ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Story by: Jackie Bellamy

Guelph, ON. – Due to an overwhelming positive response, Equine Guelph has opened registration for a second offering of their eWorkshop on colic prevention. Over 80 students from local and international background gained valuable knowledge over the course of 2 weeks in March to combat the number one killer of horses (other than old age!) with Equine Guelph’s new eWorkshop on colic prevention.

The second offering April 15 – 28, 2013 is filling up quickly.

This affordable online short course is designed to help horse owners understand colic and take preventative measures by following good stable management practices. At a cost of only $75 plus HST, this eWorkshop could translate into thousands of dollars of savings by helping horse owners avoid the nightmare of colic.

Student, Natalie Price of Bowmanville, ON declares, “This course is a must for all horse owners as knowledge is the first and best defense against colic!”

Equine Guelph’s Colic Prevention eWorkshop covers topics that will help horse caregivers reduce the risk of colic in horses by identifying risk factors, understanding different types of colic, detecting early signs and symptoms, assessing their management plans and developing preventative strategies.

Student, Kristeen Ungar of Ottawa, ON proclaims, “This colic prevention eWorkshop was jam-packed with useful information! It gave me an excellent opportunity to assess my horse's colic risk, look carefully at my management practices and make decisions about what I can realistically change in my specific situation. The guest experts were a great resource during week two.”

Upon completion of the Colic Prevention eWorkshop, participants are eligible to receive a certificate from Equine Guelph. This two-week online course also qualifies for Equine Canada coaches updating credits.

Student, Jennifer Stefik, of Victoria, BC surmises, “Equine Guelph's eWorkshop gave me a clear and concise understanding of how to prevent colic in a simple, straight forward course.”

Equine Guelph has declared 2013, “the Year of Colic Prevention!” beginning with the Colic Prevention eWorkshops. Equine Guelph is also launching a FREE online health care tool in May. The “Colic Risk Rater,” will assess and calculate colic risk and provide useful feedback on management practices.

In addition to funding from Alltech and Standardbred Canada, investment in the colic prevention program has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council. Partners include: Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Society of Ontario, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association and the Ontario Veterinary College.

For more information about how to reduce the risk of colic using Equine Guelph's Colic Prevention Program, and to sign up for the April 15 – 28 Colic Prevention eWorkshop.