Horse eCamp is a self-paced, virtual program designed primarily for youth aged 13 to 17.
Guelph, ON July 31, 2025 - Summer is in full swing, and horse-powered fun has begun! Ontario Racing, in collaboration with Equine Guelph, is moving at full stride with its commitment to youth education by offering two exciting, free programs: Horse eCamp, an online learning experience, and a Kids’ Day Camp series at eight racetracks across Ontario. These initiatives aim to spark curiosity, build knowledge, and create lasting memories for young horse lovers—whether online or at the track.
Kids’ Day Camps: Hands-On Fun at the Racetrack
For young horse fans aged 6 and up, Ontario Racing is bringing the excitement of the racetrack to life with Kids’ Day Camps at eight venues across the province. These drop-in events take place during live race cards and feature:
• Meet-and-greets with professional trainers, drivers, or jockeys
• Interactive stations to learn about daily horse care and more
• Activity books with colouring, a seek-and-find game and fun horse trivia
No registration required—just show up and enjoy the experience!
2025 Camp Schedule Highlights:
• Clinton Raceway – June 29 @ 1:30 p.m.
• Woodbine Racetrack –July 27, 2025 –1:10 p.m.
• Hiawatha Horse Park – Aug. 2 @ 6:30 p.m.
• Kawartha Downs – Aug. 9 @ 6 p.m.
• Fort Erie Racetrack – Aug. 17 @ 12:15 p.m.
• Rideau Carleton Raceway – Aug. 24 @ 6:30 p.m.
• Hanover Raceway – Aug. 30 @ 1:30 p.m.
• Grand River Raceway – Sept. 5 @ 6:30 p.m.
These camps are presented in partnership with the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA).
“Horse racing is an incredible professional sport with an abundance of opportunities for the next generation of Ontarians to be involved,” said Andrew Gaughan, Independent Chair, Ontario Racing. “This partnership with Equine Guelph will help shape future horse racing fans, trainers, veterinarians and more. Horse eCamp for teenagers and Ontario Racing Horse Camp at the Racetrack for younger children will ensure that young Ontarians understand what a fun and exciting sport horse racing is.”
Horse eCamp: Learn Online, Earn a Certificate
Horse eCamp is a self-paced, virtual program designed primarily for youth aged 13 to 17, but also welcomes motivated learners aged 10 and up who are ready to explore the world of horses in greater depth. The program introduces participants to horse care, safety, and career opportunities in the equine industry through three interactive components:
• Careers in the Horse World – Explore exciting job opportunities in the equine sector
• Horse Behaviour & Safety – Learn how to understand and safely interact with horses
• EquiMania! – Play educational games packed with horse facts and fun
Upon completion, participants receive a personalized Horse eCamp Certificate—a great addition to any young equestrian’s portfolio.
Register for free at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/OR
Ontario Racing is a non-profit association that represents the horse racing industry to the public, industry partners and government. Ontario Racing is recognized by the provincial government as the authority for horse racing in Ontario. Ontario Racing is pleased to support the racing industry through its partnership with Equine Guelph on its youth education initiative, Horse eCamp.
About Equine Guelph
Equine Guelph is the horse owners' and care givers' Centre at the University of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government - for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.
Story by: Equine Guelph
Web Link(s):
Story web link: https://thehorseportal.ca/2025/07/ontario-racing-expands-youth-education-with-horse-ecamp-and-kids-day-camps/
Other web links:
Register at the Ontario Racing Page on TheHorsePortal.ca: www.TheHorsePortal.ca/OR
Source: Equine Guelph