EQUINE NEWS

Story by: Jackie Bellamy

The impact of a farm injury can be devastating yet most injuries are predictable, and thus preventable. There are a number of programs available teaching how to control the hazards on farms.

FARM SAFETY TRAINING COURSE FOR FARM OWNERS

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), the Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and Farm Credit Canada (FCC) team up every year to celebrate Canadian Agricultural Safety Week in the third week of March. According to a recent survey, the majority of Canadian producers (85%) believe safety is a priority on their farm, however, less than one in ten (9%) currently have a written agricultural safety plan on their farm or ranch. So this year Canadian Agricultural Safety Week organizers are offering a FREE On-Farm Inspection Workshop at the University of Guelph on March 11, 2013.

The course runs from 9:30 – 3:30 and focuses on how to identifying hazards on the farm. Register today at www.agsafetyweek.ca or call CASA at 1-877-452-2272. Space is limited, so don’t wait! Registration deadline is March 4th, 2013.

YOUTH SAFETY AND FUN ROLLED INTO ONE - EQUIMANIA! APPEARING AT TWO MARCH SHOWS:

EquiMania! are well known for their exciting, interactive exhibit promoting youth safety on horse farms. Pick up a FREE Danger Detective Workbook. Play the EquiMania! Explorer game at upcoming shows:

ALL EQUINE SHOW, LONDON, - MARCH 15 -17

CAN AM, ORANGEVILLE FAIRGROUNDS - MARCH 28 -31

Can-Am Equine Emporium will debut at their new location at the Orangeville fairgrounds and EquiMania! will be a huge attraction.

Friday afternoon test your knowledge and win prizes playing EquiMania! Quiz Games. Don't miss Equine Guelph’s SILENT AUCTION on Saturday afternoon.

Can’t make the events? Visit EquiMania! ONLINE and play games at EquiMania.ca

Order your free Danger Detective workbook through Equine Canada

Call 1.866.282.8395 ext. 133 or e-mail recreation@equinecanada.ca (shipping not incl.)

LEARNING SAFE HORSEMANSHIP THROUGH UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR

Equine Guelph is pleased to announce the second offering of this new informative 2-week online short-course April 1 - April 14, 2013.

The popularity of Equine Guelph's new Horse Behaviour and Safety eWorkshop was established quickly as it sold out within two hours of the first offering announcement," exclaims Equine Guelph's director, Gayle Ecker. "We are pleased that horse people are interested in educating themselves about 'why' horses behave the way they do and how that translates into becoming better handlers.”

Ten sections will be covered: the horse in the wild – a herd and flight animal, the modern day horse, how horses see, how horses hear, horse herd behaviour – how horses interact with each other, horse handling/approaching a horse, rider/helmet safety, trailer loading safety basics, safety around the barn and paddocks, and fire safety.

Funding for this program has been generously provided by Canadian Agricultural Safety Association through the Growing Forward Program and partners: Equine Hippique Canada, Kubota Canada, SSG Riding Gloves, Saddle Up SAFELY, System Fencing, UK Ag Equine University of Kentucky, UK Healthcare, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services AND all equestrian federations across Canada.

Anyone who would like to learn more about the best practices for handling horses safely is encouraged to sign up. Cost: $75 + HST

For more details contact Susan Raymond at slraymon@uoguelph.ca

or visit: equineguelph.ca/eworkshops/behaviour_safety.php