While the Mother's Day Open House events slated for two Standardbred breeding farms on Sunday, May 13 are geared to educate visitors about Standardbred breeding and harness racing, one will also have a local charity component.

Voluntary donations will be accepted from guests at Tara Hills’ Mother’s Day Open House event for Oak Ridges Hospice Capital Campaign, which will fund the construction of a hospice in the Port Perry area.

Tara Hills’ owner Dave Heffering understands the value and importance of hospice homes which can provide a much needed alternative to institutional care and home care as both of his parents were hospice patients.

Anyone who chooses to make a nominal donation to the charity will be entered into a draw to win some great prizes including gift baskets, gift cards for local eateries and more!

“As much as this event is about bringing awareness to the Standardbred industry, this is also a way we can give back to the community ,” said Heffering. Both of my parents spent their last days in hospices so I know first hand how important these facilities are to both the patients and their families.”

The Open House event takes place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. Guests will have a chance to see the mares, foals, yearlings and stallions, including Canada’s leading trotting stallion, Kadabra.

Tara Hills Stud along with Mac Lilley Farms in Dutton, Ont., will both be hosting Mother’s Day Open House events for the general public on Sunday, May 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. to showcase their mares, foals, stallions and facilities, and in collaboration with the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario Association (SBOA) and Standardbred Canada’s ‘I Love Canadian Harness Racing’ Fan Club, will educate visitors about Standardbred breeding and harness racing.

Students in grades 5 through 8 are encouraged to write about one of the foals they see at one of these farms for the Youth Literary Derby, a juried, horse-themed writing contest with prize money.

The addresses for each of the participating farms are as follows:

Mac Lilley Farms
28322 Chalmers Line
Dutton, Ont. NOL 1JO
Phone # - 519-762-3423

Tara Hills Stud Farm
13700 Mast Rd.
Port Perry, Ont. L9L 1B5
Phone # - 1-877-828-6057