Equine Guelph has announced it will be offering two free online courses for the racing community again this winter, developed in response to industry demand and supported by its education partners.
In a recent poll, 49 per cent of industry stakeholders voted for Racehorse Conditioning as the next priority topic. This brand-new course, which will run from Feb. 23 to March 6, 2026, translates conditioning into practical strategies for injury prevention and performance enhancement. It’s designed for trainers, assistant trainers and grooms in the racing sector. The course will explore how different body systems contribute to athletic ability and break down the latest research in exercise science in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.
“We warmly invite Ontario’s racing community to join us in a free educational journey on TheHorsePortal.ca" said Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph director. “The Conditioning the Racehorse course offers a unique opportunity to explore evolving approaches to equine care and performance, grounded in both long-standing experience and emerging research.
"This course builds on the foundational expertise of generations of horse trainers with practical, evidence-informed strategies that can support injury prevention and enhance performance while supporting the welfare of the horse.
"Through interviews with respected trainers who are successfully integrating welfare-focused methods into their programs, participants will gain insights into how thoughtful refinements can benefit both horses and training outcomes.
"As our understanding of the equine athlete continues to grow, so does our ability to support their longevity and wellbeing. We invite you to explore how these evolving principles can complement and strengthen your existing practices."
This isn’t a step-by-step manual or one-size-fits-all approach — because every horse is different. Instead, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence to assess, plan, monitor and adjust their training methods to meet each horse’s unique needs and conditions.
Equine Guelph will also offer its Racehorse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care course from Jan. 26 to Feb. 6, 2026. Led by Dr. Melissa McKee, this course explores the equine musculoskeletal system, movement, injury risks and current research. Dr. Albert Torrent, from the Ontario Veterinary College, will be assisting as guest expert.
McKee and Torrent will be discussing common lameness issues and recent research updates for racehorses as well as early detection and prevention. Participants will also learn about the horse’s musculoskeletal system, how they move, best practices for detecting lameness, assessment tools, management of a lame horse and the latest research.
Noticing and addressing subtle cues before the horse becomes lame are key to avoiding long lay-offs due to injury. The course is packed full of practical tips delivered in easy-to-understand video presentations.
Participants will also glean helpful information about bone remodelling during early training, which could help guide decisions in routine exercise regimes.
Both courses are fully online, flexible and free for Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licence holders and Standardbred Canada members aged 16+. No prior online learning experience is required.
Industry Ambassadors Julie Walker and Renée Kierans will return to support learners and spark discussion on key topics.
These courses are made possible thanks to the generous support of Central Ontario Standardbred Association, The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Standardbred Canada.
Register at TheHorsePortal.ca.
(With files from Equine Guelph)