Harness Horsemen International continued its annual meetings on Tuesday (March 4) at the Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa in Florida.
Horsemen’s representatives from 10 associations, including Cloverleaf SOA, Delaware SOA, Illinois HHA, Ohio HHA, Maine HHA, Meadows HHA, Western New England HHA, Pennsylvania HHA, SBOA of New Jersey and Kentucky HHA were in attendance.
T.C. Lane of the USTA offered the audience a first look at the new online entry system for horsemen, to be launched in the near future. Any USTA member will be able to access this user-friendly system, Lane stressed, which allows trainers to enter their horses at various racetracks via the internet, free of charge.
Association reports continued, followed by HHI committee meetings.
The Insurance Committee discussed current HHI coverage, including liability, fire and disaster, and pending cases which could affect the horse industry, as well as possible changes in policies.
Instant Racing in Kentucky and sports wagering in New Jersey were topics cited by the Legal Committee.
The HHI Scholarship Foundation Committee passed a motion to use a universal scholarship application for all horsemen’s association scholarships, in order to simplify the process for applicants.
A proposal by the HHI Convention Committee, to return to this same meeting place in 2015, will be voted on in the Wednesday general session.
The March 5 meetings will begin with elections and a panel discussion entitled ‘I Can’t Believe This is Happening,’ which will examine critical issues facing Standardbred horsemen, followed by the HHI awards luncheon.
The HHI annual meetings will conclude with a farewell breakfast on Thursday (March 6).
HHI is comprised of horsemen’s associations from the United States and Canada who collectively represent the agriculture-based industry of harness racing in North America. HHI’s governing body consists of representatives from its member associations.
(Harness Horsemen International)
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