GUELPH – World Horse Day has been celebrated on March 1 every year since it was created in 2005 to raise awareness of equine welfare and protection.
For the 20th anniversary of World Horse Day, Equine Guelph is celebrating by offering horse owners the opportunity to reduce the occurrence of ill horses.
On March 1 horse owners and caretakers around the globe will be able to sign up for Equine Guelph’s online course, Sickness and Prevention in Horses, for free. Registering for the course usually costs $85, and the fee will only be waved on March 1.
The course runs from March 31 to April 7, and includes between five and 10 hours with Equine Guelph expert instructor Dr. Susan Raymond and guest expert Dr. Alison Moore from the Animal Health and Welfare Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture.
“On March 1, in celebration of World Horse Day, we aim to ensure everyone has the chance to engage with our welcoming learning community and the evidence-based content that attracts our students,” Raymond stated in a press release.
“Everyone has a role to play in disease prevention and this course covers easy to implement practices for both preventing and controlling disease spread.”
The course is based on Canada’s Equine Biosecurity Standard, which is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and practical guidelines globally. Developed in collaboration with Equestrian Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, it provides detailed and cost-effective measures for preventing the spread of infectious diseases among horses.
Globally, biosecurity standards vary, but Canada’s approach is often praised for its thoroughness and its specific focus on practical implementation at the farm and facility level.
“Every horse owner and caregiver will come away from the course armed with simple ways to control the spread of disease on the farm and at events,” officials stated.
Students will also access Equine Guelph’s updated Biosecurity Risk Calculator, the Equine Disease Communication Center.
“With no specified times to be logged on, The Horse Portal brings together a community of horse caregivers from around the world seeking the perfect combination of lively discussions, easy to understand evidence-based content and flexible learning,” officials stated.
“The practical, common-sense training through its short-course format fits into the busy lives of equine enthusiasts.”
Behaviour and safety youth course
Equine Guelph is also offering free registration to its on-demand Horse Behaviour and Safety Youth Course until March 31.
“This evidence-based course is designed for young horse enthusiasts aged 13 to 17, providing them with essential knowledge and skills to ensure their safety and deepen their understanding of horse behaviour,” officials state.
The course is a self-paced online program that takes about 10 to 15 hours to complete. It covers:
– horse behaviour and communication;
– safe horse handling techniques;
– herd interactions;
– fire safety in stables
– rider and helmet safety; and
– much more.
While completing fun activities, participants will learn how to create a safe environment for themselves and their horses by anticipating horse behaviour. The course aims to empower young horse enthusiasts with the knowledge to handle horses safely and confidently.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Equine Guelph.
To register for either course, visit thehorseportal.ca.
