Molly Fenwick and Ben Hollingsworth come from two very different worlds...but, their love of horses and harness racing bridges a geographical gap that stretches nearly 700 miles.
Molly, who hails from Tunkhannock, and Ben, who lives in Nova Scotia, are this year’s summer interns for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation.
The organization is based in Indiana, but has been making its presence felt in Canada and the United States since 1976.
Molly, Ben and their quadruped companions travel the East Coast all summer long. Their goal is to hold as many five-day clinics as possible, thereby introducing hundreds of children to the wholesome joys of harness racing.
Through an unforeseen scheduling quirk, HHYF developed a nearly two week hole in its camp schedule.
The interns and horses started their epic journey in Chicago in June. However, last week they suddenly found themselves stranded between Bangor (ME) and Goshen (NY).
Thanks to the generosity of local officials, the group...which consists of three people and seven trotting-bred horses...was invited to spend its two-week layover at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
“We love it here,” a smiling Ben told TWI Sports. “The people are terrific and the facilities are awesome. I’ve met a lot of people and made a whole bunch of new friends.”
Molly was quick to agree: “It’s been great. We really appreciate being able to spend some time here.”
Spreading the Word
According to longtime Executive Director Ellen Taylor, HHYF’s mission statement is simple: “To provide young people and their families information and experience with harness horses in order to foster the next generation of fans and participants.”
Molly and Ben are just two examples of HHFY’s positive impact in attracting young people.
A 17-year-old senior at Tunkhannock, Molly and her family have 16 horses stabled in Beach Lake and one at the fairgrounds. She loves animals in general and horses in particular.
“I’ve always wanted to be a vet,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to be an equine orthopedic surgeon.”
While Molly is in her third year with the HHYF summer camp program, this is Ben’s first.
“I’m from a non-racing family, but I became addicted to harness racing at a very early age,” he said. “My grandparents live close to a track in Truro and that’s where I first got involved.”
Ben has already graduated from high school and is a year into his pursuit of a veterinary degree. He is also a licensed trainer and driver and posted six wins last summer in Nova Scotia’s equivalent to PA’s county fair circuit.
Molly and Ben are off to Goshen this week, then on to historic Vernon Downs.
