Equine Guelph Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
May 27, 2008 - News Release
Equine Guelph wants horse lovers to help celebrate its fifth anniversary by saddling up at the annual ride day June 1 at the Jaybird Ranch in Rockwood.
Hosted in partnership with the Ontario Equestrian Federation (OEF), the event is a chance to spend an afternoon learning about horses and horseback riding.
In addition to trail rides and lead line rides, Equine Guelph will be running EquiMania!, an interactive youth education program designed to promote horse health and safety to all ages.
"The fifth anniversary is an important milestone for Equine Guelph, and it's a celebration of partnerships between the University of Guelph and the equine industry," said Gayle Ecker, senior manager of Equine Guelph. "It's this unique partnership that sets us apart and helps us promote educational opportunities and bring together members of the industry to fund important research projects in support of horse health and welfare."
Founded in 2003, Equine Guelph is the horse owner's centre at the University of Guelph, said Ecker. Supported and overseen by equine industry groups, it is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of horses and helps connect members of the equine industry with expertise at the Ontario Veterinary College.
Equine Guelph focuses on five interrelated areas: research, education and training, performance, health care and industry development. Efforts in these areas support the horse throughout its lifespan by providing a comprehensive continuum of care that optimizes health, addresses performance issues, and fully supports diagnosis and treatment of sick and injured horses.
Over the past five years, Equine Guelph's research program has increased understanding of the transmission of MRSA and colic, the use of new diagnostic tools, the impact of horse behaviour on racing performance and the incidence of horse injuries at the racetrack.
Equine Guelph's award-winning education program has been similarly successful, said Susan Raymond, communications and program officer for Equine Guelph.
"Each year the program continues to grow and expand with the goal of helping owners and caregivers make sound science-based decisions in managing their horses."
For the first time this year, the youth program EquiMania! participated in the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. Equine Guelph also announced a new online diploma in equine studies and a certificate in equine business management.
In the area of health and performance, Equine Guelph has worked hard over the years to support both horse athletes and companion horses with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, said Ecker.
"It's been a very successful five years. We hope people will come out and help us celebrate at the annual ride day."
For more information about the ride day or to register, visit the OEF website or contact Melissa Monardo at marketing@horse.on.ca.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or l.hunt@exec.uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
