Youth Literary Derby website warming up

And why not?

The swish of a tail, the soft nose of newborn, knobby-legged colt, so inquisitive and happy and seeing the world for the first time : all of these are best seen through the eyes of youth.

 

The Youth Literary Derby is a juried, horse-themed writing contest designed to encourage writing and literacy skills, and calls for students evaluations and perception of the Standardbred horse.

There are more than 20 Standardbred nurseries tucked away in storybook places across Ontario waiting to greet eager, young aspiring writers during the May and June foaling season before they plunge into their literary endeavours .

The contest offers categories for both poems and essays, with content based on their farm visits. The program offers $2,000 in prizes and free tuition for youth courses from the University of Guelph for Horse Behaviour and Safety for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners. The same amounts will be donated to the entrant's school , or a local library if the student is home -schooled.

The reception from the educational system across the province has been upbeat and positive. School boards have been disseminating the program's literature to principals and teachers throughout their entire school systems. Some schools have worked the program into their curriculum and others like the idea of implementing it "It's a good idea and can work well with our curriculum", according to the St. John French Immersion Catholic Elementary School in London, Ont.
Ontario Standardbred breeders are buzzing about the Literary Derby. "It has the potential to create a new generation of Standardbred horse racing fans and encourage a love and respect of the Standardbred horse" said Kathy McBride, Kathy and her husband are partners in their Bridewood Farm in the Ottawa Valley, where they breed, race, train and race Standardbred race horses.

"To inspire and nurture the human spirit by connecting one horse to one person (or child) at a time." sums up Ruleen Lilley's feelings on the connection between horses and humans. Ruleen is a partner in the Standardbred breeding operation of Mac Lilley Farms in Dutton, Ontario.

Students are invited to visit the program's website for complete contest details, including a map of Ontario showing the locations and addresses of all participating breeding farms

ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT OF JUNE 15, 2018

For additional information : bill galvin: billgalvin2000@rogers.com