Canada’s Longest-Running Equine Photography Competition! This year, participation soared with an impressive increase in both the quantity and quality of entries, making it a tough but rewarding challenge for our judges. We were thrilled to see many familiar contestants return and to welcome hundreds of new participants. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared their unique images and stories.
From tragedy, trauma, repeating nightmares, and substance abuse, to healing, wholeness, and helping others. Ross MacInnes, co-founder of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Canada, is living a life of purpose. Horses have helped him get there.
Canada is facing a significant veterinarian shortage that is adversely affecting horse owners. The shortage is particularly acute in rural areas, where equine veterinarians are often unavailable.
The 30th Annual Canadian Warmblood Fall Classic Breeders' Sale held October 18-21, 2024 was a record-breaking sale. With a gross dollar value of over $730,000 CAD it surpassed previous sales by a wide margin. Averages were up in every category, and of the 29 horses sold, eight went to the United States where the strong dollar gave them an effective 30% discount. Sixteen went to buyers outside of Alberta confirming the wide following that the sale has achieved over the years.
Keeping horses sound is one of the most difficult and important aspects of horse sport. Given that horses have an uncanny ability to injure themselves, at some point every rider or horse owner will need their veterinarian to conduct a lameness evaluation.
On October 22, 2024, at the Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph (U of G), in Guelph, Ontario (ON), Director Gayle Ecker was honoured for her more than 20 years of leadership at Equine Guelph. She was also recognized for inspiring a transformative bequest of approximately $7 million from the Estate of Donna Moore designated for the centre’s operations and equine research.
The Hidden Carbon Cost of Equestrian Events Revealed - At the 19th International Society for Equitation Science Conference in March 2024, which took place in Cambridge, New Zealand, Iris Huisman from Wageningen University in the Netherlands presented research on the significant environmental impacts of sport horses, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and their lifecycle footprint.
Purchasing a horse can be an exciting yet stressful experience, particularly when it comes time for the pre-purchase examination, or “vetting.” For the seller, there may be anxiety about uncovering health issues that could end the sale. For the buyer, there’s the fear that their dream horse might fail the vet check, leading to disappointment. However, understanding the true purpose of this essential veterinary service can help ease the tension and ensure a smoother process.
Funding, Education, Insurance, Community - Do you need money for a clinic or competition? Do you want to attend free webinars and equine programs? How about insurance to help pay for damage done by your horse? Or connections with like-minded horsey folk?
Many horse people yearn to leave the city behind, believing that the country provides opportunities for a more natural lifestyle, a slower pace, and a chance to fulfill lifelong dreams such as keeping their horses at home, growing a big garden, and enjoying a healthier way of life.
