When the word ‘horse’ is part of an organization’s name, it is pretty clear that the equine has importance, and that is certainly the case for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, as ‘appreciation of the horse’ has always been paramount in its programming.
The HHYF, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, was founded in 1976 and began conducting harness racing camps in Ohio, which spread to other states shortly after that. For many years, the camps relied exclusively on the host location to provide well-mannered Standardbreds, which was mostly successful, but provided a certain element of uncertainty. Securing safe, reliable horseflesh was needed for long-term educational success.
Meanwhile, in response to a presentation in 1998 by Mal Burroughs, the idea of a harness racing ‘little league,’ was presented. The Harness Racing Youth League debuted at Hoosier Park in 1999 in cooperation with Harness Tracks of America and HHYF. To improve the initial format required a more standardized curriculum and, more importantly, a more dependable supply of horses. It was then that HHYF leadership made a decision that would change the face of HHYF camps going forward. Rather than Standardbreds, the organization would purchase Trottingbreds, a smaller breed of harness racing horse. While part of this decision was financial, it made a great deal of sense for another reason.
“Trottingbreds are smaller which makes them easier for young people to work with. Our camps, five days and four nights, were tailored to kids who were 12-14. With some Standardbreds standing over 16 hands, the simple act of checking them was hard for some campers,” explains former HHYF President (and 2015 Service To Youth Award winner) Callie Davies-Gooch, one of the driving forces behind the change. “I had been to some races and thought they would fit the bill. I thought minis were too small and regulars too big.”
HHYF Executive Director Ellen Taylor was given the task to secure a stable of Trottingbreds that had good attitudes and could pace or trot at a reasonable clip.
“That initial shopping trip was an adventure for sure and we purchased all of them privately," Taylor recalls. "We did very well with Justaway, Black Monday, and Sweet Karen. Those horses sort of spoiled us with their exceptional attributes. As with any endeavour, over the years, we have learned a whole bunch about indicators which are more likely to lead to a horse that fits with the program. Several years ago, I went to a sale and picked up CDs Miss M. I thought my shopping was complete until I saw a pretty refined three-year-old filly being led into the sales ring by a tiny little barefoot girl with three brothers and sisters tagging along; I walked right back in to bid thinking to myself that though this filly lacked physical substance, she must love kids. The most important factor is impeccable temperament, but that has to be somewhat balanced by athletic ability; it is a tough combination to find sometimes.”
While many people refer to the HHYF stable members as ponies, they are not. The Trottingbred does carry pony blood – often Welsh, Hackney or Shetland – but it has been recognized as a breed of horse since 1977. Today, no ponies can be introduced into the bloodline, although Standardbred blood is periodically infused to build speed. Trottingbreds cannot compete in races if they stand more than 51 and a half inches at the withers (under 13 hands), as compared to Standardbreds, who have no height requirement.
Today, a healthy Trottingbred circuit races each summer in Indiana and Quebec. A large contingent stables at Florida’s Sunshine Raceway during the winter which features events during those months. In Bermuda, they race from August through January, and they also race in Italy. Trottingbred races are one-half mile heats and are usually classified by time. Several top horsemen – including Corey Callahan, the Allard family, and Jay Cross – all credit their early careers to participation in Trottingbred racing.
Twenty-three horses have carried the HHYF banner as stable members since the beginning of the Harness Racing Youth League concept, and its follow-up format, HHYF Summer Programs. Past members of the HHYF stable include Coupe De Ville, Daddys Jewel, GF Mr Mojo, Clypso Dust, Dusty Sensation, Jandi Tuff As Sky, Jandi Iron Lace, Jessica Direct, Justaway, Just Nibblin Gold (Justaway’s foal), Little Hicktown, Black Monday, The Wanderer (Sweet Karen’s sire), Late MacMother, Cracker Jack, Berita Cs Lassie and PV Dot Com.
Currently, the HHYF Stable includes original member Sweet Karen, a semi-retired nineteen-year-old palomino with her own Facebook page; CDs Miss M (Missy); the grey Imas Hit (Homer); I Want Another (Wawa); LR Trixie; and Royal Attire (Roy).
HHYF trustees and staff realize the importance of continually improving both the program and the stable roster in order to better serve the next generation of racing participants and are always on the lookout for quality additions. Just recently, a new chestnut gelding named Pokies Topshot was purchased from Jeremy Delagrange in Millersburg, Indiana. With a bit of luck and some acclimation, hopefully, Topshot will be suitable for a long tenure with HHYF summer programs.
(HHYF)