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Equine Consumers’ Guide 2010 Announces Reader’s Choice Awards

Equine Guelph has been awarded as the reader’s choice in 2 categories in the 2010 Equine Consumers’ Guide.

1) EXCEPTIONAL EQUESTRIAN

Canada’s exceptional equestrians are those who have made an exceptional contribution to Canada’s horse community in any activity, breed, or discipline.

Winner - Gayle Ecker

Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph, Ontario has made substantial contributions to Canada’s horse industry through her work developing Equine Guelph at the University of Guelph. Ecker has created many equine programs and courses based on science, research, and evidence, and brought together industry professionals to introduce the first online equine educational program, the Equine Science Certificate. This program has grown to include 15 online courses and two additional certificate programs: the Diploma in Equine Studies and the Certificate in Equine Business Management. These courses are taken by students in Canada and in over 20 countries around the world, giving them access to a university education in equine studies. Ecker also contributes to the Canadian equine community by working with 4-H, community groups, and organizing workshops. The success of Ecker’s programs is a great testimonial to her vision that education can provide students with meaningful insights and tools for their horses and themselves.

“Gayle is not only passionate about her mission but inspirational in her total commitment to making the equine industry a great place to be.” – Reader’s choice submission

2) THE GREEN HORSE AWARD

Winners of the Green Horse Award are Canadian equine businesses that outperform in promoting and advancing environmental sustainability in products and services for Canada’s horse community.

Winner - Equine Guelph, Stewardship of the Equine Environment

The Stewardship of the Equine Environment (SEE) course offered by the University of Guelph has been teaching equestrians how to reduce their environmental hoofprints since its introduction in September, 2009. Developed by Dr. Susan Raymond of Equine Guelph and Dr. Bronwynne Wilton of the Centre for Land and Water Stewardship, the course explores the importance of properly managing natural and man-made environments to ensure the health of horses and to reduce a farm’s impact on the overall landscape. Through online instruction, students learn where improvements can be made to their facilities in order to help the environment, and are encouraged to take a role in improving the environment no matter where they live in Canada. In addition to teaching students how to be more environmentally friendly, SEE reduces its environment hoofprint by using 100 percent post-consumer recycled fibre materials.

“SEE catapults you from what you think you know about being ‘green’ to knowing what you can do to preserve your property and improve the health of your horses.” – Reader’s choice submission

To read more and meet the 16 winners and honourable mentions visit:
READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

To learn more about Equine Guelph’s online programs please visit:

• www.equinesciencecertificate.com www.equinestudiesdiploma.com
  www.equinebusinesscertificate.com