AUGUST 2023 THE RIDER /13 Equine Guelph Celebrates 20 Years
By: Anya Barradas This summer, Equine
Guelph celebrates its 20th an- niversary. The award-winning centre at the University of Guelph is dedicated to improv- ing the health and welfare of horses through education and research. “Over the years, our centre
has become a model for online equine education programs and a hub for horse profession- als from around the world,” said Gayle Ecker, a founding member and current director of Equine Guelph.
Photo by Barbara Sheridan photography Gayle Ecker
From fragmented education to a comprehensive online equine learning portal In 2003, when Equine
Guelph first began offering its online courses in partnership with Open Learning and Edu- cational Support at the Univer- sity of Guelph, the training available to horse owners and those looking to enter the equine industry was frag- mented. While some courses were available at other univer- sities and colleges, Equine Guelph was the first centre in Canada to create a comprehen- sive online equine learning portal that included certificate and diploma programs. “We built a multi-level
program of outreach and edu- cation to help bring new evi- dence-based information into the industry in support of equine health, welfare, and safety,” said Ecker. “After receiving the foundational knowledge in our programs, many students go on to con- tinue building diverse careers in the equine industry.”
The breadth of program- ming leads to a global pro- gram uptake Students ages 18 to 80
from over 40 countries have taken
courses available
through Equine Guelph’s on- line learning portal. “We have such a wide
range of people taking our courses – from newcomers to long-time industry profession- als,” said Equine Guelph in- structor Susan Raymond. “Some are already working with horses, while others want to get a solid base before ven- turing out to look for work in the equine industry. We also have youths, who are very en- thusiastic about horses. Some work part-time at their local barn, while others just want to take better care of their own horse. It’s also nice to see peo- ple rekindling their passion for horses after retirement.” In addition to the certifi-
cate and diploma programs, Equine Guelph offers a wide
range of specialty programming that draws in an even broader demographic of partic- ipants. EquiMania! is a program geared toward helping school-aged children dis- cover their passion for horses, while the Large Animal Rescue Program is a hands- on workshop that prepares first responders for emergency situations, such as barn fires and trailer roll-overs involving horses or other large animals. Through a partner- ship with Ontario Equine Education Em- ployment Program, Equine Guelph also delivers a free six-week training program to help those looking to start a career in the horse industry. The courses at Equine Guelph are cen-
tered around the One Health Approach, the concept that the health of people, the planet, and animals are inextricably linked. Students are taught about the impact both horses and the people working with them have on the surrounding environment and on their own well-being. “In our courses, we give a lot of
EquiMania! exhibit is fun for all in the family. Photo by Henrietta Coole
thought to environmental stewardship,” said Raymond. “For example, we look at how horse manure impacts our waterways. We explore sustainable materials for build- ing and retrofitting barns and look at how planting native trees and wildflowers on horse farms protect our waterways and serve as pollinator gardens.” Sponsor of over 100 horse-related re-
– Photo by Toni MacPherson and the Ontario Equine Education and Em- ployment Program
Equine Guelph programs include Large Animal Emergency Rescue
search projects Equine Guelph works with industry
partners to provide annual funding for an external peer-reviewed research program on industry priorities. Over 100 equine- related research projects have received funding so far. “The findings from this research are
developed into plain-language articles, in- terviews and factsheets to be distributed through our communications program and added to our education courses to bring updated, evidence-based information to the horse owner and caretaker,” said Ecker. “Research proposals are carefully reviewed by the industry members ap- pointed to the Research Committee for quality scientific approaches for priority areas of the industry including lameness studies, respiratory and cardiac studies, gut biome and digestive tract issues, reproduc- tive studies, and many more.” The research currently being done by
Illustration by Ruth Benns
Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi is an excellent ex- ample of industry priority research that
provides new knowledge and practical ap- plication on prevention of equine health is- sues.
Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi, a professor
in the Department of Pathobiology at OVC, is currently conducting research sponsored by Equine Guelph into the im- pacts of air quality on equine asthma.
Future plans for growth Future plans for Equine Guelph in-
clude continuous development of educa- tional and research programs. New courses are also in the works based on input from students and industry needs. “With the support of our partners,
donors, and sponsors, I am so pleased to see what my team has accomplished over our 20 years,” said Ecker “Equine Guelph will continue supporting equine enthusiasts and professionals with educa- tion backed by scientific research and aligned with industry needs for many years to come.”
8782 Longwood Rd, Mount Brydges, ON, N0L1W0
www.viatrailer.ca
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