Standardbred survivors proudly join Mounted Patrol

Cream Ridge, NJ – 12/12/2025 The secret gift of the Standardbred breed is not only in their temperament, but also in their spirit and willingness to rise again, no matter what life has asked of them.

Yesterday, five more trotters and pacers from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) proudly joined the NJ State Police Mounted Unit. What makes this moment truly powerful is not the uniform they now stand beside, but the roads they traveled to get here.

Nearly every one of these horses once had a very different fate ahead of them. They raced until their bodies were worn, served in rural communities pounding the streets, and most stood in the darkest place a horse can be, the slaughter line. These resilient and noble warriors came to us broken in spirit and in body, emaciated, and bearing the scars of cruelty.

Through care, patience, and love, they were rehabilitated, and today, for the very first time, they stand tall in lives filled with dignity and purpose.

Along with SRF, these once-noble horses share their heartfelt thanks for this amazing recovery in their lives and this opportunity to stand proudly. In addition to the five from yesterday, three others were recently added to the force. They are Roamin, Pretty Girl, Gntlemnstarturngins,The Last Hurrah, Hestonpurrfect, Manwella, Arque Hanover, and Bewitching Samantha! We were able to retrieve Hestonpurrfect and Manwella’s rescue photos, which are below. Arque Hanover, a powerhouse on the track, earned $661,634, yet he was not confident enough to ride by himself-he needs a friend to hold his hoof!

Every single step of their journey was made possible by the generosity of donors.

From The Standardbred Retirement Foundation