Standardbred Canada locks in liability cover for its Junior Members

Mississauga, ON. Standardbred Canada has secured liability insurance coverage for its Junior Members, marking what the organisation is calling a significant milestone for its youth initiatives.

The policy covers Junior Members taking part in supervised horse-related activities, horse handling, educational demonstrations, racetrack and farm visits, and mini-racing activities including the Junior National Driving Championship. It adds another layer of protection for young people taking part in Standardbred activities across the country.

The Junior Membership Program is open to those aged 16 and under, with membership costing $40 to join and $32 to renew, around 60 per cent off regular membership pricing. Introduced in 2024, the program was set up to encourage youth participation in the Canadian Standardbred industry, and in under two years has grown well beyond its original scope. It now includes financial support for miniature harness racing organisations across the country, educational farm and racetrack visits, and youth outreach at agricultural fairs built around Standardbred Canada’s own virtual reality harness racing simulator, alongside an expanded 35,000-square-foot presence at the Canadian National Exhibition.

The program’s latest milestone came on Saturday, July 25, with the inaugural Junior National Driving Championship at Clinton Raceway, run alongside the main National Driving Championship. Miniature horses took centre stage, with opening ceremonies from the Clinton Raceway winner’s circle at 10:45am ahead of the championship heats and final, streamed live on Standardbred Canada’s homepage.

President and CEO Darryl Kaplan said the program’s goal since its introduction has been giving young people the chance to learn about and experience the sport while holding to high standards of safety and responsibility.

“Securing liability insurance for our Junior Members is an important step that supports the continued development of the program and future youth initiatives,” said Kaplan.

“The love and passion for the horse and for this wonderful sport must be fostered at a young age,” Kaplan added. “Nothing on a smartphone or tablet is capable of providing the remarkable experience and bond that our horses and the thrill of equine competition provide. At this precise moment in time, we have an incredible opportunity and obligation to engage an entire generation of young people searching for meaningful and important real-world connections.”

To register for Standardbred Canada’s Junior Membership Program, click here for the Junior Membership application form and follow the registration instructions.

From Standardbred Canada