History

The formation of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association OHRIA was the result of an industry working group, under the Sector Planning Partnership, to formally bring all segments of the industry together under one umbrella. OHRIA was incorporated in December 1994, and became a fully functional organization in July of 1995.

To address the challenges facing horse racing, industry leaders came together to forge a vision and plan for the future. In December 1994, OHRIA began developing a strategic plan for the industry. The process included numerous interviews with participants in the industry, as well as guiding relevant studies on the economic impact of the industry, identifying industry best practices, providing an overview of the regulatory environment, and developing a marketing strategy for the industry.

The OHRIA Board of Directors met weekly between December 1994 and May 1995 to participate in the strategic planning process. This included developing a vision for the industry, discussing a range of industry issues, developing strategies and initiatives, and forming a consensus on many issues. The resulting output was a strategic plan that was developed by the industry through OHRIA for the betterment of the industry.

The industry has demonstrated over the last few decades its leadership in breeding and racing and its important role in the economic development of Ontario. Implementing the strategic plan enabled the Ontario horse racing industry to more effectively address its competition and leverage its strengths to renew its position as a world class leader in thoroughbred and harness breeding and racing. The industry felt that its vision and objectives could only be achieved if a level competitive playing field was provided to the Ontario horse racing industry. To achieve its plan, OHRIA sought assistance from the Ontario government to get the tools and resources needed to reinvest in the industry.