Enhancing the understanding of the role of horses in human health and learning.  

By Jackie Bellamy-Zions, Communications, Equine Guelph 

Guelph, ON, January, 24, 2023 — The annual Equine Industry Symposium shared the latest research and updates on the topic of horses in human health and learning with over 550 delegates attending over three sessions from November 21-23, 2022 with hundreds more registering to receive the online sessions.   

The Symposium highlighted appropriate terminology associated with human-horse interactions and programs by taking a therapy-first approach to services incorporating horses, and cleared up what equine-assisted services are - and what they are not. Current research on best practices for human-horse interactions to ensure horse welfare was presented. Attendees left the event with a deeper understanding of this emerging topic. 

The event welcomed featured speaker Nina Ekholm Fry from the University of Denver and five guest speakers, including Dr. Katrina Merkies, Sarah-Michelle Senecal, Dr. Katy Schroeder, Hayley Edwards, and Lynn Thomas, who focused on the roles horses have when incorporated into human services. 

The organizers extend thanks to all who registered and attended, the industry leaders who shared their expertise, event partners Ontario Equestrian and Equine Guelph, and sponsors KX94.7, Schleese Saddlery, and Golden Horseshoe PEMF Equine Therapy. 

In lieu of speaker gifts, a donation was made to the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) to support their efforts in promoting challenge, achievement and empowerment for children and adults with disabilities through interacting with horses, while also providing education and instructor certification. 

The Equine Industry Symposium, hosted by undergraduate students in the University of Guelph’s Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (BBRM) - Equine Management degree program, aims to expand our knowledge about horses and facilitate crucial industry relationships. Planning is already underway for the 2023 Symposium. Stay tuned to @equineindustry on Instagram and Facebook for information about next year’s event. 

If you missed this year’s event, the sessions are now available on the BBRM Equine Management - YouTube.  

For more information, please contact: Eqevents@uoguelph.ca.