As the 2019-20 “Ontario Training Pilot Project for the Horse Racing Industry” draws to completion at year-end, Equine Guelph is launching a survey to hear from the industry.

“How did we do? What do you want to learn next?” Equine Guelph is calling on stakeholders from the racing industry to provide feedback.

In 2016, Equine Guelph conducted a major Ontario Horse Racing Industry Survey and learned over 70% of the respondents agreed that the industry would benefit from education/training opportunities for both grooms and trainers. The top three health issues of concern were: #1 – respiratory issues, #2 – injuries, #3 – gut issues. As a result, Equine Guelph developed three free racing-exclusive online courses on www.TheHorsePortal.ca/RacingPilot as part of the AGCO-funded “Ontario Training Pilot Project for the Ontario Horse Racing Industry”. Over 800 AGCO license holders have registered for racing-exclusive and general course offerings and their testimonials are coming in with rave reviews.

So What’s Next? – We want to Hear from YOU again!

Testimonials are wonderful but Equine Guelph wants to hear from the broader Ontario horse racing industry regarding their current views on the importance of industry training. Are there more topics of interest the industry would like to see developed? Completion of an online short course is not a prerequisite for taking the survey. Equine Guelph would like your thoughts for potential new online courses. We also want to know if there are important topics from the current course outlines that merit further development or topics the racing industry would like to see added to curriculums?

“Equine Guelph is dedicated to serving the horse industry and we thank all the partners that have enabled the racing community to try out flexible, online learning on The Horse Portal,” says Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph director, “We are eager to hear more input form the racing industry and receive further direction on industry needs.”

The survey consists of 20 questions and will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The survey will remain open from November 10 - January 20. At the end of the questionnaire, participants will have the chance to enter a draw for $50 Tim Hortons cards (10 prizes available). Have your say and tell us how we are doing and what is next. Take the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Survey today!

Equine Guelph thanks the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for providing education, training and awareness project funding in support of AGCO licensees. Project partners include: Central Ontario Standardbred Association, The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc. and Standardbred Canada.

(Equine Guelph)