A.J Fetterly

Come witness the power and grace of the Standardbred breed in this exciting live demonstration! Watch as two beautifully trained Standardbreds take center stage, each demonstrating their unique gaits – the trot and the pace. This live demonstration will break down the key differences between these two powerful movements, giving you an up-close look at the specialized equipment and training techniques that make each gait possible. Whether you're a long-time racing fan or new to the world of harness racing, this is a must-see event that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Standardbred horse and the sport of harness racing.

Friday and Saturday 4:00-5:00
3^rd Floor of the Grandstand - Triple Crown Lounge

Sunday 2:00-3:00
3^rd Floor of the Grandstand - Triple Crown Suite

Harness Racing 101: From History to Finish Line

Curious about harness racing? Join us for Harness Racing 101, where we’ll take you through the basics of this thrilling sport! Learn about the rich history of harness racing, how it differs from flat racing, and what makes the Standardbred breed so unique. Plus, get an inside look at our Summer Fling fractional ownership program—an affordable way to experience the excitement of racehorse ownership! Whether you're a longtime fan or brand new to the sport, this is the perfect way to discover the world of harness racing.

My current job as the Administrative Director for the Minnesota Harness Racing Association is one that forever keeps me on my toes. I enjoy being around these amazing athletes and wonderful people every day. I’m honored to be at the Minnesota Horse Expo to promote this industry and hope we can gather some new fans and maybe even some fractional owners for the 2025 season!

I’ve been horse obsessed since I was a little kid and started taking riding lessons at three years old. My horse obsession has followed me into adulthood. I worked at E.J. Houle’s Feed Store in Forest Lake for nine years to support my equines. Thanks to my job at the feed store I got into harness racing in 2016 as a part time worker and groom. Getting to know all the trainers, drivers and grooms over the years at the feed store made working on the backside even easier. I worked in the morning before my “real job” and on race nights for 6 summers. I fell in love with the Standardbred Breed; their willingness to work, their desire to please people, their intelligence, and their work ethic. I owned, housed and rehabbed a few retired racehorses over the years. I’m currently on my fourth one.