ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

The first step in your career in the horse industry

Equine Guelph and the Office of Open Learning at the University of Guelph are accepting registrations for the Groom One Certificate program. Recognized by Standardbred Canada this training program is providing the skills and knowledge to gain an entry level position in the racing sector.

“In many cases grooms are left to learn on their own and often not sure how their actions are impacting the behaviour, health and performance of horses in their care.” explains Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph “The Groom One Certificate will prepare students for their role as a groom by providing the necessary combination of experience and education to be successful in this industry.”

The Groom One Certificate consists of four phases including:

- hands-on orientation session conducted by Equine Guelph,
- six month work term where students are assisted in finding a work placement,
- 12 week online interactive course hosted by the Office of Open Learning
- skills assessment.

Registrations are now being accepted for the online Groom One educational program. This 12 week program begins May 17, 2010. The online program is a unique opportunity for students to continue to work in their home community while attending classes via the internet. Students can register through the Office of Open Learning website. The Groom One Certificate is awarded when students complete all four phases of the certificate program but students are able to register and complete the Groom One online course on its own.

Students are encouraged to attend the in-person orientation session. This 2-day workshop will introduce students to the basic tasks of caring for horses; including daily routines, safety, horse health and risk management. The next Groom One Orientation session will be held at the Pickering Horse Centre in Ajax on April 15 & 16.

1. Students can register:
   
   • for the Online Program at Office of Open Learning
   • for the 2-day Session at Equine Guelph

Equine Guelph is proud to be hosting the Orientation session on behalf of the Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program. Students who complete the two-day Orientation session on April 15 & 16 are eligible to become Pathway Students and benefit from the Pathway to Employment and Education Program. Details of the program can be found in the Quarter Horse section of the Ontario Racing Commission website .

"I was very pleased to hire someone from the course. This student's been here about two years now and is working out well,” says Standardbred trainer Casie Coleman. “He had been taught quite a bit through the program, and I could then teach him my way of doing things for my stable. I would be pleased to hire students from that program again."

Groom One is designed for newcomers to the horse industry who wish to become employable grooms at either a racetrack or training or boarding facility.

For More Information Contact:

1. Groom One Online:
   Marjory Gaouette
   Office of Open Learning
   University of Guelph
   519-824-4120 ext. 53862
   mgaouett@open.uoguelph.ca

1. Groom One Orientation:
   Equine Guelph
   519-824-4120, ext. 54205
   horses@uoguelph.ca