OSAS Pathways: Isnt He An Angel

TORONTO, June 18 2026 – Twice a month, Woodbine Mohawk Park will profile a Standardbred connected to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS).

This week’s installment belongs to Isnt He An Angel, a wonder-driven and personality-rich former racehorse who found his forever family with sister and brother team Jessica Abbott and Kevin Adams in November 2022.

The now 10-year-old retired trotter with not one but two nicknames has become the heartbeat of his new home, and a pillar of his northern Ontario community through a magnetic charm and uncanny ability to connect with those around him.

“He earned the nickname ‘Tourist’ because of his endless curiosity,” laughed Abbott. “During parades and events, people often laugh because, while other horses focus straight ahead, Ares [Isnt He An Angel’s second nickname] can be seen happily taking in the sights like a visitor exploring a new city for the first time. He wants to see everything, understand everything, and be part of everything.

“At home, he’s known for his love of pears, locally made Thunder Bay [Ontario] horse cookies, and his ability to convince almost anyone that he deserves another treat,” she continued. “He has bonded exceptionally well with our herd and has become a favourite among everyone who knows him.

“Ares has taught us that some of the best partnerships aren’t the ones we plan – they’re the ones a horse chooses for us.”

Fun fact #1: Isnt He An Angel has two nicknames: “Ares” and “Tourist.”

Fun fact #2: Isnt He An Angel’s second dam (Socks and Dresses) is a half-sister to the dam of $930,000 winner Solveig, a Dan Patch and O’Brien Award winner at two and the dam of multiple Dan Patch winner Shake It Cerry ($2,863,184).

Fun fact #3: Isnt He An Angel’s lone racing win came in a 3 ¼-length triumph at Mohawk on July 2, 2019.

Isnt He An Angel (ON)

Foaled: March 2, 2016

Sire: Archangel

Dam: Isnt She Magical

Trainer: Michiel Vanderkamp (most recent)

Owner: Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society

Breeder: Donald Leschied

OSAS Program Status: Adopted

What were your first impressions of Isnt He An Angel? Could you tell he was special right away?

“When Isnt He An Angel first arrived at our farm, he was a little standoffish,” recalled Abbott. “You could tell he wanted to do the right thing and wanted to please, but he wasn’t quite sure how to fit into his new life yet. We knew we’d need to earn his trust and help him find his confidence. Once he figured it out, though, he became an absolute gem.

“What stood out most was his curiosity. Every new object needed to be sniffed, lipped, inspected, and thoroughly evaluated. He wasn’t spooky about new things – he was fascinated by them. Music, decorations, vehicles, costumes, crowds, animals, and anything that moved immediately caught his attention. He wanted to see it all and understand it all.

“Kevin’s first impression was a little different. At first, Ares seemed like any other horse he’d met. It wasn’t until Ares settled in and became comfortable that his personality really started to shine. As he gained confidence, he became more affectionate, expressive, and engaging.

“Looking back, we may not have realized right away just how special he would become, but once his personality emerged, it was impossible not to notice.”

How would you describe your and Kevin’s relationship with Isnt He An Angel, and how have they grown over time?

“Ares was originally brought home for me but as horses often do, he had his own ideas,” said Abbott. “Before long, he had chosen Kevin as his person.

“Their relationship actually began because I needed someone to work with and hold Ares while I was working with another horse, Nyx. Through those early groundwork sessions and daily interactions, a bond formed that neither of them expected.

“As Kevin describes it, ‘It’s like Ares needed someone gentle, and I needed a horse I could be gentle with.’

“The connection happened quickly. Within a few months, Ares would come running when he saw Kevin. Even today, that relationship remains one of the strongest on the farm. While Ares enjoys attention from everyone – especially anyone carrying treats – Kevin is always his first choice.

“Over the years, that relationship has grown into a partnership built on trust, patience, and understanding. Ares is not a horse who quietly accepts every suggestion. He has opinions and isn’t afraid to share them. He can be stubborn and will absolutely let you know when he disagrees with a plan. Yet that honesty is part of what makes him such an incredible partner.

“Once Ares trusts you, he gives you everything he has.”

Tell us about his second career, how he is doing in it, and what made him the right fit for it?

“When Ares came to us, we were fully informed about his racing career and the circumstances that led to his retirement,” the siblings said together. “While some people may have viewed those circumstances as the end of his working life, we saw it differently. We wanted him to enjoy retirement while still having purpose, adventure, and opportunities to do what he loved.

“His second career as a carriage horse with Abbott’s Dreams Carriage Rides has been an incredible success. Since joining our family, he has travelled throughout Canada and the United States, participating in weddings, festivals, parades, community events, educational programs, and countless special occasions. He has safely introduced thousands of people to horses and horse-drawn carriage rides.

“What makes Ares unique is that he genuinely loves his job. If given the choice between carrying a rider and pulling a carriage, he will choose the carriage every single time. The moment he sees harnesses coming out, equipment being packed, or preparations beginning for an event, he becomes visibly excited because he knows an adventure is coming.

“His calm temperament, willingness to travel, and ability to handle crowds, traffic, music, costumes, and unfamiliar environments have made him an exceptional ambassador for retired racehorses. One of our favourite parts of attending events is sharing Ares’ story with visitors. People are often amazed when they learn that this calm, dependable, people-loving carriage horse is a retired racehorse. His professionalism, patience, and steady nature challenge many of the misconceptions people have about Standardbreds after racing.

“For us, Ares is proof that retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of a horse’s story. Sometimes, it simply means finding the career they were always meant to have.”

What are you each most grateful for when it comes to Isnt He An Angel being in your life? 

“What I’m most grateful for is the joy and opportunities Ares has brought into our lives,” said Abbott. “Through him, we’ve met incredible people, travelled to amazing places, and helped create special memories for thousands of families. He has become an ambassador for retired racehorses and a beloved member of our family.”

“More than anything, I’m grateful for how quickly and naturally we bonded,” said Adams. “Building relationships with horses has always been something I’ve struggled with, but with Ares, it felt different. It was as though we understood each other from the very beginning. The trust he gave me and the connection we built are gifts I’ll always be thankful for. He isn’t just a horse to me – he’s my partner and my friend.”

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