Without youth participants, the Youth Horse Racing (YHR) program would not continue to thrive. Youth from all over the State of Michigan are permitted to participate in any and all county fair YHR. Participants must be certified with their horse prior to competing in any race. Once certified, participants may compete in as many of the county races as they are able and willing to attend. 

In order to become a participant, youth should follow these guidelines:

• Examine the certification clinic requirements to verify if you and your horse are capable of completing the safety requirements in order to be certified to compete in any youth horse race.
• Review the YHR Rules and Regulations to be sure you comply with all rules.
• Study the Youth Horse Racing track layout to be sure you are aware of and comfortable with the track layout and procedures.
• Contact your local fair to determine if they have a youth horse race and certification clinic scheduled.
• Contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) for a complete schedule of YHR events. Remember, once certified, you can compete at all races throughout the state. 
• At the conclusion of the racing season, there is also a championship race in which county fair race participants are invited to compete. You may contact MDA staff for more information. 
• Youth may also complete the participant information form and liability waiver and return it to the fairs where you plan to compete in a youth horse race.