Of Hearts, a 17 year-old daughter of Cams Card Shark.


“She absolutely loves Christopher,” Bert said. “She never gallops, but when she sees Christopher come out of the house, she gallops to him, it’s heartwarming to see. We’ve had her since 2008. We went to a Standardbred auction, the Flamboro mixed sale, of all the horses in the sale Christopher picked Eight Of Hearts, there was nothing I could do to talk him out of it. There were horses that would have worked better, but he wanted her and we bought her; she was in foal. When we put the cart on her she knows it’s business, it’s a 300 pound wheelchair and she pays attention. She’s not the world’s greatest show horse, but she knows she’s pulling Christopher and she knows she has to behave. That’s why I love these horses.”


It was through Christopher and his horse that the Mollica family got to know Joanne Colville, OSAS’s manager. “I called Joanne to see if she would allow Christopher to compete in one of the Standardbred horse shows,” explained Susan. “She said ‘of course, why not?’ And I told her a lot of people had said no and we were very grateful that they allowed him to compete. Everyone welcomed us with open arms. I am really hoping that once the shows come back that the people who have adopted horses that have been at our place will come and show them. My dream is that they’ll all come out.”


“It was at the horse shows that we first met Joanne and we hit it off,” recalled Bert. “She wanted to buy my quarter horse, Koda, to use when she outrides at Mohawk. When I wouldn’t sell him she asked if I would tune up her horse, Jay, which I did. He’s a pretty good horse, he just needed some fine tuning so I worked with him for a bit. I had done some Xtreme Cowboy and made a course here at the farm with a bridge, teeter totter, some sticks to walk over and flags. I tried to get him to ride with a flag flapping and really just tried to get him used to anything I could think of that might spook a horse. I put Jay through that and he turned out to be really smart. Joanne then asked if I would be interested in working with other horses and I said we’d give it a try.”


“I was really impressed with the way he worked with Jay,” said Joanne. “Bert is a true horseman, he simply has the knack to communicate with them that few people are blessed with. I saw it first with Jay and now subsequently with the OSAS horses he has worked with; he does an incredible job with them. I always stress that there is no rush with these horses, several of which are straight from the track, but Bert is usually riding them within a few days with no problem at all.”


This past summer marks the first time Bert’s ridden a horse in three years. “He almost lost his life three years ago. At five in the morning he was driving to work, he did concrete forms on construction sites, and was involved in a head on collision and was severely injured. We’re very fortunate he’s here,” noted Susan.


The Mollicas have a small hobby farm 30 minutes south of Barrie. In addition to Bert’s riding horse, Christopher’s Eight Of Hearts, they also have four miniature horses. When they take in a new OSAS horse they’ll put one of the minis in with them to keep them company. One of the first horses they fostered was one familiar to many Ontario racetrack goers, Hollywood Ham, who was one of the stars of the Hands On Horses program which allowed track patrons the opportunity to ride behind a Standardbred (along with a qualified driver) for one trip around the racetrack. 


“Hollywood Ham was an absolute dreamboat. About two weeks after he’d been here he could do anything I asked him. He really learned quickly and was such a good mannered horse to work around. He loved the attention, he was used to it, and that’s what made him so easy to put a saddle on, he wanted to please me,” explained Bert. “The woman who adopted him absolutely loves him and now her husband is riding him as well. We love to hear about how the horses are doing after they leave us, because that’s the hardest part of it, having to say goodbye to them.


“The horse we delivered recently, Marc (Marc Et Master), he put his head right into my chest when I was saying goodbye. His new home is beautiful, and I know he’s going to be well looked after, but that’s the toughest part with these OSAS horses, letting them go. We really get attached to them in a short period of time. I’ve had them a month on average and it kills me to see them go, I’m a big softie. They all become my buddies, they all become part of me.


“I can calm a horse down and relax them, I now have a new life and can enjoy myself,” Bert explained. He has no rules when it comes to working with the OSAS horses, the schedule depends entirely on the horse. 


“I’ll spend a week on the ground, letting them get used to me, maybe the next week we’ll try a bridle and saddle and usually a couple of days after that I’m on them, it all depends on how they react. Normally once I know they’re good with a saddle and are comfortable, then we start riding. At first most of them want to run, it’s my job to calm them down and teach them to go slow. With some horses the adopters have a specific goal for them and Joanne will let me know. The last horse we had, Bugsy, Joanne said they were interested in doing some Canadian Cowgirl so that’s what I worked on with him.


“I like what I do and I’m in no hurry. If it takes me all day to get them to do something, I don’t care. I don’t work. Sometimes it’s a half an hour. If a horse gets frustrated we’ll take a break and do something fun in the field. We’ll go and play. The horse needs to want to do it, they will never be pushed by me. Every horse is different, you can train a horse sometimes in a week, next one can take two months, it depends on the horse’s background. If he’s been racing all his life it might take longer. It’s fun, every horse has their own personality. With Marc he raced on a Monday night we got him on Wednesday morning and by Thursday or Friday I had a saddle on him. He was that good. Howdy was the same. Sometimes the hard part is slowing them down. 


