Standardbred Canada (SC) has secured liability insurance coverage for its Junior Members, marking a significant milestone for the organization's youth initiatives.
The policy provides liability coverage for Junior Members participating in supervised horse-related activities, including horse handling, educational demonstrations, racetrack and farm visits, and mini-racing activities, including the Junior National Driving Championship.
The new coverage supports the continued development of Standardbred Canada's Junior Membership Program and provides an additional layer of protection for youth participating in Standardbred activities across Canada.
"Since introducing the Junior Membership Program, our objective has been to provide young people with opportunities to learn about and experience the sport while maintaining the highest standards of safety and responsibility," said Darryl Kaplan, President and CEO of Standardbred Canada. "Securing liability insurance for our Junior Members is an important step that supports the continued development of the program and future youth initiatives."
Introduced in 2024, the Junior Membership Program was established to encourage youth participation in the Canadian Standardbred industry. In fewer than two years, the program has expanded to include financial support for miniature harness racing organizations across Canada, educational farm and racetrack visits, youth outreach at agricultural fairs featuring Standardbred Canada's virtual reality harness racing simulator, and an expanded 35,000-square-foot presence at the Canadian National Exhibition.
The program will reach another milestone on Saturday, July 25, with the inaugural Junior National Driving Championship at Clinton Raceway, held in conjunction with the National Driving Championship. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:45 a.m. from the Clinton Raceway winner's circle, followed by the championship heats and final. The event will be streamed live on Standardbred Canada's homepage beginning at 10:45 a.m.
"The love and passion for the horse and for this wonderful sport must be fostered at a young age," added Kaplan. "Nothing on a smartphone or tablet is capable of providing the remarkable experience and bond that our horses and the thrill of equine competition provide. At this precise moment in time, we have an incredible opportunity and obligation to engage an entire generation of young people searching for meaningful and important real-world connections."
To register for Standardbred Canada's Junior Membership Program, click here for the Junior Membership application form and follow the registration instructions.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)