by Kimberley Rinker, for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation

Crete, IL — The Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s first Summer Youth League Camp of 2008 begins on Wednesday, June 18, at Odds On Acres in Crete, Illinois.

The state-of-the-art Standardbred training facility will host youngsters for the camp into the weekend, culminating in a race at nearby Balmoral Park on Sunday night, June 22.

This camp is the first of six camps to be held this summer. Other 2008 locations include Harrington Raceway from June 29-July 3; Vernon Downs from July 6-10; The Meadows from July 13-17; Indiana Downs from July 21-25; and a Level 2 camp at The Red Mile from August 7-10.

Youngsters — ages 11 to 13 — will get hands-on training with trotters that includes grooming, hoof care, conditioning, nutrition and driving.

Established in 1976, the Harness Horse Youth Foundation addresses youth education throughout North America. For more information, contact the HHYF office at (317) 867-5877 or visit www.hhyf.org.