Standardbred breeders Beth and Tom Rankin will be sharing their love of horses by welcoming area residents to their St. Catharines, Ont. breeding farm Open House for the second consecutive year.
This event takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 25.
The Open House event supports two horse-themed contests coordinated by the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA): the Youth Literary Derby and the Youth Art Derby. The literary contest is for elementary school children in Grades 3-8 while the art contest is open to Grades 3-12. For any students needing inspiration, a visit to the Rankins’ Open House would be a great start! Complete rules and details for the contests can be found on the BGRA website at bgracingalliance.ca.
The Rankins’ 10 mares and any foals that have been born up until that date will be frolicking in the paddocks and available for people to meet, take photos of and inspire students.
Last year, the Rankins and their four-legged friends welcomed over 300 guests to this event.
“We were really pleased with the turnout last year,” said Tom Rankin. “Many of our guests told me that they drive by the farm all of the time and wondered about the breed of horses, so they registered to attend the Open House.”
In addition to the BGRA’s contests, the Rankins will have a Name The Foal contest. Anyone who submits a name that the Rankins use for one of their foals will be rewarded with a $100 cash prize.
The Rankins started breeding Standardbreds in 1990 and have enjoyed considerable success. Over the course of 34 years, they have bred about 300 horses at the St. Paul St. West nursery.
Families are invited to visit the farm and see the foals on Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1490 St. Paul St. West in St. Catharines, Ont. Those planning to attend the Open House are asked to register no later than May 22 by contacting Rankin Construction at 905-684-1111 during business hours from Monday to Friday.
(Bill Galvin Racing Alliance)