TORONTO, October 16, 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 Reverend Hanover, who, after a brilliant first career on the racetrack found his second calling as one of the faces of OSAS. The ebullient bay quickly made a lasting impression on those involved with the program, including OSAS Administrator Joanne Colville. Reverend Hanover “Reverend has been such an asset to the program. He, like our other Ambassadors, excels in whatever he is asked to do,” praised Colville. “We are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to add him to the program. His previous owners still follow his progress and his accomplishments in showing the versatility of the breed. “He’s a character, and he certainly knows how good he is at whatever job you give him.” Today, Reverend Hanover can be found travelling across the Ontario harness racing circuit, primarily at Mohawk, serving as the program’s star attraction at its popular Meet & Greet and Drive With Us events. Jean Posthuma and her husband Tom have been OSAS volunteers for nearly two decades. The pair, who accompany Reverend Hanover during meet & greets, have become quite close with the now 14-year-old pacer. Below, Jean discusses her and Tom’s involvement with the program and their connection to one of its most beloved figures. Reverend Hanover winning an OSS Gold Series Super Final in 2015 (New Image Media) Fun fact #1: Reverend Hanover made 27 starts during a tremendous racing career that saw him win two Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series Super Finals (2014, 2015). Fun fact #2: Reverend Hanover, who banked over $550,000 in total purses during his career, was a $24,000 purchase at the 2013 Harrisburg Yearling Sale. Fun fact #3: Reverend Hanover caught the acting bug in retirement, appearing in a 2025 Breakfast Television segment and a commercial. Reverend Hanover Foaled: April 30, 2012 Sire: Sportswriter Dam: Razzle My Tazzle Trainer: Travis Henry (most recent) Owner: Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms OSAS Program Status: Ambassador Reverend Hanover For many people, Reverend Hanover is their first introduction to the Standardbred breed. What can you tell us about him and your involvement with the program? “I’ve been involved with OSAS for 19 years,” said Posthuma. “I’ve travelled to most racetracks in the area, attending events, races and horse shows. Saturday nights are spent at the main entrance of Mohawk doing Meet & Greet events. Always promoting OSAS with information and selling our merchandise as fundraising is very important. We get a lot of support through Purina. “Over the years, there have been many horses out front but Reverend Hanover has become a fan favourite. Reverend Hanover was a star on the track during his career. He is now 14 years old and became an Ambassador for OSAS after his retirement.” What are some of your favourite memories from doing the Meet & Greet events with him? “Reverend Hanover pulls into Mohawk Racetrack most nights with his head out the window calling out. He gets so excited to meet his fans. “Saturday nights have become a ‘Date Night with the Rev’ for my husband Tom and me. Over the years, we haven’t missed too many nights. “Special moments for us are watching people getting so excited to actually see a horse, being able to touch Reverend and getting so excited to feed him a carrot. “Reverend Hanover is so gentle and loves the attention. Being there is a great experience for everyone, especially seeing the excitement on the children’s faces.” Reverend Hanover In your opinion, what makes Reverend Hanover the perfect ambassador for the OSAS program? “Reverend Hanover has shown that he is up for any task he is asked to do. He appeared on Breakfast Television, he’s done a TV commercial, he goes on rides such as The Hunter Pace and Hooves for Hospice, he does parades and has even participated in cattle sorting. He is amazing. “The best thing he does is give patrons a real experience of sitting behind a horse. After he is finished greeting his fans, he then goes to the paddock with a driver and will go one lap around the racetrack. This is the Drive With Us program sponsored by COSA [Central Ontario Standardbred Association]. It’s the thrill of a lifetime for everyone.” You’ve been volunteering with OSAS for nearly 20 years. What has been the most rewarding part of your experience with the program? “I love horses; they are amazing animals. Each has their own personality. Being a part of OSAS is very rewarding for me. The success stories, watching them go to their forever homes and being loved – retirement for them is wonderful. “I’ve met a lot of people, made a lot of friends and learned a lot. I was not raised with animals and was nowhere near a farm. I became involved with the Racetrack Chaplaincy, and from there, started helping with barn chores. Then, I met Joanne Colville, and the rest is history.” 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
