TORONTO, November 13, 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. The program, 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 Easy Lover Hanover, a prolific pacer during his days on the racetrack, and Julie Wilson, owner and operator of Northumbria Equine in Port Hope, Ontario. Wilson, a retired Toronto Police sergeant, and her husband Rod MacLean, have adopted several other OSAS horses over the years, including Warrawee Bellana and Au Shade, who joined their family in 2009, as well as Easy Lover Hanover’s best friend Imacutelilmonkey. Easy Lover Hanover, noted Wilson, has been a seamless fit. Fun fact #1: Easy Lover Hanover’s barn name is Philip. Fun fact #2: Easy Lover Hanover earned over $1.1 million during an outstanding racing career (144: 51-22-14). Julie Wilson & Easy Lover Hanover Easy Lover Hanover Foaled: May 14, 2013 Sire: Somebeachsomewhere Dam: Easy Go Go Trainer: Ben Wallace (most recent) Owner: Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society Breeder: Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. OSAS Program Status: Recently graduated What makes Easy Lover Hanover special to you? “The first time I met Easy Lover Hanover, I knew there was something very special between us. We were just meant to be, we communicate so well, we just get each other. He is my heart running around on four legs.” Give us some insight into his personality. “Easy Lover Hanover, a.k.a. Philip is very much the boss of the barn. He is a great leader, especially for our two young ones. Philip is known as, ‘The Million Dollar Baby,’ ‘Prince Philip’ or just ‘Your Highness.’ “He is incredibly particular, and as long as things are done the way he likes it, he is very happy. He has a favourite water bucket and feed bowl. He likes his stall prepared a certain way and he is particular on how he is groomed. He very much enjoys his masseuse… the chiropractor, not so much. “He just expects to be treated like the royalty he is.” Julie Wilson & Easy Lover Hanover Since he’s come into your life, what have you been doing together? “Philip and I do a lot of liberty. He has competed and won a freestyle liberty show. He loves riding new places and meeting people. He enjoys trailering out to local trails. We went to our local retirement home, and he loved meeting the seniors.” How do you see his future shaping up, both in the short and long term? “Philip enjoys obstacles, so that is something we will build on in the future. We plan on continuing to explore trails and building our relationship. There is no limit to what Philip can do. I look forward to exploring different avenues and discovering other things that Philip and I can enjoy.” Julie Wilson & Easy Lover Hanover 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
