TORONTO, March 12, 2026 – Twice a month, Woodbine Mohawk Park will profile a Standardbred connected to the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS). This week’s installment is a double feature belonging to Nutzz N Boltzz and Reven Up, both of whom found their forever homes with Fran and Fred Brethour after being adopted by the couple in 2019. Longtime champions of harness racing and the Standardbred breed, the Brethours have devoted decades to the sport. Fran, who has logged countless hours alongside and aboard both Nutzz N Boltzz and Reven Up, covers everything from their personalities and talents to their familial bond and shared journey, in a touching tribute to her beloved bays. Joy and laughter are frequent companions in her recollections. Fun fact #1: Nutzz N Boltzz’s barn name is Boltzz, and Reven Up’s barn name is Revvie. Fun fact #2: Nutzz N Boltzz’s grand dam, Town Pro, earned three O’Brien Awards (1989 2-year-old Pacing Filly; 1990 3-year-old pacing filly and Horse of the Year) and over $1.2 million in prizes over her Hall of Fame career. Fun fact #3: Reven Up’s sire is Revenue S, a renowned former trotter and stallion who earned international acclaim and $2 million over a stellar 110-start career racing in France, Denmark, Germany, the United States, Canada, and his native Sweden. Nutzz N Boltzz & Reven Up Nutzz N Boltzz Foaled: February 23, 2015 Sire: Art Major Dam: Town Pro Miss Trainer: Walter Whelan Owner: Fran Brethour & Fred Brethour Breeder: White Birch Farm OSAS Program Status: Graduated Reven Up Foaled: May 12, 2007 Sire: Revenue S Dam: On The Muscle Trainer: Chad Milner Owner: Fran Brethour & Fred Brethour Breeder: Perretti Farms OSAS Program Status: Graduated How would you describe Nutzz N Boltzz’s personality? “Nutzz N Boltzz, a.k.a. ‘Boltzz,’ is one of the most intelligent horses I’ve worked with and ridden. He acts like a horse who’s won a million dollars but that’s just not true. “He’s full of himself and has some sass. He will act like a bit of a stud in the barn but only in the barn. He likes to try to bite you when you’re walking past and if he doesn’t get his grain fast enough, you will catch him bucking in his stall. “He’s a kitten to ride, he thinks everything through, and is super safe. He’s been like that since his first few rides as a 3-year-old. His goal in life is to try not to work too hard and look after himself.” What are some of the activities you and Nutzz N Boltzz enjoy doing together? “Boltzz and I have put on at least 1000 miles by now – possibly more – mostly trail riding all across Ontario. He’s been to organized trail rides supporting various organizations, ride and drives, cattle sorting, road riding, the OSAS rides, hunts, and driving and pulling the sleigh – you name it, he’s pretty much seen and done it. “His best, most beautiful gait is his canter and gallop which is kind of interesting when it comes to this breed. The only thing he doesn’t particularly like is poles and jumping – formal jumps – although, when it comes to the woods, he will navigate and jump over and go through anything and do it carefully. He’s as good a trail horse as you’d find, I think. I’ve had him up and down some pretty steep stuff and he’s very sure footed.” Tell us about Reven Up’s personality. “Reven Up, a.k.a. ‘Revvie,’ is the most kind, big, classy, gentle, naturally talented, athletic, and good-hearted horse I’ve met. Being a trotter, he has that happy-go-lucky thing going on and he was a good race horse, which shows in his work ethic and forward movement, which I like. He will go as fast as you like or as slow as you like – a very special horse. “He’s getting up there in age now – I’ve had both horses I think 6 years now – but boy could he ever trot. It’s very exhilarating riding him at high speeds. He loves trotting in harness and under saddle. He’s a very professional horse that makes you feel good every single time you ride him or drive him.” How has your relationship with Reven Up grown since adopting him? “Usually, you have a curve with a horse, at least as a riding horse anyway. I’ve been riding I guess 35 years now and it takes a bit to get to ‘be one’ with them – the harmony I call it. You have to learn each other, and then it gets easier, and you bond and it gets more fun. “But honestly with this horse, there was no curve. He’s just a special, pleasing animal and that’s not hard to figure out. The only thing I did with him, which he loves, is put a hackamore on him. He seemed more peaceful that way as he has a bit of a jaw issue. If I could stumble across another horse like him, it would be like winning the animal lottery. He has zero ill intent. I didn’t know horses like that existed until him. “My old mare from OSAS, April Odds, was similar but being a mare there was a curve. He is a teddy bear.” How do the two of them get along? “When I first got them at two separate times about six or seven years ago – and they are in a mixed herd – Rev was always the dominant, bossy gelding in the herd. He ruled the roost. But they always had a bit of a brotherhood relationship. “I find herd dynamics very interesting as I get older, and when you live where your horses are you get to view this beauty every day. Now that Rev is getting up there in age, he’s mellowed out but those two mostly stick together. But it is Boltzz who is more attached to Rev, who couldn’t care less. “Interesting enough though, if new horses come into the herd, now I will catch Boltzz sticking up for and protecting Rev like he’s his big brother. It’s so amazing how their roles have switched as they age.” What are you most grateful for when it comes to having Nutzz N Boltzz and Reven Up in your life? “These two horses don’t ever have you thinking or scratching your head after you ride them. They are consistent, predictable, not explosive, fun, you can relax, have a few laughs and clear your head. I ride them alone anywhere and it’s always a good day when I come back. “They spook the odd time, but it’s always understandable and makes sense. If they do spook, it’s almost like they are saying ‘Shoot! Sorry I shouldn’t have done that!’ I can throw little cousins up on their backs for pony rides or put friends and family on Rev and everybody has fun. “Having ridden and owned a variety of horses over the last 35 years, the Standardbreds are the most honest ones out there. They are so loyal, smart, safe and sound, they don’t have many bad or off days it seems. So, for that I will forever be grateful. “I told my husband after riding Boltzz the first few times as a 3-year-old seven years ago, ‘He’s not what I’m used to riding. He’s like an old lady’s horse.’ And here I am now – an old lady. They blessed my life when I needed it most… Funny how that works sometimes.” 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
