Tuition awards for the Ontario racing industry have been making a difference, giving racing industry employees a leg up in their careers.

Hundreds of Ontario racing industry members have discovered ways to optimize the health and performance of their racehorses by taking online short courses through TheHorsePortal.ca.  For those ready to take that learning to the next level, Equine Guelph offers tuition awards for two free 12-week online university-accredited courses, donated by families passionate about the racing industry and the welfare of the athletes within it.  Applications for the 2024 tuition awards are open until Nov. 30.

Selected for their love of horses, commitment to their welfare and desire to learn, winners of this tuition award receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $549 each. (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business – six courses complete the certificate).

The Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award was established in loving memory of Standardbred driver, trainer and groom, Roger L’Heureux, by David L’Heureux and Crystal Fountains Inc. The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award has been created by the Stocks family in memory of their beloved brother, son and uncle, and avid follower of top Thoroughbred racehorses, Stuart Stocks.

“The bar is high for top performers and caretakers of racehorses who can pick up on potential problems before they become health and performance issues are a huge asset to their employer,” said Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph director. “We have been administering these tuition awards since 2016 and it is fantastic to see the future ambassadors in the racing industry keen to advance their knowledge and take that knowledge back to the stable.”  

One of the most popular courses among the tuition award winners has been Exercise Physiology.

After taking the online Exercise Physiology course, students will have learned important information on how different muscle fibers are being used and how their composition will reflect on how well the horses perform at the track. Learning about bone remodeling has an impact on how one views training young horses; learning about walking at increased rates progressively as they grow up to ensure bone structure can handle training while maintaining a balance of not pushing so hard that it becomes an animal welfare issue.

What past winners have to say:

“The Equine Guelph courses I’ve completed so far have played an essential part in ensuring my horses are happy, healthy and have the best care possible. I enjoy the courses. They make me take a step back and take a hard look at what I am doing, and how I can make improvements and changes for the better.” - Shawna Ward, recipient of the 2022 Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award

“This is a great opportunity to learn all the latest innovations and improve my skills as a horseperson!” - Katelynn Rourke, recipient of the 2021 Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award

“Standardbreds are bred to race a mile, but anyone who has the opportunity to work around them knows they go so much farther than that for us. I am elated to be given the chance to go an extra mile for them in return. They are well worth every effort.” - Vanessa MacDonald, recipient of the 2021 Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award

“Horses have always been a great comfort for me in times of difficulty. It is important to me to return the favour by educating myself to provide the best care I can for horses.” - Victoria Chellew, recipient of the 2020 Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award

“There is always something to challenge me about these animals and this industry and that just keeps me motivated to learn more.” - Holly De Way, recipient of the 2019 Roger L'Heureux Memorial Equine Award
    
"I have gained a wealth of practical and academic knowledge that will greatly benefit me, and in turn, the horses whom I have the opportunity to work with.” - Cynthia Naydani, recipient of the 2018 Roger L'Heureux Memorial Equine Award

In 2018, Cynthia Naydani was the recipient of the Roger L'Heureux Memorial Equine Award and now her research on welfare impacts of alternative equine management systems is making a global impact, empowering individuals working with livestock to employ data science to improve the health and welfare of their animals.

The candidates for Equine Guelph’s 2024 tuition awards need to send in their entry by Nov. 30. Click here for submission information.

(Equine Guelph)