MAY 2024 THE RIDER /3 OEEEP Continued from Page 1


ropes of their new positions. Brian Tropea of OHHA has been


travelling far and wide speaking with Ontario horse farm operators to help resolve their staffing issues and open- ing doors for those keen to work with horses. “It’s been an incredibly reward-


ing experience,” says Tropea. “Life- changing is a frequent comment from grateful participants of the program, ranging in age from 15 to in their 50’s. They have come from all walks of life – looking for their first job, mid-life career change, new to the country and starting a new career, and even people who have been involved with horses but just had not yet realized the poten- tial to earn a living doing what they love.” “The feedback from employers


has been equally encouraging. They exclaim how eager to learn the pro- gram graduates are. The online train- ing from Equine Guelph prepares them with a basic level of horse safety, care and nutrition knowledge and whets their appetite to learn more! Of course, receiving a portion of the wages back; comes up as a great in- centive for employers,” says Tropea. To those wondering if OEEEP is a good fit for them, Brian encourages them to reach out for a chat, “We all have a responsibility if we want to see the equine industry succeed, to ensure


there is a work force to support the horses. It’s not enough to sit back and say there is a lack of qualified people to work. People need to be willing to spend the time to invest or we are going to continue to struggle.” Participants receive training in


job preparedness and job interview skills from VPI and participate in 6 weeks of online learning from Equine Guelph before the placement program begins, matching potential employers with new participants. The training is all free thanks to the partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immi- gration, Training and Skills Develop- ment. Participants are unemployed or under-employed, residents of Ontario and eligible to work in Canada. “Graduates have found employ-


ment at riding stables, racetracks, ther- apeutic riding centres, breeding farms, equine veterinary hospitals and the list goes on,” says Nancy Fisher, Voca- tional Services Manager at VPI Em- ployment Services. “VPI has been providing employment programs in Ontario for over 30 years. Our team has received so many heart-warming stories from people saying the career change, and opportunity to nurture horses, has not only changed their lifestyle but has improved their whole lives.” Program graduate, Colleen


Clarke says, “I had zero horse or farm experience! The program provided a great ratio of detailed information about all aspects of the horse from anatomy, diet, and care to safety and environments. I felt confident to be able to apply hands-on what I learned online.” Colleen loves her new job at Spring Farm, a thoroughbred breeding facility in Granton, ON. Now confi- dently assisting with horse breeding, foal care, basic first aid for minor in- juries, training yearlings; she has even presented them at the Premium Year- ling Sale at Woodbine Racetrack! Clarke says, “The OEEEP program al-


lowed me to realize my lifelong dream of working with horses. I recommend it to anyone who, like me, is starting with no experience but has a passion to work in the horse industry.” The OEEEP graduates are get-


ting the best possible start with educa- tion from Equine Guelph, a world leader in online education, at the Uni- versity of Guelph, for horse enthusi- asts around the globe for 20 years. The six-week interactive training course goes over horse health, groom- ing, management, and welfare. The


participants attend


virtual/live class meetings during the course on various topics, including ex- pert guest speakers on priority topics, while being encouraged to explore ca- reer paths. Horse health, welfare and facility safety are important topics covered through live presentations, videos, discussions, and extra re- sources. Equine Guelph, director Gayle Ecker commented on the won- derful enthusiasm of the participants and how rewarding it has been to hear all the positive feedback. Ecker says, “Equine Guelph is proud to be an in- tegral part of the OEEEP program connecting newcomers to industry. Working together, this is a win for the participants, a win for the facilities, and a big win for our equine industry and its future.” Employers can learn about the


program here - https://www.ontarioe- quineeducation.com/partnerships- copy - and contact Brian Tropea for more information - brian@ohha.ca Participants can sign up for one


of the four offering in 2024 at https://www.vpi-inc.com/equine/


About Equine Guelph: For further information, visit


www.equineguelph.ca.


Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Equine Guelph


THE RIDER RECOMMENDS…


COWBOY: American Icon A Short History of Wild West Culture Written by Daniel Pruitt Published by Firefly Books 122 pages Hardcover: $35.84 (avail. from Amazon.ca) I bet every little


boy or girl dreamed of growing up to be a cow- boy/girl at least once, I know I did. I grew up wor- shiping Audie Murphy, John Wayne, Randolph Scott, the Cisco Kid, and Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, so when Firefly Books sent me the e- book of Cowboy: American Icon I jumped at the chance to share it with The Rider readers.


We all think of


“the wild west” being the country of Hollywood films and tv series: wagon trains, shoot-outs, cavalry forts… but this full-colour book brings the word “cowboy” to life and resonates with all the imagery of a lost and legendary era. The Old West of


America offered challenges aplenty for


and those who


sought opportunity there - ranchers, farmers, home- steaders, businessmen, min- ers,


other


entrepreneurial types. Yet the one occupation that set fire to the world’s collective imagination was that of the humble stockman on horse- back. This beautifully illus- trated book traces his evolution from hard-work-


age, and marvel at the major, enduring influences that the colorful cowboy life has had on cinema, art, liter- ature, music, and couture in America - and the world. And of course, learn more about


famous cowboy


singers and Hollywood icons, as well as the hardy horse breeds that carried the cowboys across the plains. Author Daniel


ing ranch hand and cattle drover, to one of the most recognized archetypal folk figures the country has ever produced.


This comprehen-


sive history of the cowboy, which begins with the earli- est explorers of the New World, takes in the west- ward migration of settlers and examines the origins of the vast, sprawling cattle ranches of Texas. Uncover the vigorous ranch economy that sprang up across the Great Plains of the continent and share the trails and the travails of the cattle drovers. Walk the streets of boom- towns and cow towns where ranch hands sported on Sat- urday nights and meet the larger-than-life figures of American western culture - outlaws, lawmen, showmen, railway men, ladies of loose morals and loyal wives liv- ing solitary lives on the ranch and more. Discover how the traditional cowboy roles adapt to the modern


Pruitt is an historian who’s long been fascinated by the history of the American West – appreciating its leg- endary tall tales while re- specting its hard truths. A lifelong horseman, Pruitt is a former trainer and com- petitor in Western equitation who currently lives in New England.


At the back of the


book, the author has listed leading western museums, some of which I’ve already visited, as well as some great old-timey cowboy slang words and phrases such as: blue lightnin’ (a six-gun) curly wolf (a really tough guy, a baddie) fly at it (a cook’s cry when grub is ready).


“May your belly never grumble, may your heart


never ache, may your horse never stumble, may your cinch never break” – a cowboy blessing


Review by Glenda Fordham for The Rider


HORSE SHELTERS & ROW BARNS Locally Made with Quality Materials! Delivery Available!


Visit our Website for More Info. & Pricing maxwellgardencenter.com


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