HRV Hero

28/06/2025

🌟 Farewell & Thank You – A Time of Change at Hero 🌟

After almost five years with Harness Racing Victoria, Tara van der Minne will be finishing up in her role as Hero Program Manager following a recent organisational restructure.

Tara has been a dedicated advocate for the Standardbred, and her time with Hero has seen the program grow in visibility, strengthen its ties with the equestrian community, and introduce new support structures to help horses and their people succeed beyond the track. She has played a key role in promoting the versatility of the breed and expanding opportunities for life after racing.

Tara’s passion, professionalism and care have helped shape a more connected and compassionate future for retired Standardbreds, and her impact will continue to be felt across the industry.

“While I’m sad to be leaving the industry, I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve contributed to through the Hero Program and the many lives, both equine and human, I’ve had the privilege to support. The Standardbred has always had my heart, and that won’t change. Though I may be leaving the organisation, I’ll continue to champion this remarkable breed with the same passion and pride I’ve carried throughout my time at Hero” Tara says fondly.

We appreciate your support and patience during this time of change, and thank you for being part of the Hero community 💚

📸 The photos shared today capture some of Tara’s moments with Hero, from industry events and community engagement, to personal milestones with her own Standardbreds. Pictured are her first horse, Jack (also a Standardbred, who at 30 years old still resides in her paddock) and her current partner, Claude, who she rehomed through the DOTT (Direct Off the Track) initiative she helped create.

27/06/2025

23/06/2025

21/06/2025

Sometimes, it’s worth the wait ✨

For us, it’s never just about rehoming a horse, it’s about finding the right home. And for sensitive soul Matey, that home came along in the most perfect match with Georgia.

Matey is off to enjoy trail rides and adult riders with his new mum, and we’re thrilled to see this pair head into their next chapter together. With the right rider, Matey shines, and we know Georgia will bring out the very best in him 💚

Huge thanks to Hero retrainer Shory Park Horses for their patient, thoughtful work bringing Matey along and setting him up for success.

Looking for your perfect match? Visit www.hrvhero.com.au

19/06/2025

19/06/2025

NOW FREE TO GOOD HOME

✅ Bold and loves to happy hack
✅ Making lovely shape and rhythm in arena
✅ Stunning to look at and lovely mover
✅ Tries hard and improves every ride
✅ Would love endurance hone
✅ Bold over jumps
✅ In work and up to date with everything

❌ Can be timid
❌ Sensitive to ride - won’t tolerate a rider who isn’t established
❌ Not forgiving - no double bouncing / legs moving
Will get faster and lose his rhythm.

If you can ride this horse is super easy and fuss free. My girls all ride him and really enjoy him. But if you can’t ride, he will let you know. Not in a mean way but won’t keep rhythm.

Only to a kind, soft and knowledgeable home. Would love endurance. Goes all day type.

FREE TO A VERY SPECIAL HOME ONLY.

18/06/2025

14/06/2025

🌟 HRV Hero at the Sporting Horse Australia Awards 🌟

HRV Hero was proud to attend the recent Sporting Horse Australia Awards Night and present the Hero Series – Horse of the Year (HOTY) awards! 🐴✨

A huge congratulations to our place getters:
🥇 1st – Kylee Paull & Whiskey Business
🥈 2nd – Kylee Paull & Be On The Sly
🥉 3rd – Madelyn Elliot & Tricked Ya

We’re incredibly proud to partner with Sporting Horse Australia, who continue to highlight the versatility of the Standardbred by recognising their success and offering Hero-specific classes that celebrate new combinations in the ring.

👏 Thank you for your continued support and shared commitment to showcasing this incredible breed!

📸 Sporting Horse Australia

07/06/2025

The Kentucky Equine Research Sporting Horse Australia awards night, is where the hours that have been spent driving the countryside, early mornings, late nights and all of the time that is unseen conditioning the horses to have them at their best, comes to light.

Like an annual tradition, Minty has missed half of the season for a second time due to trying to end his life.
I couldnt be prouder of him. He gave everything he had, everytime we competed. He is the kind of horse that never quits, he is all grit.
He has reminded me, once again, that success isnt always about showing up, its about showing up with everything you've got when it matters.
I am beyond lucky to partner with a horse that has the heart of a champion and the soul of a warhorse.

4th bend race
🥉 stake race
🥈 flag race
🥉 barrel race

🏆 2024/2025 HRV Hero Champion horse of the year (for the 3rd year in a row)

His stablemate, Be On The Sly also had a strong season of competing and was awarded runner HRV Hero horse of the year.

👗 Bling & Speed KYLEE10 & TCR Canine Equine Wear kylee5 have kept the horses dressed to impress
⛽️ Mitavite, Kelato Animal Health, Benchmark Horse Feeds, Carbine chemicals keep the horses fueled up
🩺 Gippsland Veterinary Group - Equine have saved Minty's life on more than one occasion

04/06/2025

Meet Erin from Queensland: a passionate horse lover whose life has been enriched by two incredible standardbreds, Harvey and Bryn, both rehomed through Hero Retrainer Natasha Pettingill, from Taraleigh Training 🐴💕🐴

In September 2022, Erin welcomed Harvey (formerly known as Nemo) into her life. With plans for pleasure carriage driving, Erin was thrilled when Harvey took to her cart seamlessly. "He didn't miss a beat," Erin recalls. “It’s a credit to Natasha’s foundation retraining from sulky to cart and how thorough she was”.

Together, Erin and Harvey have spent countless hours enjoying pleasure drives and attending social carriage gatherings.

In March 2024, Erin welcomed Bryn as the newest addition to her equine family - a connection that felt fated, since Erin and Bryn share the same birthday 🥰🎂

Erin, Harvey, and Bryn's adventures have led them to memorable events, including the iconic Cobb and Co Festival in Surat, celebrating the rich heritage of carriage driving."

Erin also loves taking her neighbours out for relaxed drives, bringing along a picnic basket and a splash of champagne 🍾🥨🧀

Erin speaks highly of her experience with Hero Retrainer Natasha, describing it as "fantastic”. She really appreciates Natasha's honesty and how easy she made the interstate transport of the horses.

Natasha's dedication didn’t end with the sale; she has continued to stay in touch with Erin, showing genuine care for the horses' well-being.

Both Harvey and Bryn have embraced their new roles and are truly living their best lives. "They're very spoilt," Erin laughs. "They love their bickies in the morning and are just the kindest, most reliable horses."

Erin's story shows just how retired standardbreds can find a new purpose and bring so much joy to their owners ✨🐎

It also highlights the amazing work of Hero Retrainers like Natasha, who make sure these incredible horses find the perfect homes.

Here’s to many more happy trails and champagne picnics for Erin, Harvey, and Bryn 🥂

01/06/2025

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 🥰🐴

From the moment they met as racing stable colleagues, Kelly knew Jett was something special ✨

Years after his final race, Jett’s still turning heads, now with Kelly in the saddle.

Their partnership is a beautiful blend of trust, teamwork and transformation 🙌

👉 Read their full story: https://hrvhero.com.au/news/kelly-jetts-story-from-track-to-triumph/

📸: Belinda Richardson