In this episode I speak with Tanya McDermott from HERO. In conjunction with Harness Racing Victoria she is working to make sure all Standardbred horses have a life after racing. Whether they are retired, never made the track at all or have just had enough and don’t want to race anymore. The best part about this program and what Harness Racing Australia are doing, is that they can start to gather real stats about where their horses are going that are being registered for racing. This is sorely missing from all areas of the equestrian world, knowing how many horses are leaving the industry and where they are going. The wastage is sports like Thoroughbred racing are evident, but the statistics are floored at best. This organisation is making inroads into making the world a better place for all Standardbreds. I love what they are doing and I'm happy to be sharing their story.If you'd like to get in touch with Tanya and HERO, maybe get yourself a Standardbred like me? You can go to their website or Facebook Page, they are also on Twitter.If you go to the blog on my website you can see photos of Tanya and her horses, you can also see the little girl she spoke of with her new Standardbred Horse.This weeks show is brought to you by EQUITANA Australia. Equitana is happening from the 15th to 18th November this year in Melbourne.Pedro Torres will be there this year, Pedro has multiple World, European and National Championship titles under his belt for working equitation, he is the most successful rider and a living legend in the history of the sport. After much success with WE, Pedro is now making waves in the Dressage world. Pedrois a rider first and foremost, and rides the discipline his horse tells him to ride, or that he feels the horse has the most potential for.Pedro is doing a masterclass at EQUITANA this year on the Friday from 9.30 to 12.30. This is a ticketed event. To get your tickets go to equitana.com.au I hope to see you there. Make sure you say hi if you see me.