DECEMBER 2025 THE RIDER /15


Guelph, ON Oct 29, 2025 - Equine Guelph is excited to announce two free online courses for the racing com- munity again this winter, de- veloped in response to industry demand and sup- ported by our education partners. In a recent poll, 49% of


Free Online Courses for Racing Industry include New Conditioning Course www.equineguelph.ca.


welfare-focused methods into their programs, partici- pants will gain insights into how thoughtful refinements can benefit both horses and training outcomes. As our understanding


industry stakeholders voted for Racehorse Conditioning as the next priority topic. We listened—and we’re de- livering!


NEW! Conditioning the Racehorse


February 23 – March 6, 2026


This brand-new course


translates conditioning into practical strategies for in- jury prevention and per- formance enhancement. It’s designed for trainers, assis- tant trainers and grooms in the racing sector. We’ll be exploring how different body systems contribute to athletic ability and break down the latest research in exercise science in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. “We warmly invite On-


tario’s racing community to join us in a free educational journey on TheHorsePor- tal.ca, says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “The Conditioning the Racehorse course offers a unique op- portunity to explore evolv- ing approaches to equine care and performance, grounded in both long- standing experience and emerging research. This course builds on


the foundational expertise of generations of horse trainers with practical, evidence-in- formed strategies that can support injury prevention and enhance performance while supporting the welfare of the horse. Through interviews


with respected trainers who are successfully integrating


of the equine athlete contin- ues to grow, so does our ability to support their longevity and wellbeing. We invite you to explore how these evolving principles can complement and strengthen your existing practices.” This isn’t a step-by-


step manual or one-size-fits- all approach—because every horse is different. In- stead, you’ll gain the knowl- edge and confidence to assess, plan, monitor, and adjust your training methods to meet each horse’s unique needs and conditions.


Racehorse Injury/Lame- ness Prevention & Care January 26 – February 6, 2026


Led by Dr. Melissa


McKee, this course explores the equine musculoskeletal system, movement, injury risks, and current research. Dr. Albert Torrent, from the Ontario Veterinary College, will be assisting as guest ex- pert.


McKee and Torrent


will be discussing common lameness issues and recent research updates for race- horses as well as early de- tection and prevention. You will also learn about the horse’s musculoskeletal sys- tem, how they move, best practices for detecting lame- ness, assessment tools, man- agement of a lame horse and the latest research. Noticing and address-


ing subtle cues before the horse becomes lame are key to avoiding long lay-offs due to injury. The course is packed full of practical tips delivered in easy-to-under- stand video presentations.


Web Link(s): https://thehorseportal.ca/20 25/10/free-online-courses- for-racing-industry-include- new-conditioning-course/


Racehorse Injury/Lame- ness Prevention & Care course: https://thehorsepor- tal.ca/course/racehorse-in- jury-lameness-prevention-c are-winter-26/


NEW! Conditioning the Racehorse course: https://thehorseportal.ca/cou rse/conditioning-the-race- horse-winter-26/


TheHorsePortal.ca course listings: https://thehorsepor- tal.ca/courses/


About Equine Guelph: Equine Guelph is


the horse owners’ and care givers’ Centre at the Univer- sity of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership ded- icated to the health and


2026 S&S 2 horse slant load with tack $18,499


2026 Dixie Star LQ 7' shortwall with slide out $65,499


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Participants will also


glean helpful information about bone remodelling dur- ing early training which could help guide decisions in routine exercise regimes. Both courses are fully


online, flexible, and free for AGCO licence holders and Standardbred Canada mem- bers aged 16+. No prior on- line learning experience is required. Industry Ambassadors


Julie Walker and Renée Kierans return to support learners and spark discus- sion on key topics. These courses are


made possible thanks to the generous support of Central Ontario Standardbred Asso- ciation, The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Standard- bred Canada.


Register at TheHorsePor- tal.ca.


Story by: Equine Guelph


well-being of horses, sup- ported and overseen by equine industry groups.


Equine Guelph is the epi- centre for academia, indus- try and government - for the


good of the equine industry as a whole. For further in- formation,


visit


2026 Homesteader 2 horse straight load (white) $28,499


2026 Homesteader 3 horse slant load (black/silver) $31,499


Providing excellent quality at quantity pricing. RMK Trailers Sales has a full line of horse and livestock trailers available for purchase and pre order. A trailer to fit every need and budget. At RMK, we're behind you all the way.


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