Free Online Youth Course

Equine Guelph, the horse centre at the University of Guelph in Canada, has announced it is once again opening the doors to a free virtual classroom for youth around the world.

Horse-crazy teenagers (ages 13-17) will have the opportunity to take an online Horse Behavior & Safety course with on-demand access from November 1, 2021 until January 31, 2022. Last November, thanks to our generous safety partners, over 850 youth, from all over the globe joined in to take advantage of this popular online offering, teaching young equestrians how to ‘speak horse.’

There is approximately two-weeks worth of material and activities, but with this special free offering, kids can keep coming back as often as they like during the three-month period.

Course topics include:

1. The Horse in the Wild – A Herd and Flight Animal

2. The Modern Day Horse

3. How Horses See and Hear

4