Alina Macleod, whose grandfather and father were involved in the harness racing industry and who grew up on the backstretch, is continuing the family tradition in a unique way.
While she still helps out at the track on a regular basis, Alina has chosen to devote her time, talent and knowledge of the industry to finding pleasure homes for horses whose careers at the track have ended.
As the program co-ordinator for the Greener Pastures BC Standardbred Horse Adoption Society, Alina is also the resident trainer, barn helper, fundraiser and marketer.
She may be also be the new face of an industry that is fighting to survive tough economic times and to capture a new generation of fans. It’s a generation keenly interested in animal welfare.
“People in the industry are more and more concerned about aftercare, about finding horses homes after the track. I like working with the horses in our program right after they arrive and training them so I can get to know them, and can match them with the right home,” said Alina.
Trainers and owners donate horses to Greener Pastures, and the horses are put on a waiting list.
The decline in breeding activity may trim the wait list a bit.
“Six years ago, there were around 200 mares bred a year. According to the latest survey, there were around 50 bred this year.”
The non-profit society based in Campbell Valley found homes for 24 horses this year. In the depressed horse market, that is quite an accomplishment.
Alina uses Internet marketing and social media to give available horses the widest possible exposure: she is always updating the society’s Facebook page, and places ads on multiple websites. Instead of waiting for prospective adopters to come to the Greener Pastures website, she brings the site and the horses to an international market. Her ingenuity has paid off.
“We’ve had horses go all throughout B.C., and to Alberta, Washington State, and even Alaska.” A fair number go to the Interior.
A calm, sweet-tempered and durable breed, Standardbreds leave a career at the track with good ground manners, and are “almost bombproof, although I hate that word,” says Alina.
The carriage driving world has been slow to realize their potential for pleasure driving, but that is changing. Standardbreds have also been discovered by endurance riders.
“Their work ethic makes them a good choice for endurance.”
Alina has a flair for matchmaking, and loves to get letters from adopters who are happy with their horses. She rates available horses according to the level of rider required. In case of problems, horses can be taken on a 30-day trial period. If owners find themselves unable to care for their adopted horses after the 30-day period expires, Alina will try to take them back into the program.
“One success story that stands out is Pureform Bunny. She was raced at Fraser Downs until the end of last year. A six-year- old, she had made around $40,000. A lady came up from Washington who really had in her mind she wanted a gelding. We persuaded her to adopt Bunny, who was not marish at all. She thanked us for pointing her in the direction of Bunny, who goes to dressage clinics, and will do her first endurance ride this year.”
Most of the non-profit’s funding comes from the sale of 50-50 tickets sold at the track by volunteers.
“We could use cash donations, and would also appreciate blankets, pellet bedding or even hay. Volunteers are always welcome.”
For more information on Greener Pastures, go to http://www.greener-pastures.ca” www.greener-pastures.ca.
And a Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
