by Jamie Rucker, USTA Outreach Program

Columbus, OH — Harness Racing Youth League — the second level — will take place on June 15-17 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio.

The popularity of summer camp program Harness Racing Youth League has led to the development of Harness Racing Youth League Level 2. Level 2 is a cooperative effort of the Harness Horse Youth Foundation and the USTA, and 50 participants will be selected to attend the fun-filled harness racing weekend.

The event is open to youth ages 14 to 16 as of June 1. All USTA youth members and all past participants of Harness Racing Youth League Level 1 camps who fit the appropriate age bracket are eligible to apply. Each youth who applies is encouraged to attend with a parent or guardian. USTA youth membership is required of all participants; if the youth applicant is not currently a USTA youth member, contact the USTA Outreach Center for your free membership application.

The curriculum will include breakout sessions for youth and adults and combined sessions on a variety of harness racing topics. Hands-on activities as well as other learning challenges are planned and include a breeding farm tour, horses and higher education, exploring equine nutrition and other topics, as well as an evening trip to Scioto Downs for live racing!

HRYL–2 is open to youth throughout North America. There is a $50 registration fee per participant. Payment is due with the application. If the applicant is not accepted, the fee will be refunded. Selected applicants will be notified upon approval.

Participants are responsible for all transportation costs to and from the camp.

The event begins with registration at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 15, and concludes Sunday, June 17 at 1:00 p.m. Transportation during the event activities, meals and snacks for the weekend, and all handouts and curriculum materials will be provided. Lodging and transportation expenses to the event are the responsibilities of the participants.

For an application or more information, contact Ellen Taylor at the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 16575 Carey Rd., Westfield, IN 46074, (317) 867-5877, ellen@hhyf.org. Applications and all related documents must be returned by May 18 to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.