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Equine Industry Symposium discusses the future of equestrianism in CanadaFebruary 2018
For immediate release
The opening remarks by Akaash Maharaj, former CEO of Equine Canada, put the Canadian equine industry into perspective using startling graphics clearly depicting a greater impact on the economy than the dairy industry, and a striking decline in industry participants. “Our industry is galloping toward a demographic precipice and unless we do something today, our industry will collapse in a mere 25 years.” The morning was filled with thought-provoking presentations from a variety of professionals addressing the topics of youth recruitment, engagement and succession. Dr. Heather Ramey from Humber College School of Social and Community Services iterated that activity participation does not follow a clear-cut model, but should begin early to keep youth interested later in life. Parents play a key role in youth engagement – parents who participate in activities themselves or who value participation, who are better educated and have a higher income, are more likely engage their children in activities. Barriers must be removed to provide youth with opportunities to get involved in the industry.
The afternoon provided the opportunity for attendees to contribute to ideas and actions through round-table discussions centred on the three themes of recruitment, engagement, and succession. The Recruitment group identified misconceptions of the equine industry that create barriers to entry and the need to develop unity among the numerous discipline/breed/method groups. Having a unified education presence at equine events across Canada would inform those unfamiliar with the industry, and annual conferences could focus on the development of the education message through partnerships and networking. Conversation in the Engagement group addressed ways to sustain the interest and develop the skills of individuals who have already become aware of horses and the industry. Where not every equine facility can provide everything to everyone, a network of facilities would enable the sharing of ideas and resources that focus on specific skills, attributes, specialties and career opportunities. An Equine Professional Association would bring together experts to connect the industry and build a community of practice. The Horse Portal would be a logical clearinghouse for this community of equine knowledge and opportunity. The Succession group emphasized the need for unity to put our industry in a better position to develop standardizations, identify professional pathway options and funding opportunities, and strengthen the body of knowledge through integrated local, provincial and national strategies. The goodwill and enthusiasm in the room was palpable as participants embraced the symposium’s theme of “Joining Forces.” Maharaj summed up the day with the phrase “I am somebody. Each and every one of us is important to the equine community, and each of us can take a small step or a large step or a series of steps to influence the direction our industry will take. We will succeed together, or fail apart.”
Top photo: round table group discussion (photo credit Katrina Merkies) Bottom photo: group photo of speakers and VIPs from L to R: Noah Morrissey (son of Dominic Morrissey), Jenny Mayer (Project Assistant at AgScape), Heather Ramey (Co-Director of Research at the Centre of Excellence for Youth Engagement), Gayle Ecker, (Equine Guelph director) Rene van Acker (dean of Ontario Agricultural College), Dr. Malcolm Campbell (AVP research for University of Guelph), Dr. Bronwynne Wilton (Synthesis Associates), Akaash Maharaj (Chief executive officer at Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption), Tracey McCague-McElrae (executive director of Ontario Equestrian), Dominic Morrissey (PC candidate), Kim Leffley (former National Chair of the Canadian Pony Club) (photo credit Matthew Riediger) |