Equine Guelph is offering a brand-new online course, Conditioning the Racehorse, free for Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licence holders and Standardbred Canada members from Feb. 23 to March 6, 2026.
Developed in direct response to industry feedback, this course translates conditioning principles into practical strategies for injury prevention and performance enhancement. Designed for trainers, assistant trainers and grooms, the program explores how different body systems contribute to athletic ability and breaks down the latest research in exercise science into easy-to-apply concepts.
Adding to the strength of the first offering of Conditioning the Racehorse is Hall of Fame horseman Dr. Ian Moore, who will be the course instructor. A 1982 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, Moore has distinguished himself as both a practicing veterinarian and one of Canada’s most accomplished Standardbred trainers, with 800 training wins, more than $29 million in purse earnings and numerous O’Brien Awards. Twice named Canadian Trainer of the Year (2023 & 2025) and a three-time O’Brien Award recipient for Horsemanship (2015, 2022 & 2025), Moore's colt Beau Jangles brought home the 2025 O'Brien Awards for Two-Year-Old Pacing Colt and Canadian Horse of the Year. Moore brings an exceptional blend of veterinary expertise and elite-level training experience to this inaugural online course.
“The Conditioning the Racehorse course offers a unique opportunity to explore evolving approaches to equine care and performance,” said Gayle Ecker, Equine Guelph director. “Grounded in both long-standing experience and emerging research, this course empowers participants to refine training methods that support horse welfare and optimize results.”
What makes this course different?
- Practical, evidence-based strategies for conditioning racehorses.
- Insights from respected trainers successfully integrating welfare-focused methods.
- Knowledge to help assess, plan, monitor and adjust training programs for each horse’s unique needs.
- A flexible, online format designed for busy racing professionals.
What will you learn?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all manual — it’s about giving participants the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions that enhance performance while safeguarding their horse’s wellbeing.
Key topics include:
- Introduction to Conditioning.
- Functional Systems of the Horse – Explore how skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems contribute to athletic ability.
- Conditioning Strategies for Each System – Practical approaches for bones, soft tissue (tendons/ligaments) and muscles with interviews from experts in different areas including bone development with Dr. Brian Nielsen and respiratory health with Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi.
- Climate Considerations – Plan conditioning for different environments and with attention to how the horse regulates their temperature.
- Conditioning Young Horses – Special considerations for early training stages.
- Judicious use of medications and bisphosphonate will be discussed and cautions surrounding off label products.
- Practical Applications – With insights into effective conditioning programs from top level trainers including Dr. Ian Moore.
The course is free for AGCO licence holders and Standardbred Canada members aged 16+. For other members of the racing community, the course is available for a tuition of $95. No prior online learning experience required.
To register for Conditioning the Racehorse, visit thehorseportal.ca.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the generous support of Central Ontario Standardbred Association, The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Standardbred Canada.
(With files from Equine Guelph)