Equine Guelph, with the support of 20 industry partners from Canada and the United States, is launching a 20-page bilingual interactive workbook titled 'Danger Detective on the Horse Farm,' which teaches equine safety to youth

through fun, engaging activities.

Horses continue to be the No. 1 cause of agricultural animal injuries to our youth; 67 per cent of animal-related injuries to kids (aged 19 and under) are caused by horses. In addition, machine run-overs are the No. 1 cause of fatal injuries to youth on farms (Source: Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting program). The combination of horses and equipment plus kids can add up to a disaster waiting to happen.

The way to keep our children safe is through education, and Equine Guelph has rallied with the industry to present this significant project. Major partners include: Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), Equine Guelph, Kubota Canada, SSG Gloves, Saddle Up SAFELY, System Fencing and Tack, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture (The Equine Initiative), University of Kentucky HealthCare and Workplace Safety Prevention Services. All equine federations are on-board, including: Alberta Equestrian Federation, Alberta Farm Safety Centre, Equine Association of Yukon, Fédération équestre du Québec, Horse Council British Columbia, Island Horse Council, Manitoba Horse Council, New Brunswick Equestrian Federation, Newfoundland Equestrian Association, Nova Scotia Equestrian Federation Ontario Equestrian Federation and Saskatchewan Horse Federation.

Partners will be distributing 55,000 workbooks to kids aged 10-12 years, available through: EquiMania! (Can-Am and 'The Royal'), federation exhibits at shows and events, industry retail locations, classrooms (in Alberta) and federation mailings.

This project was made possible by a significant funding contribution from CASA, a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and safety on Canadian farms and ranches.

“CASA is pleased to support an initiative within this unique agricultural industry; one that is uniting to create a strong partnership to keep its kids safe,” said Marcel Hacault, executive director of CASA.

For more information on how to obtain a Danger Detective on the Horse Farm Activity Workbook, please contact your provincial/territorial equine federation.

(Equine Guelph)