Welcome to Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association

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Attention Fair Boards

We hope that you will be able to find everything you need to know about Ohio fair racing in this section. If there is something missing or incorrect, please let us know.

Like a fine mystery, our updates are best enjoyed repeatedly. Check back soon!

Feature Race Grant and Capital Improvement Grant applications are due October 31, 2026 for the 2027 racing season. Fillable forms are in the resources below, you can fill them out, save them to your computer and email to sschroeder@ohha.com.

If you do not get an emailed confirmation that we have received your form, contact us.

Resources

Feature Race Grant Application

Documents & Forms :

pdf

2026 Feature Race Grant Application

OHHA's Feature Race Grant Program is designed to assist your fair program by increasing the purse for a feature race or races. The deadline for the 2026 Feature Race Grant Application is October 31, 2025.

For more information and a fillable application, please open the form.

Capital Improvement Grant Application

Documents & Forms :

pdf

2026 Fair Capital Improvements Application

OHHA's Capital Improvement Program is designed to help fairs that host harness racing to improve their facilities. This is a 100% "Matching Funds" program. The deadline for the 2026 application is October 31, 2025.

"They say money can't but happiness, but in your case, it can buy resources that will make a lasting impact - and that's close enough"

For more information and a fillable application, please open the form.

Ohio Department of Agriculture

Your Fair Fund Applications and Fair Date Request form can be found at the Ohio Department of Agriculture site. These are due on October 31st of the year preceding your fair.

Click here to visit that ODA website

Your Fair’s Harness Racing Funds

Confused about your harness racing funds? Watch this short video to find out where the funds come from and where you should use them.

Your fair's harness racing funds

Pylons Made Easy

Pylons do not have to be difficult to install anymore! Watch how easy it is to make and install them at your race track.

Click here to learn everything you always wanted to know about pylons!

On Track Accident Insurance Policy

Learn about the coverage that your fair has for an On-Track accident that would occur at a covered location. Policy and claim forms are available right here

Timeline/Deadlines

Documents & Forms :

pdf

Timeline and Deadlines

A timeline is basically your to-do list, which we have already put together for you! Don't forget to check the deadlines.

Contacts

Documents & Forms :

pdf

Fair Contacts

Your source for contacts for colt circuits, racing officals and vendors. Check here for everything you will need to conduct harness racing at your fair!

Track Maintenance

Documents & Forms :

pdf

Track Maintenance

A primer on track maintanence 101.

Crisis Communication

Documents & Forms :

pdf

Crisis Communication

We all want a safe fair, but if something does occur, this will help you to communicate your response.

Publicity Guide

A USTA publication on how to gain publicity and promote harness racing at your fair.

Fair Publicity Guide

Best Practices

This USTA publication, Best Practices of County Fair Harness Racing, is a valuable resource for fair boards, colt circuits, horsemen and racing officials.

Best Practices

Ohio State Racing Commission Rules

This link is to the Ohio State Racing Commission website.

Ohio State Racing Commission Laws and Rules

United States Trotting Association Rules

Cllick here to see the USTA's most recent rule book.

United States Trotting Association Rule Book

USTA Matching Funds Grants

More promotion ideas can be found at the United States Trotting Association Fair page, including information and applications for their Matching Funds Grants.

Link to all things fair from the USTA