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Ride Day for Equine Guelph
Centre celebrates five-year partnership between U of G, equine industry
Equine Guelph wants horse lovers to help celebrate its fifth anniversary by saddling up at the annual ride day June 1 at the Jaybird Ranch in Rockwood. Hosted in partnership with the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF), the event is a chance to spend an afternoon learning about horses and horseback riding.
In addition to trail rides and lead line rides, Equine Guelph will be running EquiMania!, an interactive youth education program designed to promote horse health and safety to all ages.
“The fifth anniversary is an important milestone for Equine Guelph, and it's a celebration of the partnership between the University of Guelph and the equine industry,” says Gayle Ecker, senior manager of Equine Guelph. “It's this unique partnership that sets us apart and helps us promote educational opportunities and bring together members of the industry to fund important research projects in support of horse health and welfare.”
Founded in 2003, Equine Guelph is the horse owner's centre at U of G, says Ecker. Supported and overseen by equine industry groups, it is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of horses and helps connect members of the equine industry with expertise at the Ontario Veterinary College, she says.
Equine Guelph focuses on five interrelated areas: research, education and training, performance, health care and industry development. Efforts in these areas support the horse throughout its lifespan by providing a comprehensive continuum of care that optimizes health, addresses performance issues, and fully supports diagnosis and treatment of sick and injured horses, says Ecker.
Over the past five years, Equine Guelph's research program has increased understanding of the transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and colic, the use of new diagnostic tools, the impact of horse behaviour on racing performance and the incidence of horse injuries at the racetrack.
Equine Guelph's award-winning educational program has been similarly successful, says Susan Raymond, communications and program officer for Equine Guelph.
“Each year the program continues to grow and expand with the goal of helping owners and caregivers make sound science-based decisions in managing their horses,” she says.
For the first time this year, EquiMania! participated in the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. Equine Guelph also announced a new online diploma in equine studies and a certificate in equine business management.
In the health and performance area, Equine Guelph has worked hard over the years to support both horse athletes and companion horses with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, says Ecker.
“It's been a very successful five years. We hope people will come out and help us celebrate at the annual ride day.”
For more information about the event or to register, visit the OEF website at www.horse.on.ca or contact Melissa Monardo at marketing@horse.on.ca.