The annual Open House supports two horse-themed youth contests run by the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance.
Standardbred breeders Beth and Tom Rankin will once again open their doors and welcome the community into their breeding farm in St. Catharines, Ont. on Saturday, May 30 to get up close and personal with their horses.
The annual Open House supports two horse-themed youth contests run by the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA), the Youth Literary Derby and Youth Art Derby. The Literary Derby is open to students in grades 3-8, and the art contest is for those in grades 3-12.
Young writers and artists looking for inspiration for their entries to the contests, both of which are sponsored by the Rankins, will find plenty of it at the Rankin Open House. Full contest rules and details are available at bgracingalliance.ca.
Attendees will be able to meet the farm’s broodmares and their foals, take pictures, and enjoy behind-the-scenes access to a Standardbred breeding operation. There is expected to be seven or eight foals born by the day of the event. More than 800 people have participated in the Open House in its first three years.
“We love sharing our passion for horses with young people,” said Tom Rankin. “Seeing their faces light up when they meet a foal for the first time is really special. Many of them have never been this close to a horse before, and it’s a great opportunity to introduce them to these amazing animals and the sport of harness racing. We were thrilled with last year’s turnout despite the inclement weather. Many visitors told us they often drive past the farm and wondered about the horses, so this event gave them a chance to learn more about the breed.”
The popular Name the Foal contest will continue this year. Guests will be able to submit name suggestions for foals, and those chosen by the Rankins will receive a $100 cash prize.
The Rankins, breeding horses since 1990, have produced more than 300 foals at their farm on St. Paul St. West. Families and horse lovers are invited to visit the farm at 1490 St. Paul St. West in St. Catharines, Ont. on Saturday, March 30th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those wishing to attend should register no later than May 27 by calling Rankin Construction at 905-684-1111 during business hours (Monday to Friday).
For more information about the BGRA and the youth contests, visit bgracingalliance.ca.
SOURCE: Bill Gavin Racing Alliance (BGRA)
