Harness Racing South Australia’s committment to the standardbred has been demonstrated by the renewal of a sponsorship agreement with Chapel Lodge Standardbred Rescue and Rehabilitation.
John Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of HRSA and Kerry Rose, founder of Chapel Lodge, announced the renewal of the sponsorship on September 1 to coincide with the birthday of the standardbred.
Kerry, and her band of volunteers and supporters run Chapel Lodge Standardbred Rescue and Rehabilitation which already has moved on around 100 horses in just a few years.
Top South Australian trainer-drivers Danielle Hill and Scott Ewen have given horses to Chapel Lodge and praise the work of the volunteers.
“Kerry and her team do a wonderful job,” Dani said. “The horses are loved, re-educated and get wonderful new homes to enjoy the rest of their lives.”
Scott Ewen said he was proud to be an ambassador for Chapel Lodge and was delighted with the re-education of several of his former pacers.
Chapel Lodge is a not-for-profit organisation determined to give retired standardbreds a life after racing.
Kerry said the project started about six years ago when the retired trotter Bluey Truscott arrived at her Lewiston property which had been a former racing stable with training track and stables.
She and partner Harley Watts have now dedicated their lives to a rehabilitation program with Harley also becoming an accredited farrier to help ensure proper care.
One of the volunteers is Jacqueline Vella who has also taken on the role of sponsorship manager.
“One of the biggest challenges faced at Chapel Lodge, is the financial support required to run an operation this size. We are working on many ways to increase our profile. Welfare comes first and a lot of the current funding goes directly back into feed,” Jacqueline said.
“Each horse takes a minimum of eight solid weeks to prepare for a new life.
“We can re-educate for whatever process the client likes – for the show ring, trail horse, or just a pet.
People believed standardbreds were not comparable enough to be re-educated for the equestrian circuit but now realise that is not the case, and they actually can be better as they are not as highly strung as the thoroughbreds and are very versatile.”
Kerry said for the operation to continue it was important to attract volunteers and sponsors.
“We are always on the lookout for volunteers and sponsors,” Kerry said.
“We have made a conscious decision to lift our profile over the past 12 months and have been pleased more people now know about our operation but it is an ongoing quest to obtain support to keep Chapel Lodge going.”
For more information about Chapel Lodge Standardbred Rescue and Rehabilitation head to their websitewww.chapellodge.webs.com or www.facebook.com/ChapelLodge on Facebook.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
