Established in 2001, the Michigan Youth Horse Racing Program enables youth, ages 10 – 19 (as of Jan 1st of current year), to participate in the thrill and excitement of Michigan’s horse racing industry. The Michigan Department of Agriculture, Horse Racing Industry, and Great Lakes Quarter Horse Association partner to make the Youth Horse Racing Program possible for our Michigan Youth.

The program was founded around the importance of skillful, high-quality horsemanship, and the tradition of horse racing. Through this program, youth serve as representatives of Michigan’s horse racing industry and play a key role in showing community members, government officials, and industry people the importance of racing to our State.

Youth races are held at county fairs throughout the State of Michigan. Winners are eligible to participate for the overall championship. The championship race is hosted at a premier Michigan race track. The program has awarded over $35,830 in purse money and prizes to 467 participants since 2001.

Program Objectives

• Stimulate interest in Michigan Horse Racing
• Educate youth about the horse racing industry
• Enhance youth involvement with livestock

Racing Overview:

• Youth races are held at fairs throughout the State
• Winners are eligible to participate for the championship
• Championship races are hosted at a premier Michigan race track

Racing Specifics:

• 5 or less riders per race heat
• Walking start
• Races are held on the straight-away in front of the grandstand

Eligibility:

• Participants must be certified
• Youth must be between 10 and 19 years of age – as of Jan 1st
• Two years of riding experience is required

Safety Equipment:

• Helmets and rider safety vests must be worn by participants
• Safety equipment is provided by the State of Michigan

Certification Clinics:

• Certification clinics are held prior to the race
• Each race participant and horse team must be certified in the current race year
• Riders are certified on their ability to safely handle their horse

Entry Process & Requirements:

• Complete Participant Information & Emergency Form and Sign Liability Waiver
• Pay entry fee ($15.00)
• Provide current negative Equine Infectious Anemia (Coggins) test papers
• Provide certification card

Race Locations:

• See the YHR Racing Schedule

For more information CONTACT:

Deb Holton
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Fairs, Exhibitions and Racing Division
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-9775 (Ph) 517-241-4217 (Fax)
Holtond@michigan.gov (Email)

Or

Tammy Lewis
Great Lakes Quarter Horse Association
616-696-1032
TammyLewis@LWR.com