Come to the USTA Driving School and learn from the professionals how to own, train and drive Standardbreds. The 17th annual edition will be held at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, Ohio, home of the Little Brown Jug, from June 1-4. Deadline for registration is May 15.
Category: Driving School
Driving School gives owner hands-on experience
For horse owner Joe Battaglia, a trip to the United States Trotting Association Driving School in 2012 had little to do with becoming a trainer or driver, but everything to do with enhancing his enjoyment of harness racing, not to mention his level of participation. Battaglia, who got his first horse in 2006 and two years ago joined the ownership group of top older male pacer Rockeyed Optimist, attended the USTA Driving School in Goshen, N.Y., not far from his home near Saratoga Springs.
USTA Standardbred Driving School offers incentives to students
The USTA is pleased to announce that thanks to the generous financial support of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Ohio residents that register for the upcoming USTA Standardbred Driving School will receive a refund of $175 when they ‘check in’ at the school on June 1.
Teague headlines speakers at 2016 USTA Driving School
George Teague Jr., the 2015 Owner of the Year and co-owner of 2015 Horse of the Year Wiggle It Jiggleit, will be the keynote speaker when the 2016 USTA Standardbred Driving School gets underway at the Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, Ohio, on Wednesday night (June 1).
USTA’s Standardbred Driving School returns to Central Ohio
Jeff Cypher went from the 2015 United States Trotting Association Standardbred Driving School to the winner’s circle. Again and again and again. The 74-year-old Cypher, who lives in Michigan, decided to become a groom following last year’s school and with the assistance of USTA Director and Driving School mentor Steve Oldford landed with the stable of Kevin and Marie “Ginny” St. Charles.
2016 USTA Owners School to be held in Delray Beach, Fla.
Do you know someone who would love to own a Standardbred racehorse? Do you think they would be thrilled with the excitement of driving a Standardbred? Then join us for three days of hands-on horsemanship and classroom instruction at the inaugural USTA Owners School, Feb 11-13, 2016, in Delray Beach, Fla.
Lester Smeal II is gaining valuable experience on PA Fair Circuit
When he was a 10-year-old boy, Lester Smeal II visited the Clearfield (PA) Fair, and it was love at first sight with the sport of harness racing.
The best Christmas present ever
When it comes to Christmas gifts, it’s tough to beat a trip to the U.S. Trotting Association’s Driving School. At least it is in the eyes of Gail Farrell.
Driving School picture perfect for father and daughter
When Jeff Cypher was a teenager, he worked for a period of time as a harness racing groom and often took photographs of Grand Circuit horses whenever they raced in the Detroit area. One day in 1958, though, Cypher got to be in the photo with one of those horses – the great female pacer Belle Acton – thanks to trainer-driver Billy Haughton offering to take a turn behind the lens.
Harness racing is ‘very therapeutic’ for Jim Monismith
Musclesprinctonian has provided co-owner Jim Monismith with several win photos, but the trotter’s impact goes beyond the racetrack. In fact, harness racing as a whole has given Monismith a positive outlet since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease two years ago. Monismith, a retired probation officer from Middletown, N.Y., is among the 24 participants at the U.S. Trotting Association’s 17th annual Driving School.