University of Guelph Equine Industry Symposium

Night One: November 19th, 2024 

Cracking the Code: What’s in it for me and my horse?

Join us for an engaging evening that aims to deepen our understanding of equine welfare through the lens of the Equine Code of Practice which is currently being updated. Speakers from the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) will address the vital purpose the Code serves in ensuring the welfare of all equids, not just horses. Speakers include;

• Jeffrey Spooner, NFACC Code Development Manager, will delve into the history of the Code and its development process.
• Jackie Wepruk, NFACC General Manager, will address the relevance of the code with reference to key sections and how appropriate animal care leads to good welfare.

With a clear focus on the connection between animal care and welfare, these speakers will outline how proper animal care translates into enhanced well-being for our equine companions. This symposium will foster unity and the realization that we are not alone in this mission.

Attendees will be able to contribute their voices to this important conversation of optimal equid care and be part of creating the updated code through the public comment period. Information will be presented about educational offerings on the Code of Practice that can provide horse owners with the tools needed to implement best practices in equine care.

A moderated Q&A session and interactive polls will foster discussions, ensuring a productive exchange of ideas. 

Don't miss this opportunity to inspire a desire for knowledge and improve the lives of horses everywhere. Join us for a night of learning, collaboration, and community!

Night Two: November 20th, 2024, 

Global awareness of equine care and welfare – for me and my ‘neigh’bour. How the code impacts every single equid around the world.

This event will explore how the codes of practice impact equids worldwide, emphasizing the shared responsibility of equine enthusiasts everywhere.

Designed for all horse lovers in mind, the night will feature a dynamic panel discussion with international experts, including:

• Bettina Bobsien, chair of the Equine Code Committee, NFACC
• Sally Taylor, head of Equine Regulation, Safety and Welfare, British Horseracing Authority
• Bronte Forbes, head of Veterinary Regulation, Hong Kong Jockey Club
• Sonja Keating, CEO and General Counsel, The United States Equestrian Federation

The panelists will share their experiences on addressing horse welfare in their jurisdictions and provide insights on how codes of practice can impact implementation. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an open Q&A session, fostering a resourceful environment focused on shared challenges and solutions in equine care. Discussions will highlight the international nature of equine welfare and how diverse approaches can inform our practices.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow horse enthusiasts and enhance your understanding of equine care and welfare on a global scale!

Register for the full symposium.

Information about the Equine Code of Practice

The Equine Code of Practice is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure the welfare and humane treatment of horses and other equids. It serves as a guideline for industry professionals, caretakers and horse owners, outlining the responsibilities associated with equine care. You can view the code here https://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/equine
Key Sections of the Code:

1. Housing and Management:
   1. Standards for appropriate living conditions, including space, ventilation and shelter.
   2. Best practices for environmental enrichment to promote physical and mental well-being.
2. Nutrition:
   1. Guidelines for balanced diets tailored to the specific needs of different equine breeds, ages and activity levels.
   2. Importance of clean, fresh water and appropriate feeding practices.
3. Health Care:
   1. Recommendations for regular veterinary care, vaccinations and preventative measures.
   2. Guidelines for recognizing and addressing health issues promptly.
4. Handling and Training:
   1. Emphasis on humane handling techniques to minimize stress and promote trust between horse and handler.
   2. Training methods that are ethical and prioritize the well-being of the horse.
5. Transport:
   1. Standards for the safe and humane transportation of equids, ensuring their welfare during the travel process.
6. End-of-Life Considerations:
   1. Guidelines for making compassionate decisions regarding euthanasia and the care of horses at the end of life.

Legislative Support:

The Code also serves as a tool to support relevant legislation concerning animal welfare, providing a benchmark for acceptable practices within the industry.

Distinction Between Requirements and Recommendations:

• Requirements: Consensus decisions that establish minimum standards for care.
• Recommendations: Best practices intended to enhance the welfare of equines beyond the basic requirements.

