May 25, 2013

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Equine Guelph Fundraiser In Rockwood, Sept. 6, Features 5 Star Parelli Professional In Evening Of Entertainment

Equine Guelph will benefit from a special presentation by 5 Star Master Parelli Professional trainer David Lichman who is coming to Rockwood, ON on Friday, September 6, 2013.

Lichman’s show is improvisational. Although there are specific things the horses know, the horses have a say in what happens, depending on how they are feeling.  The result is a display of affection, bonding and respect.  By asking instead of telling them to do things, Lichman puts his relationship with the horse above all else.

“I try to help people connect with horses so that it’s fun for both the human and the horse,” said the California based horse trainer.

The show will take place from 7:00p.m. to 9:00pm at:  Northfield Farm, 8368 Hwy 7 Rockwood, Ontario. N0B 2K0.

Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph, will share the spotlight with Lichman and his three horses as the evening’s guest speaker.

Lichman’s lifelong passion for helping humans and horses has inspired him to collaborate with equine organizations worldwide.  His first encounter with Equine Guelph was with researcher Dr. Jeff Thomason, a leading expert in measuring stress in the hoof. Lichman was intrigued with the future research applications that could be made with the ability to electronically measure and quantify stress applied to the hoof.

Fifty percent of the proceeds of the one and only Canadian show date on Lichman’s North American  tour will go to Equine Guelph.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door (children 12 and under are free). Tickets are available through this link:

http://lichmancanada-es2005.eventbrite.ca/?rank=3

 

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Equine Guelph Silent Auction At Can-Am A Success

Equine Guelph extends thanks to all the donors and buyers at the Silent Auction  hosted during this year’s Can-Am Equine Emporium which was held at the  Orangeville Fairgrounds and attended by over 7500 people.

Can-Am President Ross Millar matched the monies raised, sending the total over $5000 to benefit the operation of the educational and research  centre at the University of Guelph.

Special thanks to the auction coordinators Janice Blakeney and Ross Millar.

 

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Equine Guelph Advises of Equine Herpes Virus Case in Wellington County

Equine Guelph has advised in a recent newletter that a case of Neutropic Equine Herpes Virus-1 was diagnosed in Wellington County in mid-April.

To read  details on the treatment for and suggested prevention measures against this highly contagious virus, please  see the Equine Guelph Newsletter here.

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Free Equine Guelph Seminar To Provide Latest Research Updates For Horsepeople, Sat., April 6

Equine Guelph is hosting a free daylong seminar on Saturday, April 6, to highlight the Ontario Veterinary College researchers who have been featured in the popular “Report On Research” Series.

You can be one of the first to find out about the latest developments in equine research by attending this event which celebrates the Ten Year Anniversary of Equine Guelph.

Some of the topics covered will include: breakthroughs in stem cell research, recent developments in treating heaves, new understanding about the equine heart and fascinating advances in studies examining how the hoof functions.

During Equine Guelph’s 2013 “Report on Research” Update, participants will be able to ask questions and learn about how these new developments affect the people and the horses within our industry.

Many thanks to the Knowledge Translation and Transfer Program under the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs OMAFRA-U of G Partnership for the grant which made the “Report on Research” videos possible.

Register early – space is limited. Equine Guelph is a not-for-profit organization.  Donations are appreciated.

For more information about our researchers please visit  http://www.equineguelph.ca/research/index.php

To view the Report on Research videos go to:      http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9ACE18F9180735B1&feature=plcp

If you are interested in attending the “Report on Research” seminar on April 6th, please call Equine Guelph at 824-4120 ext. 54204 or email Jolene Perdue at eqmania@uoguelph.ca.

Or Register Online:   http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e71sh16g852ccece&llr=vhklqpjab

 

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University of Guelph Students Now Worried About Job Prospects In Equine Industry As Slots At Racetracks Program Closes

University of Guelph students pursuing an equine specialty are becoming increasingly concerned about job prospects as fallout from the Slots at Racetracks fiasco continues to trickle down.

Uncertainty in the horse racing sector will undoubtedly lead to drastic cuts in funding for research in 2013 and Equine Guelph head Gayle Ecker is concerned about the drop in enrolment in equine courses and certificates.

Read the full story by Dave Briggs writing in The Guelph Mercury here.

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Equine Guelph Again Offering Popular Infection Control Workshops For Horse People

Equine Guelph has announced the second offering of the Biosecurity Prevention eWorkshop from October 22 to November 4, 2012 and four more local workshops in Ontario.

Equine Guelph’s new eWorkshops are two-week online short courses designed for busy horse owners. They provide the latest evidence-based information available from University of Guelph facilitators and experts from the industry.

