The second annual Youth Camp Day attracted over 200 people to St. John’s Racing & Entertainment Centre on Saturday
. The interactive day, which featured many hands-on experiences and educational stations abouthorses, attracted 123 kids along with 70 parents.
Co-ordinated by horseman Scott Forward, the kids were treated to a full day of activities. The event featured interactive stations where they learned about safety around horses; basic grooming skills; how to clean a stall; parts of the horse; feeding and nutrition; the history of harness racing; and harnessing a standardbred.
Standardbred Canada provided free Trot 4 Kids Activity books for all of the kids as well as a special visit by Trot 4 Kids mascot, Willie Win.
The highlight of the day for the kids was being able to jog a standardbred as well as ride one under saddle. Participants were also treated to lunch and given a free T-shirt.
“It was the most fun I’ve ever had at the track without racing and I think everyone else felt the same way," Forward explained. "The looks on the kids' faces were priceless, and this event ran like clockwork thanks to the hard work and dedication of all of our volunteers.”