Barn Tours are back at the Indiana State Fair. They were implemented a few years ago by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and the Indiana Standardbred Association (ISA) took over the project beginning in 2021. Emily Dever, ISA director, is heading up the initiative to promote Indiana harness racing to fair goers.
Indiana State Fair guests are enjoying a stop in one of the Speed Barns for special tours provided by the Indiana Standardbred Association. Two horses are part of the display daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Photo by Megan Arszman
The event is held in one of the famed Speed Barns at the Indiana State Fair. The area is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, with the exception of Mondays and Tuesdays, during the fair, which goes through Monday, Aug. 23. Guests can stop by and learn about racing through informational boards and equipment worn by the horses. The U.S. Trotting Association furnished several displays and there is a looping video of races shown in the barn.
There are also two horses for guests to interact with. Two of the horses featured this year are Indiana champion Rocket Fuel, who retired with a mark of 1:50.0 and earnings of $784,000, and Got the Groove, a trotter by Guccio who has a mark of 1:53.3 and earnings of nearly $250,000.
Several volunteers are assisting with the Barn Tours. Wallace Feed & Grain of Sheridan, Ind. provided the bedding for the horses. Kristin Shelter cares for the horses in the morning and takes care of feeding duties.
More volunteers are still needed for the project. To serve as a volunteer, contact Emily Dever at (765) 860-2312.