Barry (race name Barry Allen) appeared on my Facebook while I was searching for a quiet but fun allrounder-type of horse. I'd always had a bit of a soft spot for Standardbreds, having grown up around them as a child. The ad had popped up from Silver Shadows Rehoming and Education. I searched about Silver Shadows online and didn't find a bad word about them, and I was impressed with how much exposure to different things their rehomers had. Barry was the perfect height and age, the heading on his ad was "Barry the adventurer". He'd been exposed to heaps! I knew instantly that he was the horse I would do what I have never done before - buy sight unseen.

Chantelle answered all my questions, even popped Barry over some small jumps at my request, as I wanted to see if he would jump. He arrived in top condition in October 2023, and has slotted right into my family's life. We've since done trail riding, cross country training, showjumping, poles and flatwork.

Barry's first outing was a pony club showjumping competition. I couldn't believe it when we won overall in our grade and got champion! He backed that up with another championship win in our second showjumping outing. In the next few weeks we'll be attempting our first dressage competition, then our first horse trials. He loves jumping and is going to be good at it, but best of all he is so much fin. He's the best to take out and about, due to the initial work put in by Silver Shadows. They make sure all the basics are there and correct, then leave all the exciting stuff, like making your horse your own, to you. I'm excited to help Barry show what an awesome breed the Standardbred is, and the type of horse you can get from Silver Shadows.

After a 5 year break from the saddle I found SSRE and was introduced to Jay, that was 11 months ago. We bonded instantly and he was everything I was looking for and more. We were proudly named as ambassadors in February 2024. We do a lot of trail riding including overnight off grid camping and working equitation. We often ride a different trail each time and Jay is super calm and relaxed as if he has been trail riding all his life. I recommend Silver Shadows to anyone who is looking for a honest seller who matches the rider to the right horse and their next best friend.

After having to retire her heart horse, Anne wasn’t sure she would ever find that special connection again — until Pops (Ferocious Son) came along. Purchased sight unseen after being matched through SSRE, Pops has become Anne’s trusted partner and a much-loved member of the family. Together they enjoy clinics, trail rides, rally days, groundwork and liberty, with plans to step into the Standardbred show ring and proudly showcase just how wonderful this breed can be. Their story is a beautiful example of finding the right horse at just the right time.

Lisa, Lexi and Louie are already enjoying getting out and about together, taking on lessons, Pony Club and clinics while continuing to build their confidence and partnership. With some shows hopefully on the horizon, we’re excited to follow their adventures and see what this lovely little team gets up to!

After a few years away from horse ownership, Kiwi has already become an incredibly special part of Maddi’s life. Together they’re taking their time building a strong partnership, with dreams of competing in dressage, show jumping and eventing. Maddi will be sharing the highs, challenges and everything in between as Kiwi transitions from racing into his new career — showcasing just how versatile and rewarding an OTT Thoroughbred can be.

What started with simply wanting a safe horse to enjoy riding again has turned into so much more. In just 12 months, Lenny has given Krissty back her confidence, joy and love of riding, taking her from quiet rides at home to forests, beaches, competitions, camping trips, group rides and countless new adventures. Their partnership has been built on trust, patience and connection — and as Krissty puts it, “I hoped I’d find a good horse. Instead, I think I’ve found my horse.”

Matty’s journey with Kerrie has been one of patience, trust and perseverance. Arriving anxious and unsure after his long journey home, they started with the smallest steps and slowly built their partnership through groundwork, clinics, trail rides and plenty of kilometres together. Today, Matty is a much more confident horse and the pair are now working towards an exciting new goal — preparing for next year’s endurance season!

Timmy is a wonderful example of just how special Standardbreds can be. From day one, he and Mechelle formed an incredible bond, helping rebuild her confidence and adapting beautifully to her mobility needs. From standing patiently at the mounting block to safely exploring miles of roads and open paddocks bitless, Timmy is steadfast, sensible and an absolute treasure. He also proudly represents the Australian Pass Wide & Slow campaign, helping educate drivers about safely passing horses on our roads. A beautiful partnership and everything we love about life after racing.

Chilla is a much-loved member of Christina’s family, enjoying a wonderfully varied life in Glencoe, SA. From trail riding and stock work to simply enjoying life in the big paddocks, Chilla is a beautiful example of the versatility of life after racing. We’re excited to have Christina & Chilla representing SSRE and sharing their adventures with us! C