“I am proud to be serving the HHYF in this new capacity,” Avenatti said of his newly appointed position. “Education is not just facts and figures in a classroom, but it is about helping young people to succeed. This is what I believe and it is what HHYF has proven with its efforts.”

     The Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) is an organization dedicated to providing young people and their families’ educational opportunities with harness horses in order to foster the next generation of participants and fans. As a first order of business, Avenatti is collaborating with the Equine Science Center’s director, Karyn Malinowski, to present Equine Science for Kids, the Center’s youth component, at the HHYF’s Horsemanship Camp at Gaitway Farm in Monmouth County. Avenatti has worked alongside HHYF’s director Ellen Taylor to organize the horsemanship camps since 2005. It was through this professional connection that Avenatti made initial contact with the Equine Science Center.

     In 2009, Avenatti and Malinowski co-authored the report “Impact of Slot Machines/Video Lottery Terminals on the Economy, Horse Racing and Breeding Industry, Agriculture and Open Space in States/Provinces where they Exist: Why is this Important to New Jersey”. The report played an integral role in the discussion about the future of horse racing and gaming in the state of New Jersey. Additionally, Avenatti produced the Equine Exercise Physiology Laboratory Virtual Tour for the Center’s website.

     “Ryan is a tremendous asset to the Equine Science Center,” said Malinowski. “He is a brilliant young scientist, a gifted educator, and has a firm understanding of the complexities of the equine industry. Ryan will undoubtedly be a leader in the industry.”