The Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) is working hard to introduce Standardbred racing to the younger generation. Each year, the organization travels across the eastern section of the United States to provide camps, on-hand racing experience and a racing final set for Hambletonian Day at The Meadowlands.
HHYF camps bring hundreds of kids into harness racing each year with a circuit through the eastern seaboard. To get on the schedule of camps for 2020, contact the HHYF by Oct. 15, 2020. Photo by HHYF
The Indiana Standardbred Association is committed to assisting HHYF with various activities each season, including the upcoming Fourth Grade Field Trip Day at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Slated for Tuesday, Sept. 17 and Wednesday, Sept. 18, the racetrack opens its doors for the day, providing various stations for kids to learn more about horses and the sport. The trip includes lunch in the clubhouse as well as a trip to the barn area to interact with racehorses. The event wouldn’t be possible without an army of volunteers from Harrah’s Hoosier Park, HHYF and the Indiana Standardbred Association. More than 600 fourth graders from Madison County attend the annual event.
The HHYF has recently released a 30 second commercial to explain what the organization does and bring awareness to their programs. They are also preparing for the 2020 racing season and are putting together a schedule for next summer. Those interested in forming a HHYF hands on camp should contact the office no later than Tuesday, Oct. 15. The organization can also assist groups with various handouts as well as support for other activities geared toward school-age kids that are interested in learning about Standardbred racing.
For those interested in hosting a group of young people through a camp or special event, call Ellen Taylor at (317) 908-0029.