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Story: Jackie Bellamy-Zions

Guelph, Ontario – Equine Guelph has announced it will be offering a FREE hands-on equine first aid workshop facilitated by veterinarians for 40 Ontario horse industry participants. Thanks to a grant from Grand River Agricultural Society, horse racing track managers from Ontario, horse caregivers from the province and OSPCA assessment officers will have the opportunity to sign up on a first-come-first-serve basis for this Oct 20 -21 weekend workshop to be held at Grand River Raceway in Elora, Ontario.

“The Grand River Agricultural Society is pleased to provide support for the equine first aid and wound management training program, and look forward to hosting a workshop at our facility to give our employees, trainers, grooms, and other stakeholders valuable hands on practical experience,” says Jamie Martin, GRR Director of Operations.

Accidents and injuries can happen at any time anywhere, for any number of reasons. This makes it essential that everyone involved with horses – grooms, trainers, riders, drivers, coaches – learn how to administer first aid and how to do so safely. When minutes count, it is important to know how to make the most of every second until the veterinarian arrives.

This free course, valued at $420.00, is a great opportunity to receive training on what to do in an emergency and how to be prepared. Five components will be covered including: the principles of triage, horse assessment, wound management and bandaging, the first aid kit and eye injuries. Participants will learn the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of first aid from experienced veterinarians.

Instructors will include: Dr. Laura Frost, Halton Equine Veterinary Services, Dr. Janet Beeler Marfisi, Clinical Pathology, Ontario Veterinary College and Dr. Kristen Frederick, Hagersville Veterinary Services.

“Funding from the Grand River Agricultural Society has been integral to development of this equine first aid workshop which will benefit all three racing sectors in Ontario as well as industry professionals from non-racing and OSPCA,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker.

Registration for the 40 free workshops is available on a first-come-first-serve-basis. To register, go to TheHorsePortal.ca.

For trainers and grooms from the horse racing industry, use the coupon code firstaidracing18,
For horse caregivers from non-racing, use the coupon code firstaidnonracing18.
(Offer open to Ontario residents only)

Following the hands-on workshop will be an Introduction to Equine First Aid Online short course in the winter of 2019.

Special thanks go out to Grand River Agricultural Society for making this important training possible. Thanks also to industry sponsors: Standardbred Canada, Intercity Insurance, Ontario Racing, Ontario Equestrian and the Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners.