Interacting with horses poses a high risk of injury to people of all ages. In Canada, horses are the #1 cause of animal-related injuries; 67% of animal-related injuries (requiring hospitalization) are caused by horses. All too often, injuries occur due to lack of education or understanding of equine behavior and proper handling practices. In fact, a current study shows that half of equine-related injury patients believe their injuries were preventable and due to human error.
“We are proud that our first online course for youth will deliver safety training to this grassroots segment of our industry,” says Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph. “The Horse Portal will bring together our young people in a safe, online community where they will learn how to ‘speak horse’ – and, ultimately, stay safe around horses and on the farm!”
The course will offered to youth aged 14-17. In addition, an adult version of the Horse Behaviour & Safety course is scheduled to run at the same time this fall.
As a result of the partnership between SHF and Equine Guelph, a special 10% course discount is available for both adult and junior members.
For more information, go to TheHorsePortal.ca/SHF