Members can take advantage of the Association’s Educational Assistance Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage eligible candidates to further their academic careers beyond the high school level at an institution recognized by the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association of Ontario.

The maximum amount paid for any applicant is currently $1,500 per calendar year and applications are accepted year round.

Effective 2010, the maximum number of years that Educational Assistance will be awarded to any one applicant is four years.  Applications for those students seeking Educational Assistance beyond the maximum four year term must be approved by the HBPA Board of Director.   Please note that Educational Assistance is a taxable benefit.

The benefit is provided to children of:

• A current member of the Association (Owner/Trainer) who owns a race horse currently competing in Ontario.
• A deceased member
• A current backstretch employee that have been employed full time by a member
• A current backstretch employee whose child is pursuing studies in the equine industry

Members and/or backstretch employees must have a minimum of five concurrent years of service and be licensed by the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC). Applicants and licensed Members must reside full time in the province of Ontario and the Member must be Canadian citizen.

If you have any questions about this program, please do not hesitate to contact one of our offices for additional information. The full application can be found here.