Originally posted Aug, 12, 2024 by Open Learning and Educational Support, University of Guelph Dana Willett’s lifelong passion for horses transformed over many years, evolving into a dream both simple and profound. At an early age, Dana’s love for horses began with riding. She quickly became a “barn rat” as she put it, doing every…

Originally posted by Open Learning and Educational Support at the University of Guelph – July 12, 2024 Imagine if a dedication to the underdogs became a life mission. Meet Stacey Iverson, one of OpenEd’s Equine Studies Online students. Stacey is currently completing the Certificate in Equine Welfare–a program that challenges students’ perspectives with six unique courses. In her…

If you are a Black Beauty fan, you will recall the scene where Beauty is being led from a burning barn and he’s scared.  James puts the blindfold on to instantly calm him down, and then he’s able to be rescued.  Written in 1877 by Anna Sewell, the novel was based on how horse handling…

Shelby Dennis’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of education. Her journey with Equine Guelph’s Online Science Certificate program and the Roger L’Heureux Tuition Award is a narrative of triumph over traditional expectations and a celebration of lifelong learning.

Alumni, Holly Heartz has a real appreciation for horse behaviour and the prevention of stereotypies thanks to Equine Guelph’s online 12-week courses. Of great interest was learning what causes stereotypies in horses. The following downloadable information sheet examines what causes sterotypies and how they can be prevented through implementing best stable management practices.

20th Anniversary Alumni, Monica Laane-Fralick has a real appreciation for welfare-based management strategies thanks to Equine Guelph’s 12-week online courses. Of great interest was learning about the myths in some traditional stable management practices and dispelling them with evidence-based sources such as those provided by Equine Guelph courses. Anthropomorphism (attribution of human characteristics/behaviours to animals) can create misunderstandings…

By: Anya Barradas This summer, Equine Guelph celebrates its 20th anniversary. The award-winning centre at the University of Guelph is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of horses through education and research.   “Over the years, our centre has become a model for online equine education programs and a hub for horse professionals from around…

HorseDay Erin, held in early June at the Erin Fairgrounds, gave back to the local equine community to support horse education and horse welfare.  “One of the goals of HorseDay Erin is to create a long term, community event, that supports horses in Erin, in Wellington County, and throughout Ontario.” says Bridget Ryan, event organizer. …

A town where unicorns, ponies, horses, dogs, goats, sheep, humans and one mermaid were recently observed delivering important messages about the wonderful world of equines to face-painted children wearing horse hats. This rare sighting was documented on May 27, 2023 at the Erin Fairgrounds during HorseDay Erin. Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph’s director, was at the…

Equine Guelph 20th Anniversary Special Feature Graduate of Equine Guelph’s Equine Business Management Certificate in 2021, Heather Sproul has optimized her horse husbandry with Equine Guelph’s online 12-week courses and set up a business offering equine massage. During what is now Equine Guelph’s 20th anniversary year of offering award-winning online courses for the horse industry,…

Story by: Anya Barradas, Ontario Veterinary College Students and faculty from more than 40 countries around the world form the foundation of Equine Guelph’s online community. Regardless of their academic backgrounds, their goals or their reasons for enrolling, students from different walks of life can adapt the courses to their specific needs and interests. What…

“A very near-accident with my horse trailer was a wake-up call for me,” says Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph. “It showed me clearly that I didn’t know what I didn’t know about safety while trailering a horse! Hearing similar stories from others prompted me to propose this course to my team and all agreed…