Equine Guelph announced on Tuesday, Nov. 25 the return of its Industry Ambassador program this winter, featuring two respected voices from the horse racing community.
Julie Walker and Renée Kierans will lead the charge in promoting free online training and acting as peer helpers in racing-exclusive courses designed to advance racehorse health and performance.
This year’s initiative offers complimentary access to two highly practical courses developed by Equine Guelph: Racehorse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care (Jan. 26 – Feb. 6, 2026) and the new Conditioning the Racehorse (Feb. 23 – March 6, 2026). These courses focus on industry-identified healthcare priorities, equipping trainers, grooms and owners with tools to help their equine athletes reach peak potential.
Walker will return as the Standardbred Industry Ambassador, bringing a lifetime of experience in harness racing.
“I have taken these courses from Equine Guelph and learned a lot of important lessons,” said Walker. “I look forward to being your Standardbred Ambassador and learning even more about the equine athletes we are lucky enough to work with every day.”
Kierans, returning for her fifth year as Thoroughbred Industry Ambassador, has worn nearly every hat in racing — from exercise rider to broadcaster.
“I’m excited to be your Thoroughbred Ambassador again and we can all learn more about the horse together,” said Kierans.
As Ambassadors, Walker and Kierans will serve as peer mentors, sparking discussion and posing real-world questions to expert instructors. Their goal: to create a dynamic learning environment that bridges Thoroughbred and Standardbred sectors.
Enrollment is free thanks to sponsorship from the Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Standardbred Canada and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Both courses are fully online, flexible and free for Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licence holders and Standardbred Canada members aged 16-plus. Space is limited and no prior online learning experience is required — just a passion for horse health.
Visit thehorseportal.ca for more information on the courses and registration.
(Equine Guelph)