The SPPHA is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1993 and staffed exclusively by volunteers who give of their time and resources to provide Standardbreds with a life after racing. There is no Government support and all monies earned are raised entirely by fundraising activities, donations, membership and application fees.
The main fundraiser is the annual Dinner at the Races, at Harold Park. Most of us sell fundraising chocolates at work, and there is merchandise and books on retraining as well as a number of raffles when the opportunity arises.
We spend the money on promoting the breed, running our adoption program and providing support and services for our members. These activities include an Association newsletter, this Web site, sponsorship of shows and other competitions for Standardbreds. We also organise trail rides and training days when resources permit.
Of course, we also have to cover the costs of boring old office expenses, such as phone bills. Our biggest single expense is liability insurance, but what takes the most time and effort is the adoption program.
We can always use extra help - contact us if you'd like to volunteer.
You can also show your support by purchasing and proudly wearing some of our SPPHA logo mechandise, or support us by purchasing some books to help you on your Standardbred journey.
We have some top quality 100% cotton polo shirts or teflon coated baseball caps
Or take a look at the publications we have for sale below.
The Standardbred.
UPDATED MARCH 2011.
Produced by SPPHA NSW.
Fully revised to include updated information on the background of the Standardbred breed. Now has additional information on the Standardbred in non-racing careers, stories from SPPHA NSW members and basic horse care information.
Magazine format (52pp).
Retraining the Harness Racehorse. 
By Mary Anne Donovan-Wright & Robyn Cuffey.THE book on retraining specifically geared to the Standardbred and their strength and weaknesses. Includes chapters on:
- Selecting a horse
- The philosophy of retraining
- Training equipment
- Initial training from the ground
- Basic and advanced training
- Training the canter
- Standardbred success stories
Softcover (120pp).
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 First Horse – From Dreaming to Owning.
“The dream of horse ownership is one that is shared by many thousands of Australians young and old. It’s a dream that, once fulfilled, can lead to countless hours of enjoyment and companionship with an animal that will reward your care and attention with his trust and loyalty.”
This excellent introduction to the responsibilities of horse ownership covers topics such as learning to ride, budgeting for your horse, Outfitting, feeding and health care, travelling with your horse and insurance
Dressage Basics – A guide for every rider.
“The general principles of dressage are aimed at  achieving the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. The ultimate goal is to achieve perfect understanding between horse and rider. Even if dressage is not your main interest, you and your horse will benefit from pursuing the core aims and principles of dressage training.” Topics covered include:
* The dressage horse
* Feeding and conditioning
* Training program and training logic
* Outfitting, grooming and presentation of horse and rider
* Your first competition.
Magazine format (98pp).
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