“No one has really given me a hard time or tried to throw me off, they’ve all been well mannered. I’ve said to Joanne: ‘thanks for giving me all the good horses’ and she says: ‘you’re getting the ones that come.’” 


The Mollicas first experience with Standardbreds was in 2007 when they purchased a yearling named Dreamfair Star, a daughter of Dreamfair Vogel.


“I broke and trained her and was pleased with her but unfortunately our circumstances changed a few years later and we had to sell her,” said Bert.


“We went to the sale to get a male trotter and came home with a filly pacer, she was the first racehorse we had. We were sad to sell her and recently I’ve been trying to find her to buy her back but without much success. If anyone out there knows what happened to her I’d like to find out,” said Susan.


“I’m a quarter horse guy but I do love Standardbreds. When I was 19 a friend of mine had a Standardbred and I trained him to do barrels. I went to the horse shows and he was cleaning up, no one could believe it was a Standardbred, but I find the breed is willing to learn new things,” praised Bert.


Another trait Bert admires in harness horses is their gentleness and innate kindness. “I’ve had a horse in the cross ties and Christopher will drive right up to them. He can’t judge the distance very well, and they’ve all been so good to him, they’re so smart. He’ll drive right up, get really close, they sniff his ears, pull off his knapsack, it’s like they sense they need to be gentle. The horses come right up to the back of the house if we leave the gate open, if I left the door open Howdy would have come right in,” laughed Bert.


While the Mollicas have been working with the Standardbreds throughout this current pandemic, it did cause the cancellation of Christopher’s beloved horse shows. 


“He really missed the horse shows this year, they’ve become a whole family event,” explained Susan. “There have been a multitude of people in our lives in the Standardbred world who have been kind to us but I can’t explain how great (trainer/driver) Graham Kirby has been to us. He saved Christopher’s horse’s life. His wife, Lia Jackson, is our veterinarian. Graham has always treated Christopher like a superstar. 


“Another fantastic horse person we’ve met is Mike Wade, he and Christopher are best buddies. When I talk about him being severely handicapped, Graham and Mike treat him as an individual, Trevor Henry is the same as well, he always makes a point to come and talk to Christopher. We met Mike through Joanne (whose sister Annmarie is Mike’s partner). I take Christopher to Georgian every race night which is where we met Annmarie who was racing a horse. They all treat my son like there’s nothing wrong with him and are great to support us. I called Mike one night when Christopher’s horse was choking and Mike and Annmarie told me what to do.”


It’s quite obvious that the Standardbred horses and people have made a significant difference in the lives of the Mollica family.


“We’ve made new friends with all the people who have taken these horses. Susan talks to them on the computer and if any of them are having issues with the horse I’m more than happy to come out and ride them to see what the problem is if necessary. Every person I’ve met in the Standardbred world would help me. I remember when I was training my first horse, I had the knee boots on the wrong leg and the guy beside me looked at me and said ‘you’re a new guy aren’t you?’ I had the boots on upside down on the wrong side and he was quick to help me. 


“I call it a family - the Standardbred family.” And it’s one the Mollicas have embraced, and been welcomed into, with open arms.

The Reverend Earns His Praise

October 19, 2026
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) 

A True Love Story

October 8, 2026
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.

Our Gratitude

October 8, 2026
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society would like to thank all those who contributed to yet another successful golf tournament. This year’s version was our 27 th tournament. To all of the golfers, sponsors and volunteers, please know how much your support is appreciated. OSAS is celebrating three decades of finding forever homes for retired Standardbreds and fundraisers such as the golf tournament allow us to continue that mission.

Soldiering Onwards

September 28, 2026
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.”

Explosive Space In The Spotlight

September 14, 2026
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.”

Hitting The Mark

August 27, 2026
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.”

