The ALL STARS buy race and sell a lot of horses and one of the most important aspects of Natalie and Mark's operation is ensuring the horses no longer able to race go to good homes.

Springfield Guitar-known as Leni at the stables in his training days is one example -and a fairly outstanding one.

Handed over to Rolleston horsewoman and Standardbred enthusiast Eddie Collins as a likely show ring competitor he is currently the unbeaten -sound familiar.

"He's been to four shows and won each time" an excited Eddie said, "He is already qualified for his section at the Horse of the Year show next year in Hastings and that is our long-term goal now".

"He has just taken to it so well. At this early stage of his career he is only being led but he is so easy to handle and so consistent. The judges have remarked more than once on how consistent he is in his action and how he carries himself. So far, he is quite exciting. I have has tried a few horses at this before but none have shown the aptitude he has."

"The next stage in the new season will be riding and we will see how w go from there. The season is nearly over now and won't resume until the spring and I am looking forward to that already".

Purchased in Australia by Mark and Natalie along with John Gregg, Springfield Guitar was not precocious as a youngster and then had a setback that ended his prospects. Natalie takes disposing of her horses to good homes most seriously and was pleased with this outcome.

"I just had a call from Eddie looking for a horse for the Standardbred area and it seemed a great option for Leni-a good home. When you are involved with race horses people can sometimes get the impression it is just a case of sending them away without a second thought but there is a lot more to it for us. I am just so pleased this has worked out so well for both Leni and Eddie."

Eddie Collins certainly had the credentials to match up with Leni.

"I have always been with horses one way or the other" she said "My Dad helped out in stables in his spare time and I had ponies and helped out with the bigger horses when I could."

"I have been with the Dean Taylor stable for over four years now and horses are my hobby as well as my work."

"As you probably know some horses adapt to this sort of showing better than others.  I have had a few challenges with them, some just don't want to co-operate, but Leni has been a dream really."

"He just has that natural, relaxed take on it and that helps him.  We don't know how far he can go in the next stages but getting the chance to go to the Horse of the Year show is a really big thrill for me."

Eddie's most recent good performer was Baileys On Ice but Leni has won her heart a lot quicker.

Standardbred competition is a rapid growth sport following the founding of the Standardbred Riding Association in 1992. Gaining a division in the Horse of The Year show has been a major step forward.

Leni competes in the Youngstock Division restricted to three year olds but Eddie is confident he will be just as competitive as he moves through to other divisions.

His success has produced another bonus for Eddie too.

"Grand Rainbow suffered a hock injury which has ended his career and he has gone to Eddie too" Natalie said.

Natalie Rasmussen and Eddie Collins have in common- that they are dedicated to their horses.  And it seems to work inside and outside a racing stable.

David McCarthy
Courtesy of NZ Standardbred Breeders Association