With spring flowers blooming, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) is making final preparations for its busy summer travel schedule, which begins officially at Shenandoah Downs on April 21.

“Actually, we have already started our 2024 efforts to promote and educate about the industry. Several 4-H groups in New Jersey have visited Freehold Raceway as well as me doing a few presentations to horse leaders,” explained Ellen Taylor, HHYF Executive Director. “At HHYF, we are focused on our mission -- 2024 is business as usual. The feeling of helping a young person experience harness racing for the first time is unmatched!”

Below is the complete HHYF itinerary to date:

Programs Requiring Pre-registration: (To register and for further information, use this link.)

• April 21: Shenandoah Downs, Woodstock, Virginia
• June 21: Darke County Fairgrounds Greenville, Ohio
• June 24: DeLong Stable, Anderson, Indiana
• June 25-29: Leadership Program; Crimson Lane Farm, Anderson, Indiana
• July 10: Oak Grove Racing, Oak Grove, Kentucky
• July 15: The Red Mile, Lexington, Kentucky
• July 24-25: Goshen Historic Track, Goshen, New York
• July 30-31: Gaitway Farm, Manalapan, New Jersey

Open To The Public Events:

• March 20-24: American Youth Horse Council Symposium, Fort Worth, Texas
• March 29-31: Indiana Equine Roundup, Cloverdale, Indiana
• April 11-14: Equine Affair, Columbus, Ohio
• April 27: Life & Times of the Great Dan Patch Birthday Celebration, Oxford, Indiana
• July 12-14: BreyerFest, Lexington, Kentucky
• July 27: American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey
• August 3: Hambletonian, East Rutherford, New Jersey
• October 23-26: National FFA Convention, Indianapolis, Indiana

Private Events:

• Prairie Crossing Elementary School, Oxford, Indiana
• Hearts & Horseshoes Fair Winds Farm Tour, Cream Ridge, New Jersey
• Westfield Washington School Field Trip, Anderson, Indiana
• Harrison County Ag Day Field Trip, Corydon, Indiana

HHYF continues to seek contributions to fund this year’s events but deeply appreciates those who have already donated, including Fair Winds Farm, Standardbred Breeders of PA, U.S. Trotting Association, Lindy Farms/AFF, Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, Virginia Harness Horsemen’s Association, Cameo Hills Ltd., Fair Island Farm, Barely Able Stable, Bluebird Meadows, Hambletonian Society, Thompson Family Foundation, Southern Oaks Training Center as well as many individuals.

(HHYF)