With the Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s May 15 camp application deadline rapidly approaching, students are not the only ones scrambling to prepare. The organization’s stable of Trottingbred horses is being prepped for its cross-country tour.

The organization’s two newcomers, Cindy Jodine (with the Brett Bittle Stable) and Gold N Rose (with the Travis Ceppaluni Stable) are prepping in New Jersey. Also prepping in the Garden State is Pokies Topshot with the Chris Ryder Stable.

The Trottingbreds in have invaded Delaware in full force, with five HHYF horses training there. CDs Miss M (with the Jody Stafford Stable), Imas Hit (with the Don Brittingham Stable), Royal Attire (with the Eddie Dennis Stable) and I Want Another (with the Ron Millman Stable).

The fifth Delaware trainee, LR Trixie, is again with the Andrew Stafford Stable and she is carrying on an HHYF tradition of getting youngsters engaged in all aspects of horse care. Just as the entire Giberson family was totally involved in the prepping of Sweet Karen for several years, so are the Staffords. Ten-year-old Ethan Stafford recently used Trixie in a 4-H harnessing demonstration, further cementing the four-year long friendship he has developed with the Trottingbred.

And, speaking of HHYF’s 20-year-old goodwill ambassador, Sweet Karen will be doing several meet and greets this year, starting with the Diamond Creek Farm Open House on June 3.

“Just like racehorses, our horses can’t just show up at camps and be expected to work hard,” says HHYF Executive Director Ellen Taylor. “They need to be legged up and in good physical condition. We could not possibly do the outreach we do without the voluntary work of our trainers each year. We are especially appreciative of Brittany Farms for providing an off-season home for our Trottingbreds during the last decade, as well as Diamond Creek Farm who will be assuming that responsibility this fall.”

The trainers will work with the horses for about two months before the HHYF camp season begins at Harrington Raceway in Delaware. From there the HHYF road show moves on to Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey before returning home before Labour Day. For a complete schedule of events, click here.

(HHYF)