44/ APRIL 2020 THE RIDER Big Believer in Biomechanics


Story by: Jackie Bellamy- Zions


Jec Ballou training


Top-selling author, coach and athlete, Jec Ballou is living the dream at her train-


ing facility on the California coast. She works hard and knows there are no-short cuts when it comes to fit- ness, training and proper biomechanical movement. The most rewarding part of


her job is when a horse starts moving well as a re- sult of her training methods, which are free from force and rooted in an evidence- based approach.


Equine Guelph’s Exercise Physiology online course was part of her journey. Jec explained during


the Equine Guelph course, she learned to ramp up exer- cise intensity over certain time periods, “I increased my learning on equine mus- cle development,” said Jec. “It’s just like I grabbed a football and have been run- ning with it ever since.” Jec recounts, “I was ac-


tively seeking an immersive program that was not just geared towards vets.” Upon finding the Equine Guelph course, Jec saw one of her childhood riding idols on the advisory board and felt a bit more at ease venturing into the world of online learning. Once she began re- ceiving instructor feedback on submissions; any re-


maining trepidations dis- solved about being an un- known student in internet land!


As an author and pop-


ular clinician, Jec is familiar with the massive amounts of information on the internet and how it is amazing but can be confusing at the same time. Her exercises focus on picking the right exercise for each horse so they can move comfortably and im- prove athleticism. Her back- ground and education have enabled her to be well equipped for the challenges she sees and formulate fit- ness plans to help each client. Jec has recommended


Equine Guelph’s Physiol- ogy course to several of her students including equine massage therapists. The


University of Guelph course helps students synthesize the massive amounts of in- formation out


there on


equine exercise physiology and come up with ways to apply that knowledge in a step by step plan.


Equine Guelph’s Exercise Physiology Online Course will be offered next May 04, 2020


Improved mental health services must reach into rural Ontario


OFA Commentary: February 27, 2020


By Keith Currie, President, Ontario Federation of Agri- culture


As an agricultural industry, we are making significant strides in breaking down barriers and stigma around men- tal health. Dr. Andria Bitton-Jones and her PhD student, Briana Hagen helped to propel this issue into mainstream conversation and were recognized this week at the Cana- dian Federation of Agriculture’s Annual General Meeting with Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health, nominated for this award by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). On February 19, the Ontario government announced


the creation of a new Mental Health and Addiction Centre of Excellence within the provincial health ministry. This is positive news for the estimated one million Ontarians who experience mental health or addiction challenges. There is still much more work to do, especially in rural communities. We know there is a need for improved men- tal health resources for farmers and their families. The province indicates they are working towards “building a comprehensive and connected system of services that


works for all Ontarians.” The OFA will be focusing on the “for all Ontarians” aspect of this new initiative to ensure mental health support and services extend deep into our rural communities and addresses the needs of our mem- bers.


OFA members have vocalized the importance of


making this issue a priority for agriculture, by bringing a resolution forward to the 2019 Annual General Meeting to expand the accessibility and support of mental health resources for the farming community. We know mental health in the agricultural industry and in our rural commu- nities bring unique stressors and requires dedicated re- sources. We will be working on behalf of our members to ensure the needs of farmers and the agricultural commu- nity are recognized and supported in this new Centre of Excellence for mental health and addiction. OFA has already been active on several projects and


initiatives regarding farmer mental health, including pro- viding funding and representation on the University of Guelph stakeholder working group for mental health in agriculture. The working group is developing the ‘In the Know’ mental health literacy programming for agricultural and rural communities. OFA has also been involved in pro- viding funding to the L&A Farmer Wellness Program, which offers local mental health support for farmers in Lennox and Addington county. Farming is an unpredictable business, and the stress


around! He happily represented LongRun at the 2018 and 2019 Erin Fall Fair and has many fans at the


This handsome 16.2 hh 10 year old is looking for a forever home as a hack partner and pleasure mount. He has proven that he loves to be out and about hacking


racetrack who worked with him during his racing career. Contact LongRun to meet The Kid!


of dealing with so many factors that are out of our control such as weather and markets can take a toll on our mental health. Add in the limited opportunities to take a break from it all because agriculture never stops, and it’s clear that some of the strategies that may work for a mental health break in some situations don’t play out for us. OFA is focused on increasing the awareness of mental health challenges, ensuring a province-wide availability of support and breaking down the barriers in asking for help. Small rural communities are by nature close-knit, and that can make it difficult to ask for help if you are worried that others may find out you’re struggling. With the vast majority of farms run as family businesses, there can be additional challenges with working side-by-side with family. As more details are released on the provincial gov-


ernment’s new Mental Health and Addiction Centre of Excellence, OFA will continue to advocate for resources to be directed specifically to the needs of rural Ontario. Most importantly, if you, or someone in your com-


munity, is struggling and needs help, know that there are people and resources available to help. If you are in a cri- sis situation, go to your local emergency department or call 911. To access a list of resources, visit ofa.on.ca/is- sues/mental-health.


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