Last April horse enthusiasts from around the globe enjoyed the launch of Equine Guelph’s first eWorkshop on equine biosecurity.  Over a two-week period students learned how to protect their horses from infectious diseases in three steps:    1. Identify risks of infectious disease in the barn 2. Apply practical ways to reduce risks of disease 3. Reduce the chances of sickness

The first offering was met with positive feedback by students. Patty Russen, New York, USA said, “This course offered extensive information on biosecurity. I believe it to be valuable, and even essential, for any barn owner or for any horse owner/boarder that wants to protect and give their horse the best and safest conditions possible.”    Students joined in from around the globe, reaping the benefits of the flexible online format. Sue Kristiansen from Sweden commented, “This course really brought home the meaning of equine biosecurity.”    Local area students who just can’t find enough hours in the day to get off the farm were also among the participants of Equine Guelph’s first eWorkshop.

Jan Huntley of Ontario notes, “If you care about the health of your horse don’t miss this course! This was the best equine course I have taken. I gained new, valuable knowledge from every assignment. The assignments provided information and practical practices that you can apply immediately around your barn and horse to make the chances of catching or spreading diseases less likely. It is about time someone made the topic of biosecurity available to equine owners and handlers.”

UPCOMING FREE WORKSHOPS

Equine Guelph will also be offering free two- hour Biosecurity Workshops at:

Grand River Raceway, Elora, September 6, 1 – 3pm

University of Guelph, Guelph, September 13, 5 – 7pm

Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto, September 25, 1 – 3pm

Best Western Inn, Orangeville, September 27, 1 – 3pm

To register please contact Susan Raymond (slraymon@uoguelph.ca)

“Beat the Bugs” was developed by Equine Guelph with the assistance of its 13 industry partners: American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Colorado State University, Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Grand River Agricultural Society, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Veterinary College, Standardbred Canada, Vétoquinol Canada Inc. and Woodbine Entertainment Group.   This program is funded through the Agricultural Biosecurity Program (ABP), part of the Best Practices Suite of programs under Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

For more information about Equine Guelph’s biosecurity programs and to view the Biosecurity Calculator please visit www.EquineGuelph.ca/biosecurity.php or  contact Susan Raymond at Equine Guelph, slraymon@uoguelph.ca.

Equine Guelph offers award-winning online education from one of the top universities in Canada — the University of Guelph.   Students benefit from insights offered by leading industry experts from across North America. Equine Guelph’s online program has attracted over 1,000 students from all around the world, including every province in Canada, the United States, France, United Arab Emirates, Korea, Egypt, Australia, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Israel, Columbia, India and South Africa. Equine Guelph is known worldwide as one of the most respected online equine learning communities.

Don’t miss out on the next two-week eWorkshop from October 22 to November 4, 2012.  Cost is $75 + HST. Visit http://www.equineguelph.ca/biosecurity_esessions.php for course details.

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Equine Guelph’s Unique and Highly Valued Industry Role Highlighted

The Canadian Sportsman magazine,  which  once again carried off an armload of Awards  at the recent American Horse Publications ceremonies, spotlighted the uniqueness of Equine Guelph in its latest issue.

The article by Sandra Snyder outlines the latest research developments pertinent to racing, as well as how the partnership between the equine industry and the University of Guelph is breaking new ground in both reaching and educating horsepeople.

View the full story by clicking here.

 

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Groom One Course Through Equine Guelph Now Accepting Registrations

 

The next offering of the popular Groom One Course from Equine Guelph begins March 30, 2012.

Groom One is recognized by both Standardbred Canada and the Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program.  Horse enthusiasts over 16 years of age learn industry standards in this four-phase program combining hands-on experience and online education.

Phase One begins with a two-day orientation at Country Hill Stables in Goodwood, ON Friday, and Saturday March 30-31, 2012.

In Phase Two, students are assisted in finding entry-level employment to accumulate six months of work experience (based on a 35 – 40 hour work week).

Phase Three, ‘Groom One Online’, is set to begin May 21, 2012 and runs for three months.  The CD based units are complemented by online discussions & presentations with industry mentors.  The six units include: The Horse, Horse Handling, Horse Care, Nutrition, Management, and the Racing Community.

Phase Four, the ‘Learning Assessment’, completes the certification process with a demonstration of skills and knowledge.

Registration Details for Groom One are available on this link to Equine Guelph.

Equine Guelph has more to offer than any other online equine studies certificate or diploma program, with 19 courses taught by highly qualified, respected industry professionals from the University of Guelph’s renowned Ontario Vet College and beyond. New offerings developed due to popular demand include Equine Welfare as well as advanced courses in: Behaviour, Anatomy and Nutrition.

