Wooster, OH – The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute hosted a Buckeye Equine Field Day on Saturday (Feb. 29) at their campus in Wooster, OH and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association was there to showcase the many different aspects of the Standardbred as well as the numerous career opportunities involved within harness racing.

The OHHA table was one of approximately a dozen that welcomed visitors at the OSU ATI’s Skou Hall. OHHA Photo.

Beginning at 9 a.m., speakers on equine business, water and feed, equine majors at ATI, and hippotherapy were held in succession.
While there were a diverse number of breeds of horses being explained, the Standardbred is unique in its abilities to adapt to suit so many different venues especially after retirement from racing.

OHHA promoted Ohio’s grassroots 66 County Fairs with its solid 2 and 3-year-old stake programs, the four major pari-mutuel tracks, and referred many to the support system organizations such as the Standardbred Transition Alliance, New Vocations, and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.

Kelsey, an exhibitor specialized in mustang and burro readjustment “to get them to lead, pick up feet, the basics,” said that her current project was a mustang mare who’d been “running out in the wild for 15 years… she’s a chore,” she added with a slight shrug and a smile.

“Have you put the hopples on her yet?” she was asked.

After a break for lunch sponsored by ATI admissions, the action shifted to the ATI Equine Center arena for several presentations such as the Wild Equine Ride, Magna Wave therapy, and a bridle-less horse demonstration.

The OHHA would like to thank host Sara Mastellar Ph.D. and the Equine Facilities Course Students for their extended courtesies.