Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.
The Joint Steering Committee of Equine Canada announces a successful settlement has been reached between Equine Canada and its provincial/territorial partners
Ottawa, ON—The Joint Steering Committee (JSC), comprised of representatives of Equine Canada, provinces/territories participating in Equine Canada programs, and non-participating provinces and territories, has concluded negotiations and has reached agreement on roles, governance structure and finance. This agreement will enable Equine Canada and its provincial/territorial partners to reunite and collaborate more effectively in the future.
These negotiations were a culmination of a mediation process that began in earnest in March 2011, when the Canadian equestrian community established the JSC and authorized it to explore options for the future governance and management of Equine Canada. Over the period of May and June, three volunteer sub-committees addressing governance, roles and responsibilities, and financial models worked tirelessly to prepare recommendations and options for the JSC's consideration.
"This journey has been a long one, and credit must go to the two dozen volunteers who invested incredible time and energy to make this project a success. Our result represents significant changes for the organizational structure and business model of Equine Canada, and we all know such change does not come easily and without sacrifice," says Mike Gallagher, President of Equine Canada and member of the JSC.
Adds Dominique Chagnon, Chair of the JSC and President of the Fédération équestre du Québec, "Our sport has been divided for a very long time. I believe we have prepared the road map to re-establish trust and to guide all of us forward into a new era of national and provincial collaboration. I congratulate all participants in this process for the effort they have made."
Noted Gary Yaghdjian, Past-President of the Ontario Equestrian Federation, "We look forward to non-participating provinces rejoining us in Equine Canada as full members."
The JSC has prepared a full report of its findings, which will be available in both official languages on the Equine Canada web site on August 8, 2011 (www.equinecanada.ca). The report describes numerous changes that will be made to governance and membership structures, competition management, coaching and officials development, member dues and national/provincial/territorial relations. Some changes will take effect immediately while others will be phased in gradually. The voting membership of Equine Canada must also endorse any necessary bylaw changes. Over this transition period, Equine Canada and its provincial/territorial partners will also be making the necessary governance adjustments to ensure full compliance with the forthcoming federal Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
Neurotropic Equine Herpes Virus -1 Reported in the United States and Canada
Ottawa, ON — Equine Canada’s Health and Welfare Committee is notifying horse owners that Neurotropic Equine Herpes Virus-1 (nEHV-1) has been reported in horses in the United States, with confirmed cases in Alberta (1) and British Columbia (3). This is the neurological strain of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV 1). Outbreaks of nEHV-1 are contagious and have a high risk of mortality. Read more:
Canada’s double Paralympic medalist Lauren Barwick to Star on CBC’s Heartland
Ottawa, ON—Canada’s double Paralympic medalist, Lauren Barwick will star in an upcoming episode of CBC’s popular television show Heartland.
The show, premiering on March 6 at 7 p.m. (7:30 p.m. in Newfoundland), is titled “Never Surrender,” and features Barwick, who won individual gold and silver medals at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, and L'Amistad 22, Lori Garlough’s 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding.
Barwick’s expertise is featured in the storyline which includes ex-rodeo star, Bryce, who was paralyzed during military service. Bryce (guest star Jesse Hutch) returns home and hires Amy Fleming (Amber Marshall) to help sell his roping horse, but she sees an opportunity to re-train both horse and rider. Amy needs both Ty (Graham Wardle) and Caleb’s (Kerry James) help to convince this proud and emotionally damaged cowboy that he can recapture his love for riding despite his injury. Read on:
Funding Available to Companies for Export Market Development through the AgriMarketing Program
Ottawa, Ontario — Equine Canada invites small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in the promotion and sale of equine genetics, horses, ponies, donkeys or mules to apply by October 10, 2010, for upwards of $50,000 each for promotional activities that target markets outside of North America.
Applications approved by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) can receive matching grant funding available through the AgriMarketing Program (AMP) for activities carried out between January 1 and March 31, 2011. The path to funding for SMEs was paved when Equine Canada received its own Contribution Agreement for AMP funding in mid-September when the Government of Canada solidified its planned investment of $135,033 this year in support of the association’s work for the export promotion of Canadian-bred horses and genetics.
“For more than 100 years, Canada’s equine industry has partnered with the Government of Canada to build, sustain and promote the sector nationally and internationally. On behalf of the Breeds & Industry Division of Equine Canada and its affiliates, I wish to thank the Government of Canada for this funding and for the opportunity for individual companies to apply for additional funding for their own export development activities,” said Dean Leifso, chair, Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division.
The objective of the AMP is to enhance the Canadian agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood sectors' marketing capacity and competitiveness by assisting industry to identify market priorities and equip itself for success in global markets. The program is an important vehicle for bringing greater cohesion to associations' marketing efforts to brand Canadian food and agriculture as a whole in international markets. AMP is a cost-sharing program whereby the government matches dollar-for-dollar the amount of money contributed by industry.