Full course listings are available at:  www.equinestudiesdiploma.com

 

 

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Equine Guelph Offers Free “Beat the Bugs” Workshops, the First at Mohawk, March 7

 

Equine Guelph is offering four free workshops at different horse centres in March to alert horsepeople to the best biosecurity practices for racing stables and farms.

“The recent devastating outbreak of EHV-1 in North America has highlighted the importance of infection control and biosecurity, as well as the deficiencies in knowledge and application that are present across the industry,” says Scott Weese, associate professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Guelph.

Proof-positive that the time for prevention has now arrived is the January 2012 biosecurity update from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirming cases of Equine Herpes in Southern Ontario.

“Increasing knowledge of best biosecurity practices stands to benefit the horse industry by reducing the risk of disease transmission and, in turn, could create a huge positive economic impact and prevent a potential catastrophic outbreak,”  says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker.

The “Beat the Bugs” program includes four workshops conducted by biosecurity specialists and offered free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

The workshops are scheduled as follows:  Mohawk Racetrack, Campbellville, March 7, 1 – 3pm; Western Fair, London (during Can-Am), March 16, 10am – noon; Kemptville College, Kemptville, March 24, 2 – 4pm; and Georgian Downs, Barrie, March 27, 1:30 – 3:30pm.  Contact Susan Raymond at Equine Guelph , slraymon@uoguelph.ca to register and for more information.

Bio-Security E-Session Available
For those who are looking to take their biosecurity knowledge to the next level, a two-week Equine Biosecurity e-Session is available April 16 – 29 for $75 (plus HST) per person.  Contact Susan Raymond at Equine Guelph, slraymon@uoguelph.ca , to register and for more information.

Equine Guelph’s “Beat the Bugs with Biosecurity,” program is funded through the Agricultural Biosecurity Program (ABP), part of the Best Practices Suite of programs under Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

“Beat the Bugs” has been developed by Equine Guelph with the assistance of its 11 industry partners: American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Colorado State University, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Veterinary College, Standardbred Canada, Vétoquinol Canada Inc. and Woodbine Entertainment Group.

For more information on the “Beat the Bugs with Biosecurity” initiative, and to view the Biosecurity Risk Calculator, visit www.EquineGuelph.ca/biosecurity.php. ♦

 

 

 

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New “Reporting on Research” Video Series from Equine Guelph

 

Equine Guelph has announced a new video series detailing research results and now available on its new YouTube Channel.
The first in the series of informative monthly releases deals with Heart Disturbances in Horses:

http://youtu.be/fXI3Q0pMl34

Normal heart rhythm and sounds in a horse are difficult to define because of the array of strange sounds and rhythms which can be found in apparently healthy animals and which change with exercise.  Also, even when sounds or rhythms do reflect heart problems, most horsepeople will not notice signs until the horse shows an unusual tendency to tire.

One aspect Guelph researchers Dr. Peter Physick-Sheard and Dr. Kim McGurrin look at is atrial fibrillation, the most common clinically significant rhythm disturbance in horses.   An “arrhythmia” is technically defined as an abnormal heart rhythm.  Irregular heart rhythm, however, is commonplace in horses and defining “normal” is apparently a complex process. In fact, even a completely steady rhythm can be considered abnormal.

A general physical examination is always made before any diagnosis of heart problems.    An Electrocardiogram will assess the heart’s rhythm and then an Ultrasound to see how efficiently muscles and valves work may follow. Diagnosticians are looking for enlargement or any abnormal structure in the heart and checking for normal blood flow around the valves.

Dr. Physick-Sheard describes two types of rhythm disturbance that can be found:
1.  Benign variations on normal (mostly involving the top part of the heart).
2. Ventricular rhythm disturbances, which can be serious and even life threatening.

When irregularities are found, first they check for problems outside the heart:  dehydration, electrolyte and acid base imbalance.  Under these circumstances secondary arrhythmias are often detected. Situations where cardiac problems are primary are rare, but can be serious.

McGurrin and Physick-Sheard have had enormous success treating arrhythmia with transvenous electrical cardioversion.  While the horse is anaesthetized, electrodes are placed into the heart to deliver an electric shock to convert the rhythm to normal.  The response rate with this s method of treatment has been an incredible 100 percent.

Dr. McGurrin and Dr. Physick-Sheard developed this technique before their first Standardbred track study, where they collected heart rhythm data during racing using an electrocardiogram.

Dr. Physick-Sheard has developed specialized equipment and software for the current intensive Thoroughbred study which he is hoping will give more insight into causes of sudden death.

Research funding on the subject of heart irregularities has been provided by Equine Guelph, Grayson Jockey Club Foundation and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

 

(With Files from Equine Guelph)

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