The Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) is adding another financial assistance program to its list of available funds for those seeking to further their education.

The new program was created to honour the late Lynn Fortna and is available to any young-at-heart female in harness racing to continue her education and/or expand her knowledge about horses. The recipient(s) will receive funding to cover a conference, class, certificate program or other educational experience related to horses with approval from the selection committee.

“Our family is pleased to partner with HHYF to honour Lynn," said Tom Aldrich, Fortna’s widower. "She was active in many aspects of harness racing and among her proudest achievement was being one of the pioneer women who both trained and drove competitively at pari-mutuel tracks in the 1970s.  In addition, she was a stall superintendent, held frontside positions as race office and publicity assistant and served as a licensed paddock/patrol/presiding/associate judge. Born into a harness racing family, she was a passionate advocate and supporter of the industry she loved so much. To be able to assist other young women who are like-minded about harness racing makes my family very happy. We know Lynn would be excited too.”

In addition to the Lynn Fortna Financial Assistance Program, other HHYF scholarships available to individuals with collegiate plans include:

• Harold & Marcia Snyder Memorial Scholarship - for students from harness racing families;
• Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship - for students with a passion for harness racing;
• Sweet Karen Memorial Scholarship - for students who have participated in one or more HHYF summer programs.

Complete information regarding eligibility requirements, selection criteria and applications for all four scholarships may be found on the HHYF website.

(With files from HHYF)