About the SAQ Adoption Program

The SAQ adoption program has been running since 2003 and we have successfully re-homed over 500 Standardbreds, retired from their racing careers. Some of these horses were retired due to injuries, or simply because they lacked speed. Many of these horses are now extremely successful in the competition ring, with some even being Australias National Champion Standardbreds. Other horses have been re-homed as companion horses, or pleasure and trail riding horses and some have given nervous riders, their confidence back in the saddle!

Some of our most recently rehomed/adopted horses

Some more of our recently rehomed/adopted horses

How Does the Program Work?

Standardbreds are regularly being offered through the SAQ to GOOD HOMES. Most of the horses offered have not been broken to saddle, but are very easy to re-educate by anyone with some experience, commonsense and lots of patience. The temperament of the breed in general makes the Standardbred suitable for almost any use, and they are easily handled by a sensible beginner.

If you will need assistance to re-start your Standardbred under saddle, the Association may be able to provide the names of some people who are familiar with the re-education of Standardbreds.

The horses are retired from, or are unsuitable for Harness Racing for many reasons; some are just not fast enough, others may have minor injuries. Your intended use will influence the type of horse that is suitable. Many minor injuries, which prevent a horse from racing, do not re-occur in the less stressful situations of retirement homes.

All horses adopted through the SAQ are placed on a free lease probationary period basis for the first 12 months. During this period all up keep of the horse (including vet bills, farriery, worming etc) is the responsibility of the adoptee. During the first 12 months the adoptee will also be required to have two well-being checks (one at 6 months & one at 12 months) performed by a vet. These checks are to ensure the wellbeing of the horse and the cost is to be met by the adoptee. If, for any reason during this time, the horse is found to be unsuitable, it is simply a matter of surrendering the horse for re-adoption.

An adoption contract must be signed upon taking possession of a horse, and you must agree that the horse is never raced again. At completion of the Lease Period, if all parties are satisfied, full ownership of the horse will then be transferred to you.

Please Note: as horses are donated by Owners/Trainers, the SAQ has made a decision that horses are NOT to be raced or used for commercial purposes such as riding schools etc.

Adoption Program Basics

(Full conditions are outlined in the Adoption Agreement and Vet check Agreement documents)

You will need to join the SAQ for a minimum period of two years. The first year while you free lease the horse and the next twelve months once you decide that you wish to own the horse. In addition an application for adoption must be completed and be accompanied with the correct fees (SAQ Membership fees and Horse Placement fees of $50 per horse)before information about horses will be released.
Once a suitable horse is found, you will need to sign an Horse Placement Program Agreement and a Vet/Health Check Agreement and these documents are legally binding.
Two well being veterinary checks will be required at 6months and twelve months of the lease. These checks are compulsory and are at the expense of the adoptee.
The SAQ are the legal owners of the horse for the twelve months of the lease. Therefore if for any reason you no longer wish to continue with the lease of your horse, the horse must be returned to the SAQ. The horse may not be given away or sold during the lease period. At the completion of the twelve month lease if all program conditions have been met you may apply for transfer of ownership.

If you do not feel you can abide by these conditions; then you may need to consider if this program is really for you. These conditions are non-negotiable and if they are not met, the Association will re-possess the horse.

Adoption Forms

If you are interested in adopting or purchasing a Standardbred through the SAQ please email Melissa Lewin or phone (07) 5464 5530 for more information .

or Download the necessary forms below, complete and post to:

SAQ Inc

Horse Placement Officer

PO Box 348

ROSEWOOD QLD 4340

Horse Adoption/Purchase Application

SAQ Membership/Horse Placement Application Form

SAQ Horse Placement Program 3 Month Photo's & Update Form

SAQ Horse Placement Program 6 and 12 Month Wellbeing Check Form

Information for Owners/Trainers wanting to Donate a Standardbred to the SAQ Horse Placement Program

If you are interested in donating a Standardbred to the SAQ Horse Placement Program please email Melissa Lewin or phone (07) 5464 5530 or 0412 973 102 for more information.

or Download Further Details and Forms

Information for QLD Harness Trainers

Person requesting Horse Placement/Sales Assistance Form

Below is a video of some of the Horses we have rehomed through our program in 2009/2010

Advertising Rates

The SAQ is happy to advertise Standardbreds for sale. We do not charge for this service and would greatly appreciate donations to assist the running of this program. Your advert will appear in our monthly newsletter. Please email Melissa Lewin for more details