ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

London , Ontario , March 19, 2005… It was standing room only in the 350-seat auditorium at the new Agriplex, Western Fairgrounds to watch Eilidh Macintyre win top score in her age category and also top overall score of over 220 participants in the inaugural Equimania Youth Quiz.

The EquiMania! Quiz Challenge was held at the Can-Am Equine Expo, the largest education and trade show event in Ontario, and is part of Equine Guelph's new youth education program that also includes an interactive website, www.equimania.ca. Questions about horse care and health tested the knowledge of the young horse enthusiasts and awards were given out for top marks in the three age categories.

The winners of the challenge were:

Age 14
1st - Katrina Cairns
2nd - Stephanie Calisina
3rd - Danielle Ondrejicka

Age 12 - 13
1st - Eilidh Macintyre
2nd - Carley Willcock
3rd - Madison Wells

Age 10 - 11
1st - Danielle Maguire
2nd - Tiana Domingos
3rd - Michaela Ondrejicka

"Through the education programs of Equine Guelph, we promote horse health and safety. EquiMania! is our new education initiative aimed at youth. We hope it will encourage youth to become interested in horses through learning about health, disease prevention and management in a fun and interactive environment.” said Gayle Ecker, Senior Manager. “We are delighted with the support received and thank our funding partners who helped make this possible.”

Youth interested in learning more about horses and their proper care are encouraged to visit the website often as new items will be added on a regular basis. EquiMania! Quiz Challenges are scheduled for the Ontario Equestrian Federation 2005 Annual Conference and Can-Am Equine Expo 2006. Watch for updates at www.equimania.ca.

Equine Guelph is the horse owner and caregiver's centre at the University of Guelph dedicated to the improvement of health and well-being of the horse through the provision and promotion of research, performance and education. Equine Guelph's Advisory Council includes representation from the: E.P. Taylor Equine Research Fund, Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and University of Guelph. Funding for EquiMania! has also been received from Standardbred Canada, Woodbine Entertainment Group and private donors. Generous contributions of prizes and participation packages were received from Agribrands, Cassio Ribbons, Can-Am Equine Marketing Inc., Farmix, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Sportswood Printing and TSC Stores.