Crooked Creek Ranch

06/08/2026

Trotter vs. Pacer: What's the difference?

At Crooked Creek Ranch, many of our Standardbreds raced as either trotters or pacers. But what does that actually mean?

Swipe to learn! ➡️

06/06/2026

The Standardbred is one of North America's most versatile and underappreciated horse breeds. Best known for harness racing, Standardbreds are intelligent, athletic, willing, and often make exceptional riding horses after retirement from racing.

The Standardbred originated in the United States in the 1800s and traces back to a stallion named Messenger.

The breed gets its name from the requirement that horses meet a "standard" time in harness racing to be registered. These horses were bred for speed, endurance, soundness and good temperament.

Drop a comment below ⬇️ if you know who this lovely mare is. We’ll give you a hint - her sire was imported from Italy!

📸: Makenna Patey

06/05/2026

These are the “personalities” of the horses who were selected for the trainers challenge. Who do you think team Crooked Creek Ranch will be paired with??

Drop your comments below ⬇️

Which trainer do you think is being paired with which horse … here’s a quick sneak peek of their personalities ⬇️🏆

06/05/2026

We are just 5 days away from the arrival of our training horse for the Reinventing Racehorses Trainers Challenge. We’re bursting with anticipation over here as we have no idea who we are getting!

As we countdown the days to our horses arrival, we’ll be sharing a lot about the breed, the challenge, and our end of summer event to support the sanctuary herd. We hope you enjoy!

For generations, harness racing was woven into the fabric of our community. Families gathered at local tracks and fairs, trainers worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and Standardbreds became symbols of hard work, determination, and rural life. These horses helped shape the culture of our region and left a lasting legacy that many still remember today.

As times change, it's important that we don't lose sight of that heritage. That's why the Reinventing Racehorses Trainers Challenge is so meaningful.

This challenge celebrates the next chapter for Standardbred racehorses, showcasing their incredible versatility as they transition into riding horses, trail partners, lesson horses, and ambassadors for the breed. It highlights what many horse people have known for years. Standardbreds are intelligent, willing, athletic, and deserving of opportunities beyond the racetrack.

More importantly, the Trainers Challenge helps bridge our past with our future.
We're preserving a piece of Burk's Falls history, educating the public about responsible aftercare, and ensuring that the legacy of harness racing continues through horsemanship, education, and connection.

The Reinventing Racehorses Trainers Challenge isn't just about competition. It’s about community, heritage, second chances, and keeping the spirit of our Standardbreds alive for generations to come.

Every horse has a story. And every horse deserves a second chapter.

06/03/2026

Business sponsors needed for this amazing challenge that our very own team at Crooked Creek Ranch is a part of! Tax receipts are available through New Start Standardbreds. Let’s make this event the biggest one yet!

In just two weeks, our 2026 Trainers Challenge begins. Six retired Standardbreds will be heading to their trainers and starting a journey that is going to once again change some lives and showcase how incredible this breed can be!

But right now, I’m a wee bit stressed.

We are still looking for sponsors for two of our $500 finale awards, as well as hoping to get at least three more weekly challenge sponsors at $200 each.

The reality is that these horses don’t magically arrive where they need to go. Some are travelling significant distances to reach their trainers. Trailering costs, fuel, and logistics add up quickly, and if we don’t secure sponsorships, those costs come from the same funding we rely on to care for the horses in our program.

Every dollar spent on the challenge is a dollar that can’t be spent elsewhere. We believe this challenge is worth doing because it showcases the incredible versatility of Standardbreds and helps create opportunities for future horses, but we need some help getting it across the finish line.

What are the two finale awards who need sponsors?
🏆Adaptability Award
Recognizing the horse that embraces change and thrives in their new career.

🏆Reliability Award
Recognizing the horse that consistently demonstrates a willing, dependable partnership throughout the challenge.

➡️ So if you own a business, know someone who does, or have been looking for a way to support the challenge, please reach out. Tax receipts are available. Sponsor recognition and other incentives are included.

Most importantly, you’ll be helping ensure that our horse care funding stays focused on exactly what it was intended for: the horses.

We’ve built something really special with this challenge. We’re so close. We just need a few more people willing to step up and help us make it happen.

Kimberly
President, New Start Standardbreds

06/01/2026

The nice weather is finally here and we’re so excited to share our June schedule with everyone! Lots happening at the ranch this month. Please reach out for details 🤠

05/29/2026

Ladies Night at the Ranch! Great food, amazing friends, and good horses!

05/28/2026

✨ Pony Pal Adventure Corral. It’s where the magic at the ranch comes to life. ✨

05/26/2026

Parents!!!

We’re doing a first last call for camp registration! July 20-24 and August 24-28 Full Week spots are no longer available, but we do have some day camp space.

Horse experience is not necessary. There is something for everyone at camp, including frog pond and bunny hutch, goat encounter, crafts, games, tree forts, wagon rides, creek walks… the list goes on!

We are also set up in our NEW camp space and we are sooooo excited to take everyone on a virtual tour of it in the coming days!

Link to register:

https://form.jotform.com/crookedcr/registration