The Saskatchewan Horse Federation sponsored "Night at the Races" took place last Friday at the Yorkton Exhibition grounds.
Members of the SHF board of directors, along with President Terry Fagrie, were on hand to show support and solidarity with all horse-related activities in the province.
One of the SHF Directors, Janet Blackstock, says local harness racing is an important showcase for horse activities in the area.
"This is the night that we sponsor the races. It's some to show our support for anything horse related in the province. This is a huge opportunity for people to come out and see horses right up close," she details.
Blackstock, who is also the President of the Saskatchewan Draft Horse Association, emphasizes that the Horse Federation's presence at events like harness racing are important.
The SHF is the only all-encompassing equine body in the province and thus take their duty as umbrella organization very seriously.
A continued goal for the SHF is to spread the word about the accessibility and opportunities that lie within the field of horses and horse-ownership. From pleasure-riding to competitive, Blackstock says that the SHF has taken on the role of monitoring safety standards, as well as providing fundraising opportunities.
Mae Smith, the Federation's Executive Director (based out of Regina) agrees. She also states that one of the Federation's biggest current challenges is finding homes for all of the horses across Saskatchewan.
"We have a huge market of excellent animals that are looking for good homes," Smith indicates.
SHF President Terry Fagrie was pleased to continue the annual tradition of sponsoring a "Night at the Races".
Fagrie, a Yorkton native, points out that SHF is always pleased to sponsor an event that they support.
We support the Standard-bred racing in Saskatchewan and thoroughbred racing...," Fagrie declares, "The Horse Federation thought it would be nice to do this again. It gives us some good exposure to the people and the people who come to watch the races. We were very happy to do it."
Times have never been better for the SHF, Fagrie states.
"Our Federation is going well, it's really growing. We're up to 165 clubs in our Saskatchewan Horse Federation."
Although membership is at all time high, Fagrie says that the Federation is always looking to incorporate new members.
"Anybody who wants to check out what the (Saskatchewan) Horse federation is all about, give one of our directors a call. All our names are on the website or call our office in Regina. We have an excellent staff there and they can fill you in on what the Horse Federation can do for you," he outlines.
More information on the SHF can be found on their official website, www.saskhorse.ca.
