32/ MAY 2020 THE RIDER Equine Guelph Wins Equestrian Canada Health and Welfare Award


Guelph in Ontario, is recognized as an international leader in promoting the health, welfare and safety of horses and their caretakers. Acting as a vital link between industry, research, and horse owners and caretakers, Equine Guelph has been a pioneer in the development of evidence-based, award win- ning online education since 2002. From nutrition to disease prevention to stable


tigious award!” Guelph, ON April, 15, 2020 - The Equestrian Canada (EC) Health & Welfare Award recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed directly to the improvement of horse health and welfare in Canada through years of hard work and dedication, and Equine Guelph is the deserving re- cipient for 2019. Equine Guelph, based at the University of


“A big thank you to Equestrian Canada and all who nominated Equine Guelph for this pres-


to equine education, Equine Guelph has partnered with the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare since 2012 in developing the Equine Wel- fare Certificate. The program focuses solely on the welfare of horses from a practical, evidence-based approach and has garnered global recognition. In fact, as a result of this program, Equine Guelph Di- rector, Gayle Ecker has been invited to attend the World Horse Welfare Conference in London, ENG, annually since 2015. Equine Guelph has also built lasting partner- ships with national and provincial equestrian or-


management, Equine Guelph offers over 20 courses through their Equine Certificate and Diploma programs, which attract 900 students per year from more than 40 countries. Their programs are senate-reviewed and have received both provincial and national academic awards. Applauded for their collaborative approach


has pioneered in recent years include EquiMania! – a unique travelling exhibit that has won two in- ternational awards for educating youth on horse health, welfare and safety. They have also devel- oped a hands-on training course specifically for SPCA agents and inspectors responsible for equine welfare assessment. In addition, Equine Guelph created the Ontario Technical Large Animal Emer- gency Rescue Program to help first responders in


ganizations that have resulted in the creation of vital tools for equestrians, including TheHorsePor- tal.ca. The flexible, online health and welfare courses offered through TheHorsePortal.ca feature short, practical courses accessible from all web- based devices for busy equestrians, and provide continuing education credits, as well as opportuni- ties to engage in peer-to-peer discussion and en- gagement. Other innovative programs Equine Guelph


work to drive positive change and continuous learning in the equine industry, and is honoured to recognize this Canadian-based, globally-respected organization with the 2019 EC Health & Welfare Award.


Story by: Equestrian Canada


the education, support and tools Equine Guelph provides to the Canadian and global equestrian in- dustry. Their countless resources also include everything from a vaccination equi-planner to a colic risk rater to free access to current research materials. EC applauds Equine Guelph’s invaluable


the safe handling of large animals that require emergency rescue, while their Fire Prevention pro- gram trains horse and facility owners in fire risk reduction within barns. These initiatives just scratch the surface of


Whispering Hearts


is a non-profit organization that relies on public support and donations.


Our mandate is to provide care and


rehabilitation to abused and neglected horses. We assist community members that can no longer care for their horses in an


attempt to prevent innocent animals being subjected to auctions and slaughter.


Visit our website to see how you can help!


Hagersville, ON (905) 768-9951


www.whhrescue.com whhr08@gmail.com


Where the Whispers of Many Horses in need are Heard!


The Equine Guelph Team gather around ‘Shorty Legs’ Photo Credit: David Landry


Maintain Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic


Coronavirus (COVID-19) has swiftly dis-


rupted much of our daily life, and it’s normal to feel worried, anxious or overwhelmed during these difficult times. It is important to know that there are many options to which you can turn for help managing stress and anxiety.


If there’s a crisis: • Go to your nearest emergency room. • Call 9-1-1. • Call your family physician. • Call your local 24hr crisis center. • Call the Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868, Text: 686868. • If you have participated as an athlete in the Ath- lete Assistance Program, National Team Program, Pan American Games or Olympic/Paralympics, or have been an Olympic/Paralympic coach, call the 24hr Morneau Shephell hotline: 1-844-240-2990.


If it’s a non-urgent need: • Call your family physician. • Check to see what mental health services are available via your employment benefits or through your parents’ health plan, if applicable. • If you have participated as an athlete in the Ath- lete Assistance Program, National Team Program, Pan American Games or Olympic/Paralympics, or have been an Olympic/Paralympic coach: - Call the 24hr Morneau Shephell hotline: 1-844-240-2990. If you are outside of North


America, visit www.workhealthlife.com/ to find the applicable international dialing number (let them know that you are part of Game Plan).


Call your Game Plan advisor. - Contact the Canadian Centre for Mental


Health via the online form, by email at info@ccmhs-ccsms.ca or by phone at 613 454- 1409 ext. 2090.


Additional resources: • Learn about tips, coping strategies and resources to manage your mental health during the pan- demic from the Centre for Addiction and Metal Health. • View the Mental Health Commission of Canada resource hub for mental health and wellness dur- ing the COVID-19 pandemic. • Read about sport psychology and mental train- ing techniques from the FEI Athlete Toolkit. Remember, mental health is just as important


as physical health and getting the support you need is no different than seeing your doctor for a physical ailment. We are all in this together. If we all watch out


for one another, the Canadian equestrian commu- nity will emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger and more prepared than ever before to tackle whatever comes our way next.


Equestrian Canada News Release


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