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FEBRUARY 2026 Vol. 56 Issue No. 5 • ISSN: 1209-3955


Draft Equine Code Of Practice Released For Public Comment


Ottawa, ON, January 12, 2026 - The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and Equestrian Canada are pleased to an- nounce the launch of the public comment period for the draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. The public comment period allows


stakeholders – producers, consumers, and others with an interest in the wel- fare of equids – to view the draft Code and provide input that will inform the final version. The draft Code and


the public comment sys- tem are now accessible here. All comments are to be submitted through the online system. The public comment period will close on March 12, 2026. Sub- sequently, the Code Com- mittee will consider the submitted comments, and the final equine Code of Practice will be released in early 2027. A Scientific Commit-


tee report summarizing re- search conclusions on welfare-related topics of high applicability to the Code (priority welfare is- sues) can be found here. This peer-reviewed report aided the Code Committee during its deliberations in preparing the draft Code of Practice. The report, de- veloped by scientific ex- perts in equine welfare, should be reviewed prior to making a submission. “I am very pleased to


see the updates in the Equine Code, especially around training methods and pain recognition,” said Bettina Bobsien, Chair of the Code Com-


mittee and an equine vet- erinarian from British Co- lumbia. “There has been substantial progress in re- search in these areas which is reflected in new recommended practices and rigorous require- ments. In addition, an added section on emer- gency management en- sures the Code is a comprehensive tool


to


guide horse care in Canada.” “Through the lens of


animal welfare enforce- ment, it is a privilege to contribute to the develop- ment of the Equine Code of Practice as it reaches the important milestone of


public comment following a


rigorous process,” review said Lisa


Joachim from Manitoba Agriculture, representing the provincial animal pro- tection enforcement au- thority.


“Advancing


equine welfare standards would not be possible without the shared com- mitment and expertise of the Code Committee, whose collaborative ef- forts drive meaningful, progressive improvements in animal care. The result- ing science-informed, na- tionally


consistent


standards provide critical guidance for effective en-


Continued on Page 3.


Sara Visser Awarded 2025 Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award


Guelph, ON Jan. 12, 2026 - Equine Guelph is proud to announce that Sara Visser, a second-semester Veterinary Technician stu- dent with a growing pas- sion for Standardbred racing, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award. Visser will receive


two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $625 each (Certificates are available in Equine Sci- ence, Equine Welfare and Equine Business). This award recognizes Sara’s dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to ad- vancing equine health and welfare. Sara’s journey into


the horse world began just two years ago when she started volunteering at Fu- ture Morgan Farms every spare Saturday, eager to learn everything she could. Her interest deepened dur- ing a high school co-op at a veterinary clinic, which inspired her to pursue vet- erinary medicine to make a lasting difference in the lives of animals. Since then, she has gained hands-on experience at a breeding and boarding fa- cility, completed her co-op Continued on Page 3.


Equine Award winner, Sara Visser with 3 year-old trot- ting colt, Dulces Seunos Deo.


Photo at Left: 2025 Roger L’Heureux


Memorial


See Page 2


Don Hughes - See Page 17 INSIDE


Ontario Equine Expo............................................3 Remembering .......................................................4 Obituaries .............................................................4 Susan Dahl............................................................6 Equine Nutrition...................................................8 Winter Care Tips...................................................8 Preventing Obesity ...........................................9 From the Trainer’s Eye...................................10 Grey Bruce Horse Day ...................................12 ORCHA News................................................16 Conditioning The Race Horse ........................16 OCHA News...................................................17 ORHA News...................................................18 OFA Viewpoint...............................................19 Kickstart Your Horse Journey ........................19 Model Horse Hobby.......................................20 OQHA News ..................................................21 Fitness for Riders............................................22 QROOI News .................................................23 Country Yucca Travel Grants .........................25 Anne Gage Column............................................26 Canadian Show Jumping Team..........................26 Lynn Palm ......................................................27 Horse Listening ..............................................28 Racing Hall of Fame Updates ........................28 Lindsay Grice Column ...................................29 EC National Awards .......................................30 Horse Health in Bitter Cold............................30 Calgary Stampede...........................................30 Colic Risk Factors ..........................................31 Marketplace Directories............................32-36 Real Estate......................................................37 EC Statement on Horse Welfare.....................37 CTHS News....................................................37 OCEA News...................................................38


in our office by March 8, 2026. Copy arriving after that date will be used in the May 2026 Issue. Send to P.O. Box 378, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 or call us at (905) 387-1900 • Price $3.95 email: barry@therider.com • www.therider.com


Material for the March/April 2026 Issue must be


Second Class postage paid in Toronto, Ontario. Mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40051707. Serial Number 1209-3955 Address correction requested.


Now carrying Adam and


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