The Harness Horse Youth Foundation has named John Reames as its summer programs assistant and Travis Ceppaluni as its summer programs intern.

The pair will travel with executive director Ellen Taylor and the HHYF stable of Trottingbreds throughout the summer, running the organization’s summer camps and events.

Reames, 59, of Dayton, Ohio has been an active horse owner, breeder and caretaker for over 30 years. He has also attended the USTA adult driving school. A retired aerospace quality engineer, he also has extensive experience as a manger working with teens, running his family’s Holiday Acres Christmas Tree Farm. Reames’ two sons are HHYF alumni.

“If we make learning fun for these kids, although we won’t convert all of them to become involved in the industry, we may convert some to enjoy it as we have,” he explained. “I look forward to the opportunity to convey the enjoyment, accomplishment and every day pleasure we receive by being part of harness racing.”

Seventeen-year-old Ceppaluni, of Jackson, New Jersey, already has experience with HHYF. In addition to participating in multiple camps, including HHYF Leadership Program in Goshen, New York, he assisted with the activities for several weeks last summer and also represented HHYF at the Open Space Pace in Freehold, New Jersey last September. Travis is also an accomplished barrel racer who hopes to eventually become a trainer/driver.

“I can’t wait to take everything I’ve learned from HHYF and use it on the backstretch. I learned a ton from doing hands-on work, but the guest speakers taught me a lot about the business. I try to take a little advice from everybody and I hope I can pass some of that knowledge on to this year’s campers,” Ceppaluni commented.

“The combined eagerness of both John and Travis is going to make this summer dynamic” Taylor believes. “Young people are much more likely to respond positively when their instructors are actively supportive and enthusiastic . Undoubtedly, these two gentlemen definitely have a passion for HHYF and the industry.”

(HHYF)