by Courtney Blodgett

Warren, OH — On Friday (May 13) Norma’s Rose, an 11-year-old mare who is currently racing at Northfield Park, visited the Trumbull Career and Technical Center’s Equine Management Program in Warren, Ohio, to teach high school students.

Courtney Blodgett photo

Students enjoying their time with Norma’s Rose who has earned $376,226 during her career.

She is owned and trained by Lee Blodgett.

Lisa Street, the teacher of the program, said, “The majority of my students don’t even know what a halter is when they first come into the program.”

The students in the program are juniors and seniors that come to the career center from various high schools throughout Trumbull County. The students in the program are learning about different breeds, horse health, and basic horse knowledge.

Street said, “Most of my horses are donated, so it’s hard for me to get a racehorse that the students can learn from.”

A presentation for the students showed information about the Standardbred and basic facts about harness racing. The students were taught how to harness a race horse and shown different pieces of equipment that Standardbreds use while racing.

Street said, “My goal when my students graduate from the program is that they are able to find a job within the equine industry. This presentation made my students realize how many jobs there are within the harness racing industry.”

The students really enjoyed the program, and had fun while learning more about harness racing. Most of the students didn’t really know what a Standardbred was. The students really enjoyed being able to be that up close to a racehorse. Many of them took selfies with Norma Rose and she really enjoyed doing it.

Thank you to the OHHA, the USTA, Northfield Park, and New Vocations for sending swag to give to the students.