Two Wild Hearts Sanctuary & Equine Rescue
Changing lives one horse at a time...
Meet the Standardbreds
Anyone who has ever had the joy of working with a Standardbred knows just how level headed and versatile they are once they leave their racing and cart careers behind. Quick to bond, and instilled with an almost bomb proof work ethic, these magnificent horses learn new things quickly, seek human attention and affection, and aren't bothered by most day to day things such as baths, farrier, vet work, trailering, noises, large trucks...you name it, they've seen it.
Unfortunately, an obscene number of Standardbreds every year find themselves being shuttled from auction to auction when they are no longer considered useful, whether it be age, injury, blindness or simply just not fast enough. The vast majority end up being shipped off to slaughter in Mexico and Canada, half starved, beat up and thirsty. Every single Standardbred we bring in has been pulled from a direct ship kill lot, often within a day or two of being sent to their deaths. We are very fortunate to be able to work hand in hand with the Standardbred Retirement Foundation to save as many of these wonderful horses as we can, and find them the lifetime homes they have more than earned.
Our goal is to place as many of these often overlooked horses into wonderful loving homes where they can begin new careers as hunter jumpers, eventers, barrel racers, calf ropers, dependable trail horses, dressage champions, 4H projects or happy, healthy pasture pets to be loved and cared for in every way they deserve.
All of our horses have veterinarian and trainer evaluations and a full disclosure on any medical or behavioral problems. If a horse is not the right match it can be returned to our shelter for another horse. We make the adoption process as easy as possible from both ends.
Please note, our horses are NOT first come first serve. Horses are adopted out only once the board votes on best fit. Please fill out a pre-adoption application for any horse you might be interested in.
Use the arrows to scroll through the gallery of available horses and click on each image for details. Hover for "like" or "share" options.
High Security
"Security"
2003 Bay Standardbred Pacer Gelding Tattoo 4A174
High Security is a sweet little guy standing approximately 15.2 hands. Although Security likes to give "grumpy" faces, he is a joy to work with and ride. He is fairly low on the totem pole and gets along with most. Security has had several hours of basic ground training and was one of our superstars being ridden in the Clinton Fall Festival at the end of September. His rider was a beginner, and we would recommend advance beginner and up!
$950.00
I'm So Vain
"Vain"
2007 Bay Standardbred Trotter Gelding Tattoo 7EL27
Adorable 16-year-old Vain is a barn favorite. He loves kids, attention, treats and the mares!
Vain, a smaller standardbred at just over 15 hands came to us one year ago in rough shape. Besides being thin, we discovered he had maggots and deep thrush in all of his feet. Due to the deep damage in his hooves, he has been prone to abscesses and minor lameness. We have worked hard with our farrier to restore his feet to normal condition, and he has had zero issues over the last month or so. Vain is ready for training and backing!
950.00
Berndtdesire
"Desi"
2005 Brown Trotter Mare
Tattoo 6CM49
Short (15.3) and stocky Desi is a work in progress as she is still distrustful, or possibly work weary, and can be hard to catch. We have her in training to develop basic ground manners, flexing and bending.
Desi is the epitome of marish mare! She can be vocal with the boys, especially when in heat, and moody.
With that said, she can also be really sweet and knows when it's time to work. She never raced, pulled an Amish cart for years and then had a foal in 2021.
Desi has been backed several times on trails and in a parade. She shows great promise as a fantastic riding partner on the trails.
This is a mare who needs a human who understands and can relate to moody mares!
Intermediate to advanced beginner recommended.
Holly's Little Lady
"Holly"
2007 Bay Standardbred Pacer Mare Tattoo 8ED76
Holly has been with us just over two years. She was pulled from a kill pen pregnant and scared. Early 2022 she gave birth to a beautiful colt we named Trouble.
Ready to find her forever home, Holly is currently in training and will be assessed under saddle very soon.
This beautiful classic standardbred mare stands about 16 hands and is an easy keeper. She is middle of totem pole and will stand her ground but does not instigate if she is left alone.
She has dropped hind pasterns but is sound and will make a nice trail horse.
Chief Josh
"Josh"
2008 Bay Standardbred Pacer Gelding Tattoo 3FA35
15-year-old Josh is a super well-bred boy from Dragon's Lair and Western Hanover lines. Like his famous sire, he is a thick powerful boy with a bit of sass, especially at feed time. In general, he gets along well with others.
Josh is in training and has been ridden several times. He will need a strong, knowledgeable rider as he can challenge beginners. He is slated to hit the trails soon and updates will be provided as we go along.
