Standardbred Canada (SC) Junior Members enjoyed an enriching and insightful guided tour of Winbak Farm of Canada, a prominent breeding establishment in the Canadian harness racing industry, on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Farm Manager Pat Woods led the young enthusiasts, offering an in-depth look at the daily operations and comprehensive care involved in raising future champion racehorses.
The visit provided SC Junior Members with a unique opportunity to witness firsthand various stages of a Standardbred horse's life. They observed mares with their playful foals, yearlings being prepared for sales and stallions enjoying their second careers.
During the tour, members also explored Winbak's state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious paddocks, well-maintained barns and specialized breeding sheds. This immersive experience was not only educational but also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation for the dedication and hard work that underpins the harness racing industry.
Standardbred Canada’s goal was to leave Junior Members who visited Winbak Farm with newfound respect for the world of Standardbred racing and breeding that could fuel their passion for the sport.
For a glimpse into the Junior Members' experience, a photo essay by Standardbred Canada’s Jessica Street is available below.
The day began with a warm welcome from Winbak Farm, complete with doughnuts for the Junior Members. They were then introduced to Beach Glass, one of Winbak’s esteemed stallions. The members had the unique chance to pet Beach Glass and gain insights into the daily care routines of the stallions. Additionally, Masterfeeds’ Blair Keeling provided a detailed overview of each stallion's specific feeding program.
After touring the Stallion Barn, the Junior Members learned about yearling preparation, including an introduction to the Equicizer. The members even had a chance to try a lap on the Equicizer, just as the yearlings do!
Watch the Junior Members on the Equicizer in the video below!
Following their Equicizer engagement, the Junior Members were guided to one of the many yearling barns on the property. This particular barn specifically housed colts being prepped for auction.
Next, the children visited the filly barn, where they met yearlings, a mare and her foal, and a racehorse recovering from an injury. The Junior Members also fed carrots to McSweetie, the horse currently rehabbing from a training injury.
Winbak staff demonstrated their detailed daily care routine for a yearling slated for this fall's auction. This practical presentation gave attendees valuable insight into the meticulous preparation of a young horse, highlighting the grooming, feeding and exercise protocols that contribute to the yearling's health, appearance and readiness for sale.
Junior Members had the opportunity to tour the barn and meet many of the yearlings after Winbak staff completed the daily yearling preparations.
After the tour, the Junior Members enjoyed a pizza lunch, generously provided by Winbak Farm.
If you're not yet a Junior Member of Standardbred Canada but are interested in participating in exclusive events like this tour at Winbak Farm, you can still enroll. To become an SC Junior Member and gain access to these opportunities, please visit SC's Member Forms page or contact the Membership Department.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)