ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Story by: Jackie Bellamy Zions

Hundreds of Ontario Racing industry members have discovered ways to optimize the health and performance of their racehorses by taking online short courses through TheHorsePortal.ca. For those ready to take that learning to the next level, Equine Guelph offers two tuition awards for 12-week online university-accredited courses set up by families passionate about the racing industry and the welfare of the athletes within it. Applications for the 2020 tuition awards are open until November 30.

The Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award was established in loving memory of Standardbred driver, trainer and groom, Roger L’Heureux by David L’Heureux and Crystal Fountains Inc. The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award has been created by the Stocks family in memory of their beloved brother, son and uncle, and avid follower of top thoroughbred racehorses, Mr. Stuart Stocks.

In 2020, we have learned to be flexible, innovative, resilient and we have found amazing ways to use online technology. The learning opportunities online are multiplying daily and Equine Guelph has been a pioneer for online learning for the horse industry since 2002.

“The bar is high for top performers and care takers of racehorses who can pick up on potential problems before they become health and performance issues are most certainly an asset to their employer,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “We have been administering these tuition awards since 2016 and it is fantastic to see the future ambassadors in the racing industry keen to advance their knowledge and take that knowledge back to the stable.”

Selected for their love of horses, commitment to their welfare and desire to learn, both winners will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $549 each (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business – six courses complete the certificate).

One of the most popular courses among our tuition award winners has been Exercise Physiology. “Knowledge acquired in Equine Guelph online courses has opened doors for me in the industry,” says, Standardbred breeder, and past recipient of both awards, Cameron Lago. “The racing industry is a tight-knit community and since taking the courses, I have seen a few big name trainers pushing towards hiring Equine Guelph students and have motivated a few friends to look into them.”

After taking the online Exercise Physiology course, Lago says he gleaned important information on how different muscle fibers are being used and how their composition will reflect on how well the horses perform at the track. Learning about bone remodeling has had an impact on how he will train his foals; walking at increased rates progressively as they grow up to ensure bone structure can handle training while maintaining a balance of not pushing so hard that it becomes an animal welfare issue.

The candidates for Equine Guelph’s 2020 tuition awards are required to write a 250 word letter demonstrating their love of horses and commitment to the industry. Entries will be accepted until Nov, 30, 2020.

For submission details.