AMP requires SMEs to work with Equine Canada who will confirm their export-readiness and submit funding applications on their behalf. Funding proposals from SMEs are for company-specific export market development and export marketing activities for the promotion and sale of Canadian-bred horses and genetics that target markets other than Canada and the USA. The program will cost-share eligible expenses at 50 per cent, up to a maximum of $50,000, with the SME providing the remaining 50 percent.
SMEs can find more information at www.equinecanada.ca/breedsandindustry/ or http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1281731001985&lang=eng. Questions can be directed to Michael Arbour, Equine Canada Chief Financial Officer, tel: 613-248-3433, ext. 108 or email: marbour@equinecanada.ca.
In a separate funding stream for national associations, such as Equine Canada, AMP assists them to conduct generic activities on behalf of all members. Approved activities must be designed in a manner that enables the association to obtain information for the benefit of all members and the industry as a whole. In the case of association funding, horses and genetics can only be marketed from a Canadian perspective rather than from an individual company perspective.
Equine Canada will use its funding by March 2011 to broaden the international awareness of the quality and availability of Canadian-bred horses and genetics. Activities will include developing more online tools such as web and social media platforms that will educate Canadian stakeholders in export development, financing available to exporters and their customers, the use of the Canada Brand, and most importantly, help Canadians make greater connections with international buyers. Along with promoting Canada’s equine sector from a large trade fair booth at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky from September 25 to October 10, additional activities include conducting market investigations by attending meetings and trade shows in the USA, China and Chinese Taipei, and showcasing Canada’s mature and developed equine sector to delegates from around the world at events and seminars in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta.
About Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division
Equine Canada Breeds & Industry Division provides a structure for breed organisations operating in Canada to unite as a coalition under the national federation of Equine Canada. It provides a forum from which to seek and exchange information between Equine Canada, Canadian stakeholders, the Government of Canada and foreign entities. The Breeds & Industry Division works to promote and assist a vibrant equine industry and to affect policy in Canada. Breed organisations and industry partners share resources and expertise with unity of purpose to increase the long-term profitability of Canada’s equine sector and ensure its future viability.
Government of Canada Helps Improve Animal Care Practices
Ottawa, ON—Equine Canada is pleased to announce that the Code of Practice for Horses will now be updated. This follows the Government of Canada’s announcement, made at the University of Guelph on April 30, 2010, of its investment in the further development of best-practices for livestock handling.
“Taking care of the livestock is the first chore in the morning and the last chore at night because farmers know that healthy animals mean a healthy business,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “The Government of Canada is proud to partner with Canadian farmers to further develop best-practices that will strengthen our livestock industry.”
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), working with the secretariat support of the Canadian Animal Health Coalition (CAHC), will use this investment of up to $3.4 million to advance animal care and well-being in the farmed animal sector. This investment will help develop a new Codes of Practice for various farmed animal sectors and an on-farm assessment protocol.
As a member organization of both NFACC and CAHC, Equine Canada has been leading the effort since 2005 to update the 1998 Code of Practice for Horses. Equine Canada advocates the humane treatment of all horses, and believes that the equine industry and horse owners have a responsibility to provide humane care throughout the life of the horse.
“The equine sector of Canada is grateful to the Government of Canada for providing funding for Codes of Practice development and renewal,” said Dr. Mary Bell, co-chair of the Equine Canada Health & Welfare Committee. “Without exception, horses will benefit from the equine sector’s commitment to work together to update care and handling guidelines. The updated Code of Practice for Horses will provide an educational tool to assist in improving a horse’s quality of life from birth through death.”
The NFACC Code of Practice Development Process, finalized in 2009 by consensus from all member organizations of NFACC, will guide Canadian equine industry stakeholders through the process of Code renewal. The NFACC Code of Practice Development Process aims to
The Codes of Practice are nationally developed guidelines for the care and handling of the different species of farm animals. They are intended to promote sound management and welfare practices through recommendations and requirements for housing, management, transportation, processing and other animal husbandry practices. Requirements refer to either a regulatory requirement, or an industry-imposed expectation for minimum standard of care. Included are recommended best practices to encourage a higher level of care.
Codes of Practice serve multiple purposes including
“NFACC provides a vehicle for ensuring a national coordinated approach on farm animal care among all stakeholders across the entire value chain,” said Edouard Asnong, chair, NFACC. “NFACC appreciates the Federal Government’s support to address farm animal care issues that relate to its members, domestic and export markets, the Canadian and provincial governments and the Canadian public, utilizing science-based and collaborative processes.”
For more information about NFACC, visit www.nfacc.ca.
