In my first piece for the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association, I sit down for a chat with trainer Payton Ode about an idea that has grown into something seriously exciting: Stable vs. Stable!

It started as a challenge to his friends to come out to the racetrack…and it has grown beyond his own barn and his own friend, into a friendly competition and a way that anyone (including you!) can meet the people and horses of harness racing up close.

So — read my first piece for the IHHA, and if you’re in Chicago, make plans this winter to come out for an up close and personal day at Hawthorne!