Standardbreds exported to serve Japan's Imperial Family

Sgt. York, who in his previous career competed in harness racing at Freehold and Yonkers, showed the world the versatility of the Standardbred when he served as the riderless horse in President Ronald Reagan's funeral procession. Now, a couple of pacers from California will travel to Japan to serve in ceremonies for the Imperial Family.

Texas Boom Boom, a 12-year-old gelding owned by Vicki Evans, and White Face Lady, a four-year-old mare owned by Gary Pond and Jill Warren-Pond, were scheduled to arrive in Japan on Monday morning to begin their new careers in service to the Emperor and Empress.

The two pacers were selected to participate in a ceremony called "Horohiki," which involves carrying military equipment on horseback and which over the centuries has evolved into an equestrian art form. The horses used in Horohiki performances are trained to pace, which enables the pennants carried by the riders to stream gracefully out in the wind.

"It's pretty exciting," said Evans, a Hayfork, California resident who has spent two decades promoting Standardbreds for careers beyond the racetrack. "Many people don't realize what wonderful, great horses they are. They are such kind, versatile horses. They're terrific for endurance, hunter-jumper, English, Western, trail horses, and pleasure or competitive driving aside from being great racehorses. I'm happy if this helps promote them for life after the track."

Texas Boom Boom, who won two races in his three-year racing career, last competed in 1998. Evans and her sons, Doug and Tom, in addition to breeding and raising Standardbreds at their Tule Creek Ranch, work with adoption programs to place horses following their racing careers. Evans trains her horses under saddle using Parelli Natural Horsemanship method.

"He's a very handsome gelding," Evans said. "I really kind of hate to lose him. I was going to use him for a driving team. But they were very pleased with the level of training of the horse. That's really what they were looking for. He needed to be a free-legged pacer and bombproof."

White Face Lady, who was bred by the Ponds, raced just once, in 2002. Gary Pond has been involved in harness racing for more than 20 years and the Ponds have also placed numerous Standardbreds after their careers on the racetrack have ended.

"It's kind of cool," said Jill Warren-Pond, who lives in Lake View Terrace, about 25 miles north of Los Angeles. "Our racehorses, especially the ones we've bred, become our friends, so it's hard to let go. But you can't keep all of them, and she wasn't going to make it as a racehorse, so she needed another life. We have found Standardbreds make excellent riding horses, as well as pleasure driving and competitive driving horses.

"She's very flashy looking and she looks really good under saddle," she added about White Face Lady. "She's got some fire, but that good Standardbred temperament. She can look the part and she loves attention and people. I know she will do well for them."

Barry Meyers of U.S. Equine, which was leading the search for horses, contacted the Ponds and Evans. The company is based in Westlake Village, California and is involved in international transport. Joe Kelley of U.S. Equine said Standardbreds were selected because of their disposition.

"Any breed trained in pacing was what we had in mind," he said. "But Standardbreds were the best option."

Susumu Shinomiya, the manager of the equitation section of the Japan Racing Association and a Grand Prix level dressage competitor, came to California to ride the horses and determine if they were acceptable. In addition to being used for Horohiki performances, the Standardbreds will be kept at a horse park so visitors can learn about the breed.

"They had searched for horses in Europe and the United States," said Evans, who lives about 100 miles east of Eureka. "I'm really off the beaten path. They might be back next year and take two or three more. In my own way, I've tried hard to place Standardbreds after their racing careers. I want people to understand how wonderful they are."