The Equine Code of Practice is not just a set of guidelines; it’s a call to action for everyone involved in the equine community. This Code is for you—whether you’re a horse owner, trainer, veterinarian or enthusiast. By embracing its principles and advocating for high standards of care, you can play a crucial role in enhancing the welfare of equids everywhere. Together, we have the power to make a meaningful difference. Let’s commit to implementing the Code in our daily practices and fostering a culture of compassion and responsibility. Your involvement can help shape a brighter future for the horses we cherish. Join us in this vital mission and be a part of the change!
 

Stay up to date on Instagram and Facebook: @equinesymposium or contact the team at: eqevents@uoguelph.ca. 

The Equine Industry Symposium, hosted by undergraduate students in the University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (BBRM) - Equine Management degree program, aims to expand our knowledge about horses and facilitate crucial industry relationships. 

Untacking Stable Solutions from the Equine Industry Symposium

The 8th annual Equine Industry Symposium emphasized themes on business improvement such as retirement planning, increasing fees and building industry relationships. The theme of the event was Stable Solutions and everything under the barn roof was touched upon.

The event took place over three nights: November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd 2023. Being held entirely online to reach the widest audience possible, the symposium was attended by almost 400 people. One attendee commented: “Thanks for providing the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics so vital to success in the horse industry!” The Equine Industry symposium was hosted by students in the Bachelor of Bio-resource Management, Equine Management degree program at the University of Guelph. 

Night one of the Symposium was kicked off with an insightful presentation from Dr Kendra Coulter on the current state of the equine industry and how broad the industry reaches. She emphasized our use of the horse as the core of many businesses and how people choose to revolve their lives around horses driven by their passion for the animal. This was followed by a student and graduate panel with panelists Victoria Willan, Julia Howe, Lisa Vicaire, Alanna Berdan and Taylor Laroche facilitated by Akaash Maharaj. The panel discussion touched on the importance of education and what skills are valued in the industry.

The second night featured two presentations from professionals in both the business and equine worlds: Joel Lalonde and Sean Jones. Joel Lalonde expressed the need for strong purpose when running a business and emphasized the importance of clear beliefs and values. Sean Jones’ presentation demonstrated the value of building a retirement plan and developing an exit strategy when forming a business. 

For the final night of the symposium Dr Coulter returned to facilitate a discussion panel of industry professionals: Bronwynne Wilton, Helen Richardson, Sean Jones and Karl Lagerborg. Topics covered career challenges, the importance of connections within the industry and centering business models around horse welfare. Each of the three nights featured an open Q&A session for the audience to ask questions to the speakers. The success of the event sparked anticipation for future Equine Industry Symposiums in years to come.

The organizational team would like to thank the speakers, all who attended and of course the event sponsors: Acera Insurance, Equine Guelph, SmartCert, The Rider, Schleese Saddlery, Canadian Horse Journals and KX Radio. To watch all nights of the Symposium, visit the University of Guelph’s Equine Management YouTube channel.

Equine Industry Symposium enhances understanding of the role of horses in human health and learning

Jan. 09, 2023 (Guelph, Ont.) – The annual Equine Industry Symposium shared the latest research and updates on the topic of horses in human health and learning with over 550 delegates attending over three sessions from November 21-23, with hundreds more registering to receive the online sessions.

The Symposium highlighted appropriate terminology associated with human-horse interactions and programs by taking a therapy-first approach to services incorporating horses and cleared up what equine-assisted services are - and what they are not. Current research on best practices for human-horse interactions to ensure horse welfare was presented. Attendees left the event with a deeper understanding of this emerging topic.

The event welcomed featured speaker Nina Ekholm Fry from the University of Denver and five guest speakers, including Dr. Katrina Merkies, Sarah-Michelle Senecal, Dr. Katy Schroeder, Hayley Edwards and Lynn Thomas, who focused on the roles horses have when incorporated into human services.

The organizers extend their thanks to all who registered and attended, the industry leaders who shared their expertise, event partners Ontario Equestrian and Equine Guelph, and sponsors KX94.7, Schleese Saddlery and Golden Horseshoe PEMF Equine Therapy.

In lieu of speaker gifts, a donation was made to the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) to support their efforts in promoting challenge, achievement and empowerment for children and adults with disabilities through interacting with horses, while also providing education and instructor certification.