MARCH/APRIL 2018 THE RIDER /49 Equine donation will enhance student veterinarian hands-on learning


Story by: Karen Mantel Guelph, ON - A high-tech horse model will provide valuable hands-on learning to student veterinarians at the Univer- sity of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary Col- lege courtesy of a donation from the Equine Foundation of Canada. Nancy Kavanagh, secretary of the


EFC delivered a cheque for nearly $50,000 to OVC Dean Jeffrey Wichtel and Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph, for the purchase of the detailed and life-sized horse model produced by Canada’s Veterinary Simulator Indus- tries.


The model opens to reveal


anatomically correct latex organs that can be inflated to mimic colic, the lead- ing cause of premature death in horses, and also certain reproductive chal- lenges. The detailed model will allow stu-


dent veterinarians to practice clinical and technical skills, vital to improving confidence and competence. When Foundation President R.J. (Bob) Watson contacted Dean Wichtel for his wish list, the VSI model was at the top. “The Foundation has been rotating funding proposals annually among the


five veterinary colleges in Canada and 2018 is Guelph’s turn,” wrote Watson. “Great progress has been made in


learning technology for veterinary clin- ical skills development, and this equine model is an excellent example. Our col- lege has committed to the use of high fi- delity models and simulations in early clinical training whenever possible. When our students perform their first procedures on a live animal, they will be even better prepared and more con- fident,” said Wichtel. “We are very grateful to the Equine Foundation of Canada for fostering the health and wellbeing of horses through supporting veterinary medical education in this valuable way.” The EFC is an outgrowth of the


Canadian Morgan Horse Association (CMHA), founded in 1960. The pur- pose of the CMHA was to assist Mor- gan breeders and owners with promotion and registry services to pro- tect the integrity of their pedigrees. In 1983, the Association expanded


its interest to concern for the welfare of all horse breeds and created the Foun- dation to assist in safeguarding their fu- ture. N.S. businessman George Wade


Nancy Kavanagh (centre) secretary of the Equine Foundation of Canada, with Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph, on the left, and OVC Dean Jeffrey Wichtel, on the right.


served as its founder and president from its inception until his passing in 1997. The EFC provides for scholar- ships and other worthy re- quests. With a factory in Calgary, VSI was once a re- cipient of startup funding from the EFC. But the pri- mary focus now is on the pur- chase of teaching equipment for equine veterinary educa- tion.


About Equ9ine Guelph: Equine Guelph is the


horse owners’ and care givers’ Centre at the Univer- sity of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership dedi- cated to the health and well- being of horses, supported and overseen by equine in- dustry


groups. Equine


Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and gov- ernment - for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.


Caledon Equestrian School 40 years of Horse Love 40 years ago this summer,


Susan Fripp moved to a farm in Caledon East to start her dream of creating a riding school for everyone from all walks of life. Susan was in the middle of the Equine Studies program at Hum- ber College and she figured she knew just about everything about horses. Farm life quickly fixed that illusion and she has been learning and sharing her life long education about horses ever since that summer. Initially the farm was called


Sandhill Stables and lessons were held in the outdoor arena and a small 40’ by 70’ pole barn. The program was mainly geared to adults in private or semi private lessons due to the limitations of the riding spaces. Susan contin- ued to teach evening classes at


Humber College Equine Studies Program. Over the years Sandhill Sta-


bles evolved into Caledon Eques- trian School and has grown to be an integral part of Caledon’s horse community. In 1997, Canada’s first Cover All riding arena was built at the farm. Hav- ing a 72’ by 120’ indoor arena al- lowed the school to grow and become a strong community equestrian facility. 17 years of hosting camps


with the Town of Caledon and now partnering with Cedar Glen YMCA, Caledon Equestrian School has launched many young riders into their passion of life long horse love. Former students, now parents, have returned with their own children to introduce them to the joy of horses. The


school also held numerous school elective programs over the years to local schools and continues to provide top quality horse educa- tion to the community. Caledon Equestrian School


has camp programs with the YMCA, and offers year round riding lessons for all ages and levels of riders. One of our favourite programs is the Pegasus Program for Special Needs riders which is strongly supported by community volunteers. Such is the nature of Cale-


don Equestrian School. Not only a strong community where every- one shares their passion for horses but also a community where its members love to give back. Everyone at the school is a major part of the school’s success and Caledon Equestrian School is


truly a reflection of its members, both horse and human. Growing from a small rid-


ing school into a community equestrian pillar with its own wonderful community of riders


and their families, Caledon Equestrian School is a dream come true for Susan. Come and join us to cele-


brate our 40 years of horse love! We are holding an Open House


May 21st from 1 to 4. We will be holding demos of rider develop- ment and tours of our facility. We are looking forward to seeing you there!


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