Over 160 horse enthusiasts assemble for the highly acclaimed War Horse production and a special Equine Guelph Gala evening at the Princess of Wales theatre here on March 8, in support of Equine Guelph’s new horse welfare education programs through the University of Guelph.
Though he was unable to attend the performance, David Mirvish, producer, Mirvish Productions, (recently named Chancellor of the university), said of the evening, “The War Horse Toronto production brings back into the spotlight the welfare issues that faced millions of horses in the First World War.
“Recognizing the ongoing need for equine welfare awareness and education, we are pleased to partner with Equine Guelph and the Ontario Equestrian Federation to create the Equine Guelph-OEF War Horse Welfare Education Fund in honour of these brave horses and to develop courses that teach horse care and welfare to future champions of the horse.
“Through education, we hope to help Equine Guelph in their admirable quest of ‘helping horses for life’.”
Director of Equine Guelph Gayle Ecker said, “This is the start of something special, because with industry support we can create programs for people who care about the welfare of the animal, and want to learn what is needed to support it.”
Through new courses, Ecker wants to teach future generations the highest degree of skills in horse care, to reduce horse welfare issues. “In an industry where well-intended old wives tales are often passed down rather than scientific knowledge, the horse is often the victim of mistreatment,” she explained. “Education in horse welfare will result in benefits including: well-informed caregivers; healthier horses; lower vet bills; and fewer unwanted horses.”
Ecker announced, “Tonight, Equine Guelph is pleased to announce that we are able to offer the first Equine Welfare Certificate online program in Canada.
“The support of the industry has enabled us to open this opportunity to students starting in May of this year, with the first offering of the new Equine Welfare course in September.
“We will be developing further courses that will become available online through the year.”
Al Patterson, of Equine Canada and the OEF board of directors, represents industry for the advisory council for Equine Guelph, and he was impressed by the evening’s attendance, but also by the partnership now formed with Mirvish Productions.
“This has been fantastic. What better way to kick off the fundraising? Mirvish has been fantastic,” Patterson said.
Passionate about the cause, he believes the funds will draw attention to the needs of the equine industry. “Welfare has become a greater issue,” he explained. “Education of horse welfare is key. Developing programs to educated people matters.
“It’s all about teaching,” he said, adding that the work of Equine Guelph is part education, part research.
To ensure their support, future performances of the War Horse Toronto production will donate $10 to the education fund for each ticket purchased by OEF members for performances between Feb. 10 and May 6.
As a thank you, members of the OEF will receive a complimentary CD of the music of War Horse. OEF members are asked to call 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 to order tickets, using the benefit code – WHFUND.
Upon entering the show, gala organizers handed out packets of tissues, in preparation for a moving story. The crowd of horse lovers did not need any convincing of how near and dear the bond between horse and human can be, and there was not a dry eye as the audience rode along on the journey of Joey, the beloved War Horse.
After the production, gala attendees were treated to an exclusive introduction to meet the life-like puppets, each of which required three human puppeteers to provide the life-like body language of their equine characters, such as ears twitching and breathing, mane and tail movements and the individual personality traits of the horses themselves.
Equine Guelph has plans for another exclusive engagement at the Princess of Wales Theatre on May 10. For more information on equine welfare programs or to make a donation to the Equine Guelph-OEF War Horse Welfare Education Fund visit: www.EquineGuelph.ca.
