Our Community
About New Yorkers for Harness Racing
New Yorkers for Harness Racing is supported by a consortium of horsemen’s associations and breeding farms located in New York State. Through education and advocacy, New Yorkers for Harness Racing is dedicated to protecting, promoting and advancing the sport of harness racing and the standardbred horse racing industry.
To all of our great sport’s owners, trainers, drivers, grooms, breeders; for new fans and longtime supporters: your voice matters! New Yorkers for Harness Racing provides you with advocacy resources that can give us all the chance to help shape the future of New York harness racing.
Breeders and Farms
Our community extends beyond the racetrack, with over 100 breeders, farms and training facilities across New York State. These operations are foundational to the communities in which they reside and the well-being of our horses.
New York-resident mares and stallions have outstanding performance in the breeding shed and on the racetrack, and New York stallions are among the leading national earners and their offspring are highly sought after by breeders.
New York has a robust community of farms, boarding and training facilities.
Expert Craftsmen and Caretakers
New York’s robust network of caretakers, veterinarians, farriers, agricultural partners, manufacturers and other trusted suppliers support our industry behind the scenes and work to nurture our horses’ health and spirit. This keeps our local agricultural and equine supply chains active and sustains economic impact year-round.
Harness Horsemen’s Associations
Harness racing horsemen’s associations play a vital role in supporting the sport’s workforce and the long-term success of the racing community. These associations, including Harness Horse Association of Central New York, Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association, Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, Standardbred Owners Association of New York and Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, provide essential benefits to the community of drivers, grooms, trainers and racetrack employees, such as access to insurance programs, health and welfare support, and dental and retirement benefits, helping to foster the long-term security, stability and welfare of our community.
In addition, the Empire State Harness Horse Alliance (ESHHA) is an organization comprised of harness horsemen, trainers, breeders, owners and agricultural representatives from all across New York State.
New York’s horsemen’s associations are also dedicated to advocating for the harness racing industry. They work tirelessly to represent the voices of their members, advocate to protect jobs and uphold regulations that keep our horses safe. The Associations work collaboratively with legislators and policymakers to implement the most effective regulatory structures possible in New York State and develop new safety and drug protocols that protect our horses and community.
Racing in New York
New York’s harness racing industry is recognized globally for its outstanding quality, world-class competition and record-setting success. Its seven premier racetracks are prime destinations for top drivers, trainers and elite standardbred horses from all over the country and world.
You can watch upcoming harness races online via simulcast or on TV, wager at your convenience, or experience the sport in person at one of our seven premier racetracks across New York State: Batavia Downs, Buffalo Raceway, Monticello Raceway, Saratoga Casino Hotel, Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs and Yonkers Raceway.
Standardbred Aftercare
After their racing careers have ended, standardbred horses have lives filled with purpose and possibility in areas such as equestrian events (dressage, eventing and horse shows), as well as equine therapy and recreational riding.
New Yorkers for Harness Racing proudly supports efforts that promote retraining opportunities for retired racehorses. These opportunities strengthen our community connections and expand our industry’s contributions to New York’s economy.
Robust Opportunities for Professional Development and Training
New York offers a wide range of programs and institutions where professionals can prepare and train for rewarding careers in the standardbred industry – in science & management, breeding management, business management, rehabilitation & therapy, and beyond. Through a robust network of opportunities, we are sustaining New York’s harness racing legacy and contributing to our local economies and communities.
Some programs and partnerships include:
- New York State 4-H Horse Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension;
- SUNY Morrisville Equine Rehabilitation Center;
- Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center;
- Therapeutic Horsemanship Program at SUNY Cobleskill; and
- Agricultural Business Development B.B.A. at CUNY Morrisville.
