Aylesbury Performance Standardbreds

Introducing the Standardbred Sport Horse Association (SSHA).

Here is all the in and outs taken from their website's home page:-

A non-profit association open soley to Standardbreds and their derivatives. Spawned by public demand in 2008, SSHA was established by professionals within the Equestrian industry, keen to promote the Standardbred in all aspects of Equestrian sport.

Including awards from Harness Racing through to Dressage, fun days for juniors through to bbq beach rides and treks through the forest, SHAA offers something for everyone and every Standardbred ensuring many more have a life after racing.

SSHA are also pleased to annouce the inclusion of part-bred standardbreds and those standardbreds whom are not branded with the traditional neck freeze brand (where proven by way of DNA).

Why SSHA?

SSHA was established as people cried out for a society which focused more on all aspects of Equestrian Sport with equal importance put on each of the disciplines. With many partbred standardards and pure bred standardbreds being bred soley for a future in the saddle, branded was also something which became an issue. In accorance with the HRCV (Harness Racing Council of Victoria), Pure bred Standardbreds could only be legally called standardbreds if they had the neck freezebrand. This of course, can only be obtained if the mare is owned by the person as listed through the HRC which is (when sold on as a hack) not available. In addition, the stallion has to be nominated and registered as a sire through the same, and details of the service recorded and thus the foal recorded on birth. For non-racing people, this is indeed an issue. For those placing their retired Stallions/Mares in new homes, this also poses the issue that their horses could appear back on the race track.

SSHA, is offering owners of the non-traditional neck branded horses the opporunity to become a registered breed in their own right - the STANDARDBRED SPORT HORSE. Allowing owners/breeders the opportunity to have a ligitamite breed, the opportuity to compete and show and thus making their offspring increasingly more valuable.

The consept is designed to increase the value of Standardbred once it has retired from racing duties, beit racing itself, as a breeding stallion or broodmare, thus reducing the amount of these lovely animals headed to "Peterborough Pony Club" or "Oakley's Equestrian Centre" as they are so eloquently reffered. (ie: The Knackery).

I am a Harness Racing Trainer/Owner so what's in it for me?

SSHA offer a Harness Racing Standardbred Of The Year award at the end of the season, where by the horse which is registered with SSHA who has the most points in Harness Racing obtains awards at the end of the season. Being Rug, Perpetual Trophy and keepsake award. This runs via the financial year. Horses which are registered with SSHA are registered for their lifetime. SSHA offers legal lease papers and transfer of ownership papers for trainers who wish to forward their horse on to a loving competition/pleasure home one their horse has completed racing; picking up where Harness Racing SA left off. (As once a horse is a hack, they have little if no control over any issues that may arrise). This reduces the likelyhood of horses merely "dissapearing" into someone's back paddock and gives trainers and owners greater peace of mind on their beloved horses future. SSHA will be establishing a horse placement program where perspective owners can go on a list which is made available to trainers who can then match their horse with the suitable home.

Can I still show with other Standardbred Societies?

Yes you can. If you are a member of any other Standardbred association, you can become an Associate member of SSHA, which allows you to be active within SSHA events. This does not however, enable you to register a horse with SSHA or be eligable for any of the awards at the end of the season.

How does it work with other Standardbred Societies?

SSHA has no affiliation with any other Standardbred organisation. However, we are currently in the process of contacting various show societies to ensure that our members are eligable to go into any Standardbred ring across South Australia. As this is the first year, we have missed the opportunity to compete in the season's earlier shows, but stay tuned as we look forward to a bumper show season next season.

What if I don't want to compete?

You don't have to! SSHA understand the importance of a good beach/trail ride not just for riders but for horses mental well being as well. As a result, SSHA is incorporating many social events through the year at a variety of locations open to members only.

I want to Show/compete but am only learning, what chance have I got against the more experienced?

Actually, you'll have every chance. Incorporated into our high point shows are Novice classes, which are only open to those riders and their horses (both walk/trot and those who can canter) who have not won more than 5 first place ribbons or a champion sash in a Standardbred ring. So there is a class for everyone and everything, including classes for children and young handlers. These classes give the younger and less experienced members the opportunities to take out the following awards:

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR, CHILDREN'S STANDARDBRED OF THE YEAR.

In addition re-training clinics, instruction days, presenting to win clinics, learn to drive days etc are all in the pipeline. Along with practice/fun days etc to help newbies find their feet.

www.stbsporthorse.webs.com

So there you have it, never been a better time to own a standie!