Equine Guelph continues to support Ontario’s racing community through education and a scholarship that empowers individuals to improve horse welfare and safety. The Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award, honours the legacy of the respected Standardbred driver and trainer by supporting students who demonstrate a passion for equine care and learning. Equine Guelph offers this tuition award for two of its 12-week, online university-accredited courses.  

Selected for their love of horses, commitment to their welfare and desire to learn, the winner of this tuition award will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued over $1,200 (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business – six courses complete the certificate). Applications for the 2026 tuition awards are open until Nov. 30.

“I very much enjoyed my tuition courses [Management of the Equine Environment & Equine Anatomy and Physiology] through Equine Guelph," said Sara Visser, last year’s Roger L'Heureux Memorial Equine Award recipient. "As a Standardbred groom and second-year veterinary technician student hoping to pursue equine practice, these courses helped further my knowledge of the environmental management, anatomy and physiology of both pleasure and sport horses.

"The Anatomy and Physiology course was especially beneficial in providing practical and relevant information that can be applied in my everyday life with the racehorses, both in the barn and at the track. This knowledge is invaluable to my future career in equine health and welfare, and I am incredibly grateful to have received the tuition award and the opportunity to continue learning and growing in a field I am passionate about.”

Education plays a vital role in preparing racing industry professionals to provide exceptional horse care. Through the Roger L'Heureux Memorial Equine Award, Equine Guelph helps individuals gain evidence-based, welfare-based knowledge they can apply directly in the stable, on the farm and at the racetrack.

The online courses are designed to fit around demanding work schedules while providing practical skills in areas such as exercise physiology, injury prevention, health, welfare, behaviour, nutrition and management. Participants gain tools to optimize performance, support horse well-being, recognize potential issues sooner and make informed decisions that benefit both horses and the people who care for them.

"The racing industry depends on knowledgeable horsepeople who are committed to lifelong learning and the highest standards of horse care," said Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph director. "This award helps dedicated individuals strengthen their skills through science-based education that can be applied immediately in their day-to-day work. It is rewarding to see recipients use their new knowledge to support horse welfare and contribute to the future of Ontario's racing industry."

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.

Submission information can be found at thehorseportal.ca/tuition-awards/

(Equine Guelph; photo of Sara Visser with trotter Dulces Suenos Deo)