Funding for this project is being made available through the AgriFlexibility fund, a program delivered in Canada's Economic Action Plan (EAP). The EAP focuses on strengthening the economy and securing Canada’s economic future. For more information on the AgriFlexibility fund and Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/agriflexibility and www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information about Code of Practice for Horses renewal, e-mail inquiries@equinecanada.ca.
At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Saturday February 6, 2010, in Montreal, QC, Hayes Co. was awarded the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award.
Photo ID—Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. and Dean Leifso, chair of the Equine Canada awards committee
Photo Credit—Normand HuberdeauOttawa, Ontario— Equine Canada proudly announces that the recipient of the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award is Hayes Co.
The Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award recognizes a member of Equine Canada who practices and promotes outstanding and environmentally-friendly stewardship practices. With the inception of the Collingwood Horse Show in 1986, so began Hayes Co.
Comprised of the members of the Hayes show jumping family, Hayes Co. managed the Collingwood Horse Show in Collingwood, ON, for 21 years and currently organizes the National Capital Show Jumping Tournaments in Ottawa, ON, and the Ocala Jumping Classic in Ocala, FL.
At each of these shows Hayes Co. implements a strict recycling program for everything from cans and paper to manure. Arrangements are made in the respective communities to have recyclables picked up for processing, while in the case of the National Capital Classic, a local strawberry farmer was offered free delivery of the show’s accumulated manure for use in his farming initiative.
Hayes Co. also encourages participants and spectators at their shows to follow suit in these environmental practices, demonstrating that if it can be done at a large scale event such as theirs, that surely people can do this at home as well.
“We are very honoured to receive this award because we care about the environment, it is so easy to do and it is an essential way to preserve the land and the environment, which is so precious to us,” said Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. “Thank you to Equine Canada and Just Add Horses for recognizing the importance of the environment with this award. We hope that everyone in our equestrian community can continue to do their part.”
This award sees the partnership of Equine Canada and Alex Milne and Associates, the makers of Just Add Horses products, and recognizes a member of Equine Canada who practices and promotes outstanding and environmentally-friendly stewardship practices.
At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala, on Saturday February 6, 2010, in Montreal, QC, Ainsley Hayes of Hayes Co. was awarded the 2009 Equine Canada / Just Add Horses Environment Award.
January 8, 2010
December 17, 2009
Ottawa, ON—Equine Canada strongly endorsed the Clean Sport Commission Report, presented at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) General Assembly, held in Copenhagen at the end of November. We are pleased that the overwhelming majority of other national equestrian federations (NFs) also supported the report. Press release...
December 11, 2009
Ottawa, ON—The Equine Canada Canadian Reining Committee (CRC) would like to advise all interested parties that the dates have changed regarding proposals from show committees interested in hosting the World Equestrian Games Canadian Reining Committee Selection Finals.
Now all proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. eastern time on January 18, 2010. Any proposals received after that time will not be considered. more....
October 2, 2009
Para-Equestrian Canada Announces Competition Grant Funding Opportunities for Therapeutic Riding Centres
Ottawa, ON—Equine Canada, in partnership with Sport Canada, is pleased to announce that two series of grants will be available to Therapeutic Riding Centres in Canada, totaling $5,000. More...
October 1, 2009
Ottawa, ON—Each year the Equine Canada Nominations Committee has the responsibility of presenting a slate of candidates to the membership for the election of a Director-at-Large. More info...
August 24, 2009
Para-Equestrian Canada Launches Search for Development Coach
Ottawa, ON—Para-Equestrian Canada has launched a search for an Ontario-based regional development coach.
The ideal candidate would be a qualified dressage coach and rider, possessing knowledge of or experience with riders with disabilities. The selected individual will fill an important role within the organization by transitioning athletes to higher levels of competition, both nationally and abroad. More info....
August 4 , 2009
Equine Canada Enters Into Dynamic Partnership with University of Guelph
Ottawa, Ontario—Equine Canada is very pleased to announce its new partnership with the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus (UGKC) during the upcoming fall 2009 and spring 2010 semesters.
This unique collaboration will provide an educational opportunity to equine students at the UGKC by developing course material that provides insight and practical applications in areas such as athlete selection and preparation, marketing, communications and components involved in the lead-up and execution of an international equestrian competition. Read more....
Horse Week 2009: May 30th-June 7th
Since it's inception in 2002, Horse Week in Canada has been growing steadily. Started by Equine Canada in cooperation with the provincial equestrian federations, Horse Week was initialized to "promote and celebrate Canada's thriving horse industry." More….
04.20.09
Equine Canada Sanctioned Events Will Include Drug-testing of Horses for Anabolic Steroids and Fluphenazine as of June 1st, 2009.
As it is the responsibility of Equine Canada Members to keep informed of all drug-testing procedures, guidelines and changes, the Equine Canada Medical Control Committee (EMCC) is announcing the following medication control information: Read on...
