In its pursuit to increase youth participation in harness racing, Standardbred Canada (SC) is leading another guided farm tour for Junior Members and their families. Just two weeks removed from visiting Winbak Farm of Canada, Junior Members and their families will now get to see the daily operation behind training a racehorse as they converge on the always busy First Line Training Centre in Nassagaweya, Ont.

SC will be guiding the attendees from barn to barn, showcasing the daily routine of a racehorse, educating Junior Members on horse behaviour, safety and proper caretaking techniques, and providing hands-on experiences with horses. Trainer Boyd Wilson will kick off the day by demonstrating safe handling techniques. Then a trip to the back of the farm will land the herd at the barn of Hall of Famer Carl Jamieson, where Junior Members will have the opportunity to meet two-time World Champion Jody Jamieson, who, in tandem with daughter, Sierra, and famed mini horse, Quinton Ellis, will be demonstrating how to harness and drive. The final stop of the tour will dock Junior Members at TheStable.ca just in time to learn how to put a horse away and feed lunch. 

The tour of First Line Training Centre is free and open to all Junior Members and will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The facility is located at 13730 First Line, Nassagaweya, ON. Standardbred Canada reminds new members that appropriate attire for a farm visit includes closed-toed shoes and durable clothing, as it will likely get dirty during the farm visit.

Not yet a Junior Member of Standardbred Canada, but interested in joining the tour at First Line? You can still enroll to become one and gain access to this exclusive tour. To enroll as an SC Junior Member, please visit SC's Member Forms page or contact the Membership Department.

SC is excited to be leading this tour and extends its thanks in advance to all Junior Members who attend and all horsepeople who have donated and dedicated their time for the kids. SC asks those who intend to show to RSVP to [email protected] with your confirmation and dietary concerns.

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)