Some of the most recognizable names in harness racing will be part of a new horse expo in Guelph, Ont. set for June 4-7 as part of National Horse Week
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Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo is a new equine experience for all breeds and all disciplines held at the University of Guelph’s Arkell Research Station. It will feature a trade show of equine nutrition, housing, hoof care, equipment, training, health care, medical, and related services.
Hosted by Canada’s Outdoor Shows Ltd. in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Arkell Research Station and Equine Guelph, Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo will offer attendees indoor and outdoor trade show exhibits, interactive displays, expert speakers, professional networking, Equine Guelph’s EquiMania! and much more.
Monday, June 7 is "Race Day" at the Expo. This day is geared specifically for the racing industry. Presenters on Monday will be addressing issues and technologies targeted specifically to the racing industry as they apply to standardbred, thoroughbred and quarter horses. There will be a Trainers & Owners Scrum Session and a not-to-be-missed fundraising event for Race Horse Adoption Programs.
Among those involved from the harness racing side include:
John Campbell, River Vale, New Jersey
- Q&A’s with the 2009 Inductee into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame & Harness
Racing’s All-Time Leading Money Winner with Over $270 Million Earned
Mon. only @ 2:00 pm in Race Alley
Jody Jamieson, Cambridge, Ontario
Q&A’s with the 2009 O’Brien Award Canadian Driver of the Year
Mon. only @ 1:15 pm in Race Alley
David Heffering, Tara Hills Stud Farm
Ted Smith, Retiring President, Standardbred Canada
Scrum Session for Standardbred Trainers & Owners
Mon. only @ 2:45 pm in Race Alley
What is a scrum and how does that relate to the horse racing industry?
A scrum is defined as a procedure to restart a game ... or a discussion where participants cluster around to ask questions in an impromptu and loosely organized manner. Such is the objective of the Scrum Session for Standardbred Trainers and Owners at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo.
It is obvious from coffee shop banter that everyone involved in harness racing has an opinion of how the future should evolve and; whether opposing or in tandem; constructive discussions need to happen in order to move the industry forward.
So, as a means of facilitating further discussion, two leaders in the harness racing industry will moderate the discussion: David Heffering; standardbred breeder and owner of Tara Hills Stud Farms; and Ted Smith, soon-to-be retired President of Standardbred Canada.
Whether the topic runs from how harness racing is portrayed in the media or drifts over to the growth of simulcasting, this scrum gathering can help to identify which hot buttons need to be addressed as a result of this type of grassroots participation.
David Heffering and Ted Smith will stick-handle comments from participants and suggest “for action” items to pass on to industry organizations. This is your chance to be heard and to help make a positive impact on the future.
"The Scrum Session for Standardbred Trainers & Owners” will be held at Canada’s Outdoor Equine Expo at the Arkell Research Station on Monday, June 7 at 2:45 pm in Race Alley in the Pony Palace.
For more information, visit: www.EquineExpo.ca or call Canada's Outdoor Shows at 1-800-563-5441.