For many participants in the harness racing industry, racing is — as the saying goes — in your blood. But for a large number of kids growing up today, even those with hands-on agricultural experience, that's not always the case.

On April 7, a group of 4-H Cloverbuds from Brookfield, N.S. (Colchester Area) had the firsthand opportunity to visit two Standardbred stables at Truro Raceway.

A group of seven young Cloverbuds made a visit to learn about horses in general and also had the lucky chance to learn about Standardbreds. Kaitlyn Wesley, owner of Prince Adam and co-owner of Campbell Racing Stable, and Ryder Rennison, owner, trainer and driver of the Rennison Stable, both were on hand to help teach the youth about these amazing animals.

First at the gate was Prince Adam bouncing around and nickering to his owner Kaitlyn. The youth were in awe with 'Prince' but when Ryder walked around the barn with the mini pony, Dapper Dan, owned by Andrea Rennison, the Cloverbuds were in it for the long haul. Dapper Dan was used to make the kids comfortable with a horse and become aware of their surroundings. Then the fun began!

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The youth learned what the horses in the barn would receive for breakfast, lunch, supper and bedtime snacks. Being hands on with the horses, they were able to brush and scratch them, then Ryder gave a demo on the care of a horse’s foot. He showed them the shoes and how they differ from summer and winter using Special FX, a Rennison Stable horse.

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“I would say the favourite part about the visit was being able to see the kids light up with joy when they touched the horses and gave them treats for being so good!” said Wesley.

(With files from Campbell Racing Stable & Rennison Stable)