The Harness Horse Youth Foundation kicked off its summer series of equine education programs with a tour for home-schooled students and their parents at Eash Racing Stable in

Greenfield, Indiana (Don and Rosie Eash) on May 18.

Nearly 40 participants met racehorses, broodmares and foals up close, and were tutored by the Eashes and HHYF Executive Director Ellen Taylor about harnesses and equipment, equine careers (including blacksmithing), and the differences between trotting and pacing. Participants took home gift bags, made by Mrs. Eash, that were stuffed full of HHYF t-shirts, Youth Beats Magazine, Harness Heroes Trading Cards and other equine information

The next HHYF program will take place at Hoosier Park on Memorial Day (May 30) as part of the Charity Chariots promotion, with Taylor and project manager Keith Gisser on hand to educate families on the sport of harness racing with a number of interactive activities and educational materials.

HHYF has several one-day opportunities available this summer for free programs at museums, libraries, racetracks or for youth groups (4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact Ellen Taylor at 317-867-5877 or [email protected] or Keith Gisser at 216-374-1392 or [email protected] to discuss possible dates and programs.

(With files from the HHYF)