"I recently found one of your pamphlets, and found it very interesting. I would appreciate it if you could send me as much information on your organization as possible. We would be looking for 2 pleasure horses. Nothing that needs to show. Just start a new life in a good home." Doris March, Calgary, Alta.
"I received your name and address from a Standardbred Adoption agency and I am writing you because I am interested in adopting a Standardbred horse for pleasure riding. I am an experienced horse owner having owned 3 Quarter horses in the past. I have become impressed by Standardbreds over the past while which is why I am looking exclusively at adopting one this year." Cheryl Cairns, Toronto, Ont.
"I am 13 years old and very involved with horses. I am looking for information on owning a Standardbred and would also like some information on the annual Performance Standardbred show. I am in my third year of 4H and have been very successful in showing my Appaloosa mare. I feel I am ready for a new challenge and I think a Standardbred would be perfect."Cheryl Swenson, Delacour, Alta.
"I picked up a copy of "Horses All" for the first time today and was delighted to read the article "Performance Standardbreds: A New Beginning for the Standardbred." A couple of years ago I had the good fortune of purchasing a Standardbred mare, she was a harness horse, and I still drive her with a small sleigh in the winter, snow permitting. However, my amazement came at her great willingness and cooperation to learn under saddle. She can accomplish just about anything that her horse peers are doing, and impresses lookers-on with her intelligence and diversity. I would appreciate any literature/membership etc. on this topic. There will always be a Standardbred in my corral!" Brock Storry, Anola, Man.
"I wrote you about a year ago and you sent me some great information on retraining my gelding to trot. He has now come a long way and we have even gone to a dressage show! Anyway, I would like to become a member and have enclosed my membership forms. Thank you very much for everything and I'm looking forward to getting the newsletter!" Brooke Misasi, Whitby, Ont.
"I am writing to tell you what a wonderful organization you are, and I thought that you might want to hear my Standardbred story... It may have taken me 3 years, but I've proven every horseman in Albert Co., N.B. wrong. Don will go happily English or Western with a snaffle bit or a hackamore. I hope to show this fall. You don't know how happy I am to hear of an organization like this one. For 3 years I thought I was alone in this country. This is great! Thanks for letting me know that you were out there!!" Rachel Steeves, Hillsborough, N.B.
"I'm the proud owner of a retired Standardbred who is now competing as a performance saddle horse for 3 1/2 years. I was challenged in retraining him but it was worth it. Could you send me information on the two associations as I'm very interested in them." April Asselstine. Peterborough, Ont.
"In late December I bought a 4 year old bay mare named Hustlers Firefly (from the Placement Program). I thought I would tell you how Firefly is doing...On Mother's Day I took her on a Poker Ride. It was 10 - 12 miles long and she handled it with ease. A lot of people admired the way she moved out and I had to keep answering the question "What breed is she?" It turns out she out-walked a top competitive horse that was at the front... I'm really impressed with her. Next time I'm looking, I'll definitely go to the Placement Program first." Janine Jerome, Dawson Creek, B.C. (Janine competed with Firefly in 2 tough competitive trail rides during the summer and in her second correspondence informed us she won one and came second in the other. Her mother also purchased a Standardbred mare through the program and is quite pleased with her as well.)
"Enclosed is my membership application. Please send me information on what is required to set up a branch of your organization in Ontario. I am a licensed Standardbred Trainer, stand an Ontario Sire Stakes stallion, and am a Director of Harness Racing for the Orillia Fair. For years I have promoted the Standardbred as a saddle horse and have tried to find homes for these versatile horses... The need for an organization such as yours is very great here. I am very impressed with your brochure and attempts to establish the Standardbred in the equestrian world. I commend you on your efforts, and am honored to now be a member of of your organization. Keep up the good work!" Val Meyers, Orillia, Ont.
"...I have continued on my project to organize a Standardbred Retirement Foundation here in Ontario. I have received support from the Ontario Harness Horse Association and was invited to their Board of Directors meeting. I attended and introduced the concept along with information about the success of your organization. I received verbal support and encouragement.... Again, I thank you for your help so far." Anita Jacquemart, Campbellville, Ont.
"We are the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Association in B.C. I was reading the March issue of "Horse Action" and noticed there was another Standardbred club promoting the breed. Thats great! We are currently planning on starting a placement program for these horses. We could use some tips on how to go about this, any suggestions?" Cheryl Lance, Vancouver, B.C.
"Thank you sincerely for the packages of information on Performance Standardbreds. I am photocopying several of the pages of information for a package to send to about 40 people that have either show horses, or Standardbred saddle horses, or show Standardbreds at some of the small shows in the province. We are hoping to put together a small association to organize one or two demonstration shows on the long weekends at the races... We have retired from active racing, and will be staying home for the first time since 1958." Betty Wallace, Dauphin, Man.