Since we began our endeavors in 2014, Futures For Standardbreds has retrained and placed more than 40 horses. We are delighted that these Standardbreds have bright futures with enthusiastic and dedicated owners.

Standardbred racehorses are required to retire at age 14, and since horses can live to be 30, they need a “second career.” Furthermore, Standardbreds that “fail” out of racing or are never fast enough to compete often face uncertain futures. Our goal is to get these vulnerable horses into our program before they are in crisis, so that they may be successfully re-trained and go on to enjoy lives as pleasure horses.

We accept Standardbred donations from owners; we do not pay for horses. After an assessment of health and temperament, we undergo a systematic 12-16-week program of re-training them to be ridden under saddle and/or driven for pleasure.

We carefully review applications and conduct interviews, reference checks and site visits related to potential adopters, and we are committed to finding appropriate matches and responsible homes. The well-being of each horse is our primary concern. The abilities of the rider and the resulting safety implications for both horse and rider are also considered. We conduct post-adoption follow-up to offer support to adopters and confirm that it continues to be a positive arrangement.

Our board and volunteers are deeply committed to our mission…to Saving One Standardbred at a Time!

Futures For Standardbreds is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization based in Southern Maine.