The Harness Horse Youth Foundation and the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association are teaming up to help tracks and horsemen’s organizations get kids interested in and excited about harness racing.

'Backpacks at the Track' is aimed to give children who come to the track something to do in between races and to have something to take home with them to remind them (and their parents) about harness racing.

Each cinch (string-type) backpack features the Backpacks at the Track logo and can be stuffed with a variety of items, such as an activity book and crayons, horseshoes, books and DVDs.

“By offering these backpacks to racetracks and horsemen’s groups across the country and placing one bulk order, we hope to get the best possible price point when ordering the different components,” said Susan Schroeder, WHHA’s marketing committee chairperson. “Groups can customize their backpacks based on their budget and the age of children they want to hand them out to.”

Pari-mutuel racetracks, fairs and horsemen’s groups are welcome to participate and customize their own backpacks. Bulk purchasing options include: the cinch backpack, four-count crayon sets, books about harness racing such as 'Born to Trot,' the Amazing Racer DVD and more. Local groups could also put in horseshoes or t-shirts, hats and other items that have their logo on them.

Participating in Backpacks at the Track can be as easy as placing the order and then handing them out at the track or encourage return visits by kids (and their families) by offering to fill the backpack over a period of time.

Questions about Backpacks at the Track can be directed to Susan Schroeder at 414-379-2494 or [email protected]. Order forms for the bulk purchasing items can be found at hhyf.org or here.

(HHYF)