TORONTO, November 26, 2025 – Twice a month, Woodbine Mohawk Park will profile a Standardbred connected to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS). 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. This week’s installment belongs to Naso Hanover, an unraced 2-year-old currently in training with Bert and Susan Mollica, who train the majority of OSAS horses at their farm in Tottenham, Ontario. Susan, who will play a recurring role in this series, shares how the fresh-faced bay, wise beyond his years, has made an immediate and lasting impact on those around him. “He’s only two, so that scares some people off because they think young horses can be a handful, and they can be, but he’s just an old soul. He’s like a 20-year-old horse that’s been doing it forever.” Fun fact #1: Naso Hanover’s barn name is Tim. Fun fact #2: Naso Hanover is the first foal of his damn Notorious Pink – a Captaintreacherous mare who earned nearly $400,000 during her racing career. Naso Hanover Foaled: March 10, 2023 Sire: Bettors Wish Dam: Notorious Pink Trainer: N/A Owner: Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society Breeder: Alagna And Grant Stable, Big Als Stables, Riverview Racing LLC, Fodera And Head Stable OSAS Program Status: In Training Naso Hanover and Bert Mollica What do you foresee in Naso Hanover’s future? “He’s very easy-going and the type that really enjoys going for a nice trail ride, which is exactly what a lot of people want. “We started him with the obstacles in the arena, and that was all new for everybody. Timmy wasn’t bothered by them, but he just preferred riding around. He walked over them with Bert – they do a lot of groundwork together – but he was more content just walking around them. “If they’re not ready to start going over our bridge and all that stuff, Bert just rides them around for comfort. Tim’s personality is very, ‘Just ride me around. I don’t have to play games and do all that fancy stuff. I just prefer just a nice easy pace.’” How is he doing on the start of his new journey? “When Timmy came here and we started him, he was very easy to start; you could tell he had been handled a lot. He took to the Western equipment really well, and we had no issues starting him under saddle. “For example, Bert will generally wear his farm clothes to do groundwork, and Timmy just stands there when Bert changes his boots, his coat, and his gloves. He’s not tied, he doesn’t run away, he just stands there. I took a bunch of videos and posted some of them last week. He’s very much, ‘Okay, I’ll just follow you.’ “We had a friend come over when we got that snow a few weeks back – they’ve adopted three OSAS horses that they ride. Their daughter, Lexi, spent a few days here and she was riding Tim. He’s a good boy for anyone. She’s a young rider, and when she got on, Bert just walked around the poly paddock, and even though we had about six inches of snow, Tim just followed along. “Then, Bert left Lexi because she was fine riding Tim and got on another one of ours, either Bogo [Playsomthincountry] or Stetson, and the two of them rode around together.” What have you come to learn about his personality during your time together? “Timmy’s only two, but the best way to describe him is an old soul. He is quiet, patient, gentle, and follows you like a puppy. “He’s very laid back, he’s not bossy or anything. When he’s out with Stetson or Bogo, Stetson’s the boss, and he’ll say, ‘I’m going there,’ and Tim just moves over, and they carry on. He’s not aggressive; he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. “He’s very easy going. I have a mare that’s 22 that my son’s been driving. We’ve had her for 18 years, and she didn’t make it at the track, and she has been pulling a kid in a wheelchair for 18 years. So, it doesn’t mean that just because they can’t make it at the track, they’re not suited for something else that will fulfill someone else’s dream and passion.” 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 Share This:Share
