TORONTO, April 10, 2026 – Twice a month, Woodbine Mohawk Park will profile a Standardbred connected to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS). This week, we have a double feature starring Frightful Watch and Weatherly, who have remained side-by-side after retiring from their respective racing careers in 2021. The pair, who were stablemates in trainer Julie Walker’s barn, reunited later that year after being adopted into the same family. While they found themselves back in the OSAS program the following year, Frightful Watch and Weatherly were adopted again, this time by Lisa and Rob Lee. The bonded bays arrived at the Lee’s 60-acre Oro-Medonte, Ontario farm last October and have been nothing but a pleasure since that time. “The boys love treat time,” said Lisa. “They stand in their spot ready, neighing and licking their lips waiting for their treats. They are pretty funny. Both Wes [Weatherly] and Kevin [Frightful Watch] are such gentle souls. “Here is Wes [right] with my daughter, and I am on Kevin [left]. This would be my daughter’s first time riding a horse. There was no doubt that Wes was safe. He was the same with Rob. Kevin was equally happy to give me my first ride after many, many years out of the saddle. Lisa with Kevin (Frightful Watch) and her daughter with Wes (Weatherly) “Both boys are a joy to have on the farm.” Fun fact #1: Weatherly enjoyed a successful 144-start racing career, displaying dependable durability to earn over $212,000 (15-17-19). Fun fact #2: Frightful Watch only made two starts before hanging up the horseshoes. However, he has always borne a strong connection to OSAS through his dam, Artsplace daughter Dianes Place, who started her career in the stable of Hall of Fame horseman and member of OSAS’ board of directors, Bill O’Donnell. Frightful Watch (ON) Foaled: April 17, 2017 Sire: Hes Watching Dam: Dianes Place Trainer: Julie Walker (most recent) Owner: Lisa & Rob Lee Breeder: Litwin Racing Team OSAS Program Status: Adopted Weatherly (ON) Foaled: April 24, 2011 Sire: Dali Dam: Kash Luv Trainer: Julie Walker (most recent) Owner: Lisa & Rob Lee Breeder: VIP Internet Stable LLC OSAS Program Status: Adopted Can you share some insights into Frightful Watch’s personality? “I would describe Kevin as sensitive, cautious and curious. He loves people and attention. His eyes are so soft, and he looks like he looks deep into your soul. It was interesting learning about him and Wes. I thought that Wes would rely on Kevin, but it is actually Kevin that is looking for Wes. Both are calm and easy to work around.” Rob and Frightful Watch, now Kevin What are some of Frightful Watch’s favourite routines or ways to spend the day? “He loves to eat, like most horses. They are often found not far from each other, near the hay bale. They currently live with two mares and the girls definitely boss them around. If you are busy doing something, he is the first one to inspect. If he can help, he is there. If he could talk, I’m sure he would be saying ‘Hey, what ya doing? Can I help?’” What’s one memorable moment that shows Weatherly’s unique character or spirit? “The only one that comes to mind is his great escape. One day, shortly after being with us, he escaped the pen. There is a small gate by the pond that was open, and Weatherly adventured out to the green grass on the other side. He visited the other pen where he found the minis he once met before at the Mollicas – he maybe even shared a paddock with them. “The minis then broke out, and when Rob looked out, he quickly put on his boots, went to put his halter on and Wes turned and went back into his pen – more or less saying, ‘I know. I know. I’m not supposed to be out here.’” What are some of the activities you and Weatherly enjoy doing together? “Wes loves people. He is always the first to the gate. Wes and I are working on our communication skills; he is showing me his leadership skills. Both boys will be joining my EAL [Equine Assisted Learning] program in the Spring. I acquired my equine assisted learning facilitator certification in 2018 in the Dreamwinds-Cartier Farms program. “I have been looking for the perfect horses to add to my herd to start facilitating at my home farm. Wes has the experience and leadership to be an excellent teacher. Obviously, we look for safe, friendly horses but they also need to embrace the opportunity to work with my clients and provide a positive experience where they can learn and feel safe. Both boys easily adapt to new obstacles.” Lisa and Weatherly, now Wes These two have been together for quite some time now. How do they interact when they’re together? How do they complement each other? “Again, I mistakenly thought that Wes would rely heavily on Kevin. Wes lost his eye as a youngster, I am told, but he manages very well on his own. Kevin is a little more needy than Wes. Kevin is more sensitive, while Wes seems to be able to take a joke. They are never far away from each other.” What lessons or joys have you discovered from having both Frightful Watch and Weatherly in your life? “Frightful and Weatherly are a great addition to our farm. We hope that they will continue to grow and flourish. Unfortunately, they have only been with us over the last six months, and it has been winter, so they have adapted well to the quietness of our farm. We generally don’t have a lot going on over the winter – they have spent a lot of time as farm ornaments – but their work will start in May once the ground is ready and the snow is gone.” Founded in 1996, OSAS is an approved charitable organization committed to assisting in the adoption and relocation of retired and non-racing Standardbred horses within Ontario. A primary mandate of the program is to showcase the versatility of the breed to horse lovers unfamiliar with harness horses. OSAS, which strives to educate and assist in the retraining and management of Standardbreds, relies heavily on volunteers and temporary foster homes to carry out its mission. Those interested in getting involved with OSAS and its cause can reach out at osashorses@gmail.com or call 905-339-6748, for more information. Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Mohawk Park Share This:Share
