OHHA Scholarship Program (Application Deadline March 15)
The Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association is now accepting applications for its Annual Scholarship Program. Applications are being accepted through March 15 (postmark) from graduating high school seniors and/or students enrolled in degree or certificate programs. The applicant or an immediate family member or guardian must be a current full active member of OHHA.
Questions can be directed to Kim at the OHHA office (kpoma@ohha.com)
OHHA IS HIRING!!
We are excited to be adding to our team to better support Ohio's Standardbred horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, and fans who participate in the sport of harness racing in the Buckeye State.
OHHA's 2025 Stakes Guide is released
US members were mailed their copy of the printed publication.
02/23/25As announced at the Dan Patch Awards Ceremony on Sunday, February 23, Eldorado Scioto Downs will host the 2026 Breeders Crown.
"The Hambletonian Society is excited and proud to be bringing the 2026 Breeders Crown to Scioto Downs and the Ohio Harness racing community," said John Campbell, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, which owns and services the Breeders Crown races.
02/18/25The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) is excited to announce the launch of its new online platform, OhioHorseJobs.com.
The website, designed to connect job seekers with opportunities in Ohio’s growing Standardbred industry, is now live and accessible to all.
Ohio Horse Jobs is a resource aimed at supporting the state's horse racing industry by providing a centralized hub for employment opportunities. The site will offer a wide range of positions in training and caretaking as well as track maintenance, veterinary technicians, and administrative roles within the harness racing community.
"We continuously hear that one of the biggest challenges for horsemen is finding people to work. The launch of Ohio Horse Jobs is a pivotal step in strengthening the connection between employers and potential employees in our industry," said OHHA Executive Director, Frank Fraas. "This platform will help us build a stronger workforce, expand opportunities, and ensure the continued success of Ohio’s harness racing industry."
In an effort to continue to support Ohio's Standardbred horse owners, breeders, trainers, and drivers, as is our mission, the development of this resource for all in the equine industry enhances the services OHHA provides.
01/19/25OHHA is pleased to offer a new Scholarship to students pursuing a career in the equine industry. Whether a certificate program or a masters' degree, OHHA wants to support those who will work in and serve this valuable component of the healthy agricultural business in our state. Funds for the scholarship are collected primarily from our raffle and auctions held at the Annual Awards ceremony and banquet each year in January. It is only fitting, then, that the award be presented at that same event.
2025 was the inaugural year for this award. Applications were accepted and reviewed by members of the Board of Directors' Banquet Committee. OHHA was pleased to present the $2500 scholarship to Aubrey Schwartz.
01/18/25Sugar Instead, Ohio’s 3-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year, has been named the 2024 Ohio Horse of the Year.
We interviewed Sugar Instead's connections at our recent banquet.
11/15/24Frank Fraas named Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association Executive Director
The OHHA is proud to announce that Frank Fraas has been named Executive Director. Following a National Search, the board was confident that Frank's experience with the organization and his relationships with Ohio horsemen made him a clear choice.
06/27/24Employers under the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) under the Federal Law, Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”) must meet a salary threshold to maintain an employee’s administrative, executive or professional exemption, referred to as the “white-collar” exemptions, from minimum wage and overtime rules under the FLSA. It is estimated three to four million U.S. employees will become eligible for overtime or receive salary increases to remain exempt.
Effective July 1, 2024: Exempt salary increases to $844/week ($43,888 annually). Employees making less than $844/week are not exempt and are eligible to receive overtime for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week.
Effective January 1, 2025: Exempt salary increases to $1,128/week ($58,656 annually).
Highly Compensated Employees. The Final Rule also impacts an exemption for highly compensated employees who do not meet other elements of the “white-collar” exemptions. For highly compensated employees, the minimum salary will be $132,964 on July 1, 2024, and increase to $151,164 on January 1, 2025.
Automatic Increases Beginning 2027. The Final Rule creates automatic increases to exempt salary thresholds in the future. The first increase is scheduled for July 1, 2027, and subsequent increases will occur every three years afterward. These increases will be based on up-to-date earnings data.
What can happen if you’re not following the law with employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act? Below are links from a thoroughbred trainer, Steve Assmusen's cases. New York has been on a crack-down on trainers for FLSA violations. Industry norms on paying employees the way Steve Assmusen has aren't compliant, horsemen need to be aware of the law and comply.
06/18/24The Ohio State Racing Commission notified all Fair Circuit Secretaries and Officials that a driver’s meeting is mandatory before races start at each and every fair. The safety meeting should emphasize safety, enforce the whipping rule, and remind that driver’s vests are mandatory for all when on-track even in the heat.
05/30/24Today the Ohio State Racing Commisson issued a Directive regarding leaving the racetrack after the post-parade. If a horse leaves the track without permission of the judges they may be scratched from the race.
04/18/24The OHHA Board of Directors approved a $5,000 contribution for the national harness racing horsemen's association's US Supreme Court Amicus Curiae brief. The initiative was spearheaded by the New York Standardbred Breeders and Owner's Associaton.
03/24/24March 24, 2024 MGM floating the potential sale of their operating rights at MGM Northfield and MGM Springfield. VICI owns the real estate. Last time it sold was 2018 for $275 million to MGM.
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Ohio's Breeding and Sired Stakes Racing Guide - "How to breed, buy, stake, race, and win in Ohio"