Springfield, IL --- Millionaires Taser Gun and Timesareachanging served as ambassadors for the sport of harness racing and the Standardbred breed in particular at the 2013 Illinois Horse Fair, held on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield over the weekend.

Rick Schrock, with Taser Gun in harness, performed on Saturday.

Retired and living at the American Standardbred Adoption Program farm in DeSoto, Wis., the now 18-year-old Taser Gun and 12-year-old Timesareachanging were showcased at the Horse Fair by ASAP Director Susan Wellman, displaying the versatility of the breed as they adapt to life away from the racetrack.

Taser Gun, an Illinois conceived and foaled pacer by Henry Letsgo-Shootin Shelly, retired with $1,158,893 in earnings and a lifetime mark of 1:49.2. He performed all three days of the March 1-3 event, in halter and harness on Saturday, guided by Springfield based trainer Rick Schrock, and then under saddle on Sunday, ridden by Kurtis Woodhouse.

Timesareachanging, a retiree with purse earnings of $1,516,563, and stakes win notches in his gun belt such as the 2004 Little Brown Jug, Adios, and dead heat win with Western Terror in the Cane Pace, was ridden by his best friend Jordan Harper. The gelded son of Cam's Card Shark-Lodi Hanover performed under saddle in the Coliseum, and also the barn area, where he warmly greeted young and old with gentle nudges and a tip of the forehead asking for attention.

Timothy M. Jones photos

Jordan Harper, with Timesareachanging under saddle.

ASAP Director Susan Wellman proudly stated that both horses have adapted well to their life off the track at the farm in DeSoto. The duo, although Timesareachanging can be territorial in a herd environment, are equally at home on trail rides as they were in harness competing on the racetrack. Water crossings, hilly climbs and traverses through the wooded trails are no problem for these two.

Equally important is their laid back type interaction with special needs children, 4H youth and the general public who often visit the farm.

For more information on the Standardbred breed, and the mission of the American Standardbred Adoption Program, visit their website at www.4thehorses.com.