Standardbred Canada's (SC) Board of Directors met today (March 27, 2020) and would like to provide an update regarding its ongoing advocacy on behalf of our membership facing financial hardship during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as offer support during this unprecedented disruption of normal business operations.

SC is the national registry for standardbreds with a mandate for the registration and identification of standardbred horses, keeping of pedigrees and records regarding the breeding and standardbred racing; and the promotion of protection of the breed and the persons who breed, own and race standardbred horses.

SC is working closely with Equestrian Canada (EC) the governing body for equine sport and industry in Canada.

SC empathizes with all those who are directly affected by this situation, and is fully aware of the potential financial implications and will continue to support the standardbred industry to the best of our ability.

How is SC Advocating for our Membership?

In order to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, it is imperative that we take a coordinated, collaborative approach to advocacy with EC and in close partnership with our provincial horse associations to understand and plan for the short- and long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Standardbred industry.

SC is actively communicating and working with EC and with federal agencies and corporations to ensure that Standardbred members and farms can access support.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, has been made aware of the financial hardships that Canadian equine farms and farm businesses face with the loss of public-facing operations including horse racing. SC has requested collaboration and support for the racing sector through multiple channels and will continue to work with organizations such as Equestrian Canada and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture to amplify the voice of our concerns.

Additionally, conversations have been initiated with Farm Credit Canada, Canada’s largest agricultural term lender, as well as other leading agriculture financial lending institutions. It is of the utmost importance that our standardbred farms, stables and training centers have access to the necessary financial support; and with EC we are working to ensure that our sector’s needs are heard, the diversity of our sector is understood, and that we are recognized during future decision-making and assessment processes.

Although conversations are in the early stages, SC is hopeful and will continue to work in service of the needs of our membership.

Next Steps

In order to develop an effective advocacy plan, SC requires members input to understand the immediate and long-term needs. SC will be collecting industry-based business profiles that will enhance our capacity to interact with key stakeholders (e.g. government agencies, financial institutes). A communication will follow linking to a survey to collect this information.

Additional next steps include:

• Ensuring that the SC website and statement on COVID-19 is kept up-to-date to deliver the information and resources our members require on an ongoing basis and in an easily accessible format.

• Establishing a communication network with Canada’s standardbred horse associations through website, social media and other digital engagement exercises.

SC appreciates your patience as we navigate these unprecedented times and will continue to provide continuous, thorough and up-to-date communication concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Please submit any and all questions and concerns related to COVID-19 through feedback.

What resources are available to me as an equine farm or equestrian facility?

We recommend that all equine farm and equestrian facility owners take the time to ensure your business administrative records are up-to-date and ready for potential financial resources and programming that may become available.

For provincial resources, visit the website of your respective horse association. Additionally, please review the resources outlined below:

Business Support Resources:

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada

• BDC – Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19

Agriculture Business Operating Credit Resources

• RBC Farm Management Line of Credit

• TD Agriculture Borrowing Solutions

• Scotiabank Credit Line for Agriculture

Insurance Resources

• CapriCMW – COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions