Last Call for FREE Online Youth Offering of Horse Behavior and Safety

Tell all your barn buddies there is one month left to join the global community of horse-crazy teens that are pursuing their passion for horses online! Over 1,000 youth around the world have logged on to take advantage of the FREE Horse Behavior and Safety course offered until Jan 31, 2022 on TheHorsePortal.ca

Equine Guelph, the horse centre at the University of Guelph in Canada, is well known for their career pathways in the equine industry through online learning. The virtual classroom has been extended to the grass roots of the horse world with this short self-paced course that is rapidly growing in popularity among teenagers (ages 13-17). Thanks to our generous safety partners, young horse enthusiasts from all over the globe are learning how to ‘speak horse.’

There is approximately two-week’s worth of material and fun activities for kids to access whenever they like, 24/7. At the end of the course, a certificate of completion is awarded.

Course topics include:

The Horse in the Wild – A Herd and Flight Animal
The Modern Day Horse
How Horses See and Hear
Herd Behavior – How Horses Interact with Each Other
Horse Handling/Approaching a Horse
Rider/Helmet Safety
Trailer Loading Safety Basics
Safety around the Barn and Paddocks
Fire Safety
Returning from an Injury

That is not all! Students will be able to watch a multitude of videos from industry professionals, including guest expert: Dr. Rebecca Husted-Gimenez from the United States. As a world-renowned instructor on technical large animal emergency rescue, Gimenez has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to horse behavior and safe handling.

“It is wonderful to see the growing enthusiasm for this program geared towards the equestrians of the future,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “It is a perfect way for youth to fuel their passion and learn more about their favorite animal in a safe, online community of like-minded individuals.”

Equine Guelph thanks its generous sponsors for making this international youth initiative possible: ESSO, Kubota Canada, Ontario Equestrian, SSG Gloves, System Fencing and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.

Student comments speak for themselves:

Before taking this course, I thought I had a good understanding on most equine topics involving safety in and around the barn and equipment, but this course definitely strengthened my knowledge, and I learned a few more things that I didn’t before. I also liked the resources given and the other links to review the topics explained through videos and other websites. – Comment collected from course survey.

“Thank you for doing the youth horse behavior and safety course,” says Lillian (a past student of the Horse Behavior and Safety Youth Course). “I really enjoyed the course and learned a lot. The course was really fun, and I wish it was longer.”

Learn at your own pace and enjoy unlimited access until January 31, 2022.

Tell your friends, tell your barn, tell your ‘Ag’ group to sign up today for this awesome opportunity to stay safe and pursue your passion for horses online! Go to TheHorsePortal.ca for more info.

Notes to Editor:
Equine Guelph is the horse owners’ and care givers’ Centre at the University of Guelph in Canada. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.

Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions

Photos: Youth with bay horse

Photo Credit: istock

Photo Caption: Youth can pursue their passion for horses online with a free course

Web Link(s): story weblink: https://thehorseportal.ca/2022/01/last-call-for-free-online-youth-offering-of-horse-behaviour-and-safety/