Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph, was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal from The Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills, at a ceremony held on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Acton Town Hall Centre in Acton, Ont.

As Equine Guelph’s Director, Ecker's leadership, vision and dedication for 20 years has resulted in Equine Guelph being a nationally and internationally recognized centre of excellence for the horse, providing education, research and health care knowledge for the horse industry.

The Coronation Medal, a Canadian honour, commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. To be an eligible candidate, one must have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General is responsible for administering the King Charles III Coronation Medal programme.

"I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the Equine Guelph team," said Ecker. "Our collective efforts have made evidence-based horse care and welfare resources accessible worldwide. I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments and delighted to see the global impact our students and future ambassadors are making in the equine industry."

Ecker was nominated by Dr. Moira Gunn, past co-chair of Equine Guelph’s Advisory Council.

“The King Charles lll coronation Award in Canada is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to Canada. I was delighted to see Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph, awarded a King Charles lll Coronation Medal," said Gunn. "She received this award in recognition of her leadership, vision and dedication to the development of educational programs focused on the equine industry.

"Through her leadership as Director of Equine Guelph, Gayle has reached thousands of youth and adults, providing them with the opportunity to become passionate about horses, and showing them ways to develop their knowledge and careers in the horse industry. Thanks to Gayle’s vision, unfailing commitment and team leadership, Equine Guelph is excelling in equine education, research and health care knowledge. This has led Equine Guelph to be nationally and internationally recognized as a centre of excellence for the horse and education related to the horse. This award acknowledges Gayle’s personal contribution to Equine Guelph's success over the last 20 years. She certainly is a worthy recipient.”

(With files from Equine Guelph)