Second Time Round For Keystone Edge

August 20, 2026
Keystone Edge, a gregarious 18 year-old gelding, was welcomed back by the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society after being adopted out of it a few years ago. The Bettors Delight son is featured in this week’s OSAS Pathways by WEG’s Matthew Loman which is part of OSAS’s 30 Years, 30 Stories campaign celebrating three decades of finding harness horses forever homes. While Bert and Susan Mollica, who train the majority of OSAS horses at their farm in Tottenham, Ontario, didn’t cross paths with Keystone Edge during his first stint with OSAS, the devoted husband and wife team is grateful to be co-authoring the next chapter of his life. “He is a very, very good boy,” praised Susan. “The owner that had him loved him. It was really hard for the gentleman to bring him back. He wants to visit Edge if Edge is still here, and his own health improves enough to permit it, so it was quite emotional. But it’s very clear that Edge was trained and loved.” Fun fact #1: Keystone Edge’s barn name is Edge. Fun fact #2: Keystone Edge made 56 starts across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, earning just shy of $60,000 lifetime.  Fun fact #3: His dam, Keystone Exton, is a half-sister to iron horse Keystone Endeavor, who made 390 starts while racing from ages two through 14. Keystone Endeavor was driven by several top drivers over his career, including Hall of Famer and current OSAS board member Bill O’Donnell. Some folks in the program are already quite familiar with Keystone Edge. What have you learned about his character? “Edge settled in really well. He’s like the papa bear. He’s with Soldier Boy [Officersoldierboy], and he just loves him. The bond they share is like father and son. Soldier Boy’s only four years old, and he’s a kind soul, too, but Edge has been there, done that, he’s just a happy boy.” How are you and Bert approaching Keystone Edge’s second stay in the program? “It makes it easier for us because Edge already knows everything. It’s been more about introducing him to our home, introducing him to his new buddy – but Bert can literally go tack him and ride him at any time. There’s no learning process for Edge because he already knows it all. This is a retreat while he waits to go to his forever home.” Based on everything you know about Keystone Edge, what kind of home do you think will suit him best? “It will be with someone who wants to go out, tack up their horse, and go for a nice ride by themselves or with a group. He will be the leader, but he’ll also be a follower. He will do what anybody wants him to do. He’s just waiting for someone who wants to enjoy life him.” Keystone Edge is proof that Standardbreds always have a home with OSAS. How important is providing that continued care, even after horses have moved through the program? “This is why we work with OSAS. Whether they age out of the program or get hurt, OSAS doesn’t shut the door on a horse, the door is always wide open. They will continue to support and love the horse. “Even if Bert and I aren’t doing it anymore, OSAS will still carry on, and the horse will never be left astray. It’s so hard to put in words how amazing the program is. We’ve had horses come back in the past that were younger, and we had no issue re-adopting them out. Even with Edge being older, he will find his perfect home. “One thing that OSAS stands behind is that every horse they have in their program and in their care is always welcome back. Even when situations change, they continue to be responsible for those horses and will help find them their forever home again.”

Sheila’s Standardbred Story

July 22, 2026
It seems appropriate to kick off the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society’s 30 Years, 30 Stories campaign with a profile of Sheila Jopling, a staunch supporter of OSAS for many years and also a customer. Sheila has now had the complete OSAS experience as she recently adopted her first horse from the program, KJ Owen. A volunteer for the organization for many years, Sheila has helped in a wide variety of roles including marketing and monitoring social media. It was on Facebook where she first saw KJ Owen who was being retrained by Susan and Bert Mollica who offer a foster farm and retraining for the majority of the retired Standarbred horses in OSAS’s care. “Being a dedicated volunteer with OSAS, I'm in a position where I can see the new horses coming into the program. When I saw the videos of Owen's arrival at the Mollicas I was instantly drawn to him. I visited their farm and rode him, and the connection was there,” explained Sheila who lives near Peterborough in Buckhorn, Ontario. “Having spent time in the industry, I appreciate and admire the breed, both on and off track,” added Sheila who is well versed with harness horses having worked in the stables of Terry Heffernan, Pete LaRush, Dagfin and Per Henriksen, Steve Nichols, Charlie Peake and Jason Woodward. It was Heffernan who first exposed Sheila to the Standardbred breed. “I was taking riding lessons at an equestrian facility where Terry’s two daughters were also taking lessons. One of them was riding a pacer which quite intrigued me. Terry offered me a job and introduced me to jogging and it’s gone from there,” she remembered. “When I worked for Per it was all trotters, so you’re exposed to a different side of the breed. I loved working with them, when you’re a groom you get to know the horses’ personalities so well. Some are very different at the farm than at the track and you get to know their little quirks and what sets them off.” Sheila’s first harness horse, acquired several years ago, is 22 year-old gelding Hezgothorseshoes. “He was named that after being born severely windswept. He qualified, but never raced,” she noted. A son of Mr Lavec who Sheila calls Mojo, he hails from the immediate family of millionaire Self Possessed. Interestingly, there is an OSAS connection here as Mojo’s dam, Orchard Park, went through the program in 2009. Sheila and Mojo have been a team for many years, and their riding has included leading the post parades at her home track of Kawartha Downs on Canada Day a few years back. They’ve also participated in many horse shows including Hunters and Dressage and she appreciates always having the opportunity to promote the breed when she rides him at various events. Sheila is cognizant of Mojo’s age and realizes that will limit what he is capable and comfortable doing going forward which is why she began to contemplate getting another horse which is what led her to KJ Owen. Unlike Mojo, KJ Owen had a very productive career on the racetrack with close to 300 lifetime starts. The now 12 year-old son of Roll With Joe retired earlier this year with an impressive summary of 52-41-38. He has two half-brothers currently competing at Monticello Raceway in KJ Hunter, a winner of $256,000 lifetime and KJ Leo, who has over $300,000 banked lifetime. The brothers are owned by breeders Scott Woogen and Brenda Messenger and trained by Gary Messenger. Those are the same connections who raced Owen during his first six seasons of racing before losing him in a claiming race in 2021. He would continue to race for five more years, through to age 12, quietly grinding out a decent bankroll of over $311,000 lifetime. At the time of his retirement Owen was owned by Lynn Cameron of New Brunswick who Sheila has connected with over the horse. Lynn donated Owen to OSAS following his final race at Mohawk in January of this year. Susan Mollica recently sent Sheila a horseshoe he was wearing in that last race. “I won’t lie, I was teary-eyed when I opened that, it means a lot,” said Sheila. “I actually cried when I went to meet Owen for the first time. The closer we got to the Mollicas I was getting more excited. When Bert met us, I said ‘please don’t mind, the tears are excitement and joy’, and he said, ‘Susan’s been doing the same’.” After their first meeting, Sheila and her husband Garth, returned a few weeks later to take Owen home for good. Her horses are boarded at Nirvana Animal Sanctuary where she also volunteers. “The sanctuary is operated by two sisters who provide animals of all kinds a safe landing. We’ve become good friends and I’m now on their board of directors. They currently have over 30 horses, a few donkeys, a pony, pigs and cows. “When I got Owen to the farm, he didn’t have a care in the world, he was looking around, he didn’t pay any attention, he settled in really well,” added Sheila who works full time in Lakefield which is a ten minute drive from home and the farm is five minutes away which allows her to spend a lot of time there. “Owen and Mojo have sorted things out, Mojo’s nose was out of joint for a few days, but they’ve become buddies now and Owen is the top of the pack, he quickly established himself. One of the sisters is a farrier who is a barefoot specialist. She noted that Owen was the best horse she has ever trimmed. I love him to bits.” A rider for many years, Sheila has never ridden without using a bit but that is how the Mollicas trained KJ Owen so she’s going to work on riding him with a bitless bridle, in this case a hackamore. “We’ll practice in the indoor arena and work that out but I’m looking forward to learning.” Sheila first started riding with her dad on ponies. “I think I was 10 when I started taking western riding lessons.” She rode for many years but then took some time off when her daughters, Alison and Krista, were young. When they developed an interest in riding it became something they did together, and Sheila is hoping that continues with Owen. “With Mojo I did dressage, hunter jumper; I have championship ribbons from our time competing. I showed him in the western pleasure class at the Orono fair and got first place to my shock. With Owen we will do lots of rides, maybe some western dressage; I’d like to get into reining and clinics not far from the farm. I’m not sure If I’ll teach him to canter, we’ll see. We might enter some shows down the road, I do know I would like to post parade with him if the opportunity arose. “I have been exposed to many breeds of horses and I’m so impressed with Standardbreds. It’s remarkable what they can accomplish, look at the one in the US who was just named Grand Champion (Homicide Hunter). What OSAS does is provide a wonderful opportunity for horses to learn something different and have a whole new career. These horses are so intelligent and don’t forget what they’ve been taught in my experience. “It breaks my heart to think of where some of these horses would end up without a program like OSAS. I’m very happy to contribute to their work any way I can and can’t express how thrilled I am to have my own OSAS horse. I will always be an advocate for them.” Celebrating their 30 th year, OSAS has succeeded throughout that time thanks to dedicated volunteers like Sheila, who give of their time and experience to support and sustain Standardbred horses.

OSAS Golf Tourney Set

July 14, 2026
The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society is marking its’ 30 th anniversary in 2026 and part of the celebrations include the annual golf tournament which will be held on Wednesday, September 30, at the Granite Ridge Golf Club in Milton, Ontario. The cost per golfer is $180 which includes lunch, dinner, cart, golf and OSAS swag. A foursome is $720. Cost per hole sponsors is $250. Shotgun start is 1 p.m. Please register early as this popular event always fills up quickly. Non golfers are more than welcome to attend and/or contribute by sponsoring a hole or an item for the prize table. Please contact Joanne Colville 905-339-6748 ( osashorses@gmail.com ) to register to play, regarding sponsorship, to donate prizes or for additional information.

Eager Emilleah

July 8, 2026
“She’s a very social, happy-go-lucky girl,” is how Susan Mollica describes Emilleah, a four-year-old daughter of Dancin Lou who is currently being retrained for her second career. Emilleah is the latest OSAS horse featured in WEG’s OSAS Pathways which may be read through the link below. https://woodbine.com/mohawk/mohawk-insider/osas-pathways-emilleah/
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