SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Red Shores at Summerside Raceway will have some special guests at its race program on Sunday.
Sixteen P.E.I. school students, between the ages of 12 and 19, who are in the Let’s Talk Horses program, will be on hand, along with their parents, compliments of the Prince County Horsemen’s Club.
“They’re going to get their pictures taken in the winner’s circle with some of the winning horses, trainers and owners,” said Shirlene O’Brien, executive member of Let’s Talk Horses program.
“That’s an exciting thing to do. They get to feel what it’s like to be in the winner’s circle with the horse that won.”
O’Brien said the purpose of the program is to introduce youth, most of whom don’t have a background in the sport, to harness racing.
“Did you know there are more horses per capita on P.E.I. than anywhere else in North America? Let’s Talk Horses aims to continue and nurture this tradition, which has been practised in Canada for 250 years.”
Over an eight-week period, the youth receive training at two P.E.I. facilities – the Grand River Ranch and the Bracken Hill Stable – along with on-the-track sessions at the matinee tracks in Kensington and Tyne Valley.
“Participants learn about the equine industry, with a focus on harness racing, and experience positive interaction with horses within a healthy learning environment,” said O’Brien.
She said the program was allowed to continue this year, thanks to funding from the provincial government.
O’Brien is a horse owner and will have an entry – Bettim Jenny - in Sunday’s race.
“The students may get a chance to stand in the winner’s circle with me, and that would be exciting.”
