Springfield, IL --- Times are indeed changing at the American Standardbred Adoption Program (ASAP) and not just because the 2004 Little Brown Jug winner has taken up residence at the De Soto, Wisconsin farm where the program is headquartered. A labor of love for ASAP’s director, Susan Wellman, the lifetime placement program for horses is coming under a financial strain.

“Because we’re a lifetime placement program,” explained Wellman, “we track horses throughout their entire lifetime. If we place a horse with someone, and they die, or lose their job and can no longer care for the horse, we are under pressure to place that horse in a new home.

“We’re hurting,” she continued. “Because of the economy, our returns are up. We’ve got to bring in more money.”

ASAP’s strategic planning committee is trying to come up with more ideas on how to raise money for the program. Because those who wish to assist the program are so geographically spread out, it is difficult to hold fundraisers in a single location.

photo courtesy of Susan Wellman

Susan Wellman and 2004 Little Brown Jug winner Timesareachanging.

“'Times' is in a group with Taser Gun, an appaloosa quarter horse named Brandy, a donkey, and a llama. ‘Times’ and ‘Taser’ don’t mind the donkey or the llama,” said Wellman, laughing.

“'Times' is the head honcho,” she explained. “He’s boss, which came as quite a surprise to ‘Taser’ because ‘Taser’ is used to being the bully. Within a week, they got along. But ‘Times’ is in charge.”

Among other things, retired racehorses enrolled in the program learn how to be riding horses. This added benefit makes it easier to find homes that will adopt them.

“I’ve been on (Timesareachanging) bareback,” said Wellman. “He’s intelligent, very wise. Saddling is no problem with him. He’ll make a good trail horse.”

While ASAP could always use more donations, Wellman is grateful for the support she has received in the past. She said the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association (IHHA) has given between $3,000 and $8,000 per year for the past several years.

Everyone involved with ASAP does so on a volunteer basis. While monetary donations are always welcome, some donors give other items that can be used. Wormers, vaccines, vet wrap, and fly masks, among other things, are always of use at ASAP.

While the retired racehorse adoption business can be a tough one, Wellman never loses sight of why she stays involved.

“These horses gave their all, so now we have to be there for them. By taking care of our retired racehorses, it gives more respect to harness racing.”

If you are in the area, please visit the American Standardbred Adoption Program as they will be represented at the following events:

• Villa Louis Carriage Classic, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin – September 11 and 12
• Vernon County (Wisconsin) Fair – September 19 and 20
• Balmoral Park (Super Night), Crete, Illinois – September 19

For more information about the American Standardbred Adoption Program, please contact them using the following information: American Standardbred Adoption Program, S6039A Pedretti Lane, De Soto, WI 5462. Website: www.4thehorses.com. Phone: 608.689.2399. Susan’s cell: 608.792.5126. E-mail: asapinc@mwt.net.