Indianapolis, IN — A coalition of horsemen’s associations presented a harness racing booth at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The trade show was held Wednesday-Friday (Oct. 26-28) at the Indiana Convention Center.

FFA Booth Workers included Ellen Taylor (HHYF), Tony Renz (ISA), Jessica Schroeder (USTA), Vicky Rouch (HHYF), and Susan Schroeder (OHHA). USTA photo.

The Harness Horse Youth Foundation, Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Indiana Standardbred Association and U.S. Trotting Association pooled resources to have a large booth incorporating a 360 degree virtual reality experience, bandaging station, equine front limb bone identification and literature for advisors.

“We’ve had great success reaching students at the Ohio FFA Convention and wanted to jump at the chance to attend the national convention,” said Susan Schroeder, project coordinator for the OHHA. “Ellen (Taylor from HHYF) organized the booth space with FFA and we were glad the interactive exhibits that OHHA has invested in were well received by students and advisors.”

The timed bandaging station contest was a hit with students both familiar with horses and those who had never touched a horse before. USTA photo.

“I hope we can collaborate more in the future to reach agriculturally minded youth,” said Tony Renz, executive director of the ISA. “It is important they get exposed to our industry now and think about all the ancillary careers available that touch on harness racing.”

Cheyenne Christman, OHHA’s Outreach & PR Assistant, was onsite to work the VR race bike and post photos/videos to social media — one video on TikTok has over 93,000 views and over 4,500 likes. Visit the OHHA Facebook, Twitter and TikTok accounts to see videos and photos from FFA Convention.

The 2022 FFA Convention had 65,000 students pre-registered for the week-long convention, which in addition to the expo included student and teacher workshops, student showcases, tours and more. The convention was first held in 1928 in Kansas City, Mo. and was in that city for 70 years. It has also been held in Louisville and will be in Indianapolis through 2031.