FEBRUARY 2026 THE RIDER /3


Ontario Equine Expo Continued from Page 2.


riding performance. Sold out.” Packed to the rafters. What does that have to do with the Expo? A good break. Fun. En- tertainment. Laughs and adren- aline. From the pickup man to the clown, these large bovines


Code of Practice Continued from Page 1


forcement while strengthening public confidence and trust.” Codes of Practice for the


care and handling of farm ani- mals are the result of a unique consensus-based, multi-stake- holder approach that brings to- gether relevant stakeholders with an interest in animal care standards. This Code’s update is led by a 15-person Code Committee that includes partic-


Sara Visser Continued from Page 1


credits, and participated in the Ontario Equine Education and Employment


Program


(OEEEP). “The OEEEP program in-


troduced me to the exciting world of Standardbred racing— a fast-paced environment I quickly fell in love with,” says Sara.


came flying out of the chutes while the crowd cheered watch- ing riders hit the dirt. The Expo will also feature


Association Alley. The OEE in- vited many associations to be a part of the OEE, Free of charge. Because the OEE cares about the industry. “The content in the arena is great, and we want


ipants from across Canada; pro- ducers, animal welfare and en- forcement


officials,


researchers, veterinarians, and government


representatives.


More information on the Code process is available here - https://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of- practice The equine Code is one of


five Codes of Practice currently being updated. Codes of Prac- tice serve as the national under- standing of animal care requirements


and recom- mended practices. Now, as a Veterinary Tech-


nician student, Sara is eager to build on her experience as a groom and specialize in medi- cine for Standardbred race- horses. She


relays her


appreciation, “Receiving this award is another important step toward a career where I can make a meaningful impact on the health and welfare of these incredible animals.” Sara’s employer, Micheal


Whelan of Walter Whelan Sta-


you as our guest to have access to the places that are the back- bone of our industry,” said Ryan.


The exhibitor list has more


than doubled over last year. They will feature more build-


vided through the AgriAssur- ance Program under


Financial support was pro- the


Sustainable Canadian Agricul- tural Partnership.


About the National Farm An- imal Care Council NFACC is a collaborative


partnership of diverse stake- holders created in 2005 to share information and work together on farm animal care and wel- fare. It is the national lead for farm animal care issues in Canada and operates as a divi-


bles praises her exceptional work ethic and passion for the sport: “Sara consistently ap- proaches every task with enthu- siasm and professionalism. Her reliability and eagerness to learn have made her an asset in a demanding environment. She has truly found her calling within the equine industry.” Sara has already enrolled


for the winter semester, begin- ning Jan 12, 2026, with Equine Guelph’s Management of the


ings full of professional people. Feed companies. Trailer com- panies. Tack. Clothing. Acces- sories. And much more. If they care, They are there. Everyone and every business have been invited.


sion of Animal Health Canada. For more information on NFACC, visit www.nfacc.ca.


About Equestrian Canada Equestrian Canada (EC) is


the national governing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to rep- resent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests. With over 15,000 sport licence holders, 11 provincial/territorial sport organization partners and 10+ national equine affiliate or- ganizations, EC is a significant


Equine Environment course. For the summer semester, be- ginning May 11, Visser has her eye on the Equine Anatomy and Physiology course. “I chose these courses be-


cause they will help me build off my practical experience as a Standardbred groom, and fur- ther my knowledge in equine anatomy, physiology and envi- ronmental management, which are especially important factors when working with high per-


formance horses,” says Sara. “Eventually, I hope to use my work experience and post-sec- ondary education as a Veteri- nary Technician to specialize in equine care within the racing industry, and I aim to eventu- ally complete the University of Guelph’s Certificate of Equine Science to support this path.” The Roger L’Heureux Me-


morial Equine Award was es- tablished in loving memory of Standardbred driver, trainer,


and groom Roger L’Heureux by David L’Heureux and Crys- tal Fountains Inc. The award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the equine indus- try, mirroring the passion and commitment


of Roger


L’Heureux. Submissions will be ac-


cepted for this year’s applicants until November 30, 2026. https://thehorseportal.ca/tu- ition-awards/


Ryan said “The Ontario


Equine Expo has one goal. To present the best available talent and business from every aspect of the equine industry. And to you as our guest, we are here to serve you.


contributor to the social, physi- cal, emotional and economic wellbeing of the equestrian in- dustry across Canada. EC is a


“Thank you to everyone


for setting this up as a must at- tend event. Ontario is a gold mine for talent and content. We are simply just presenting you the space to show it off.”


Canadian registered charity as an RCAAA. EC thanks the Government of Canada for their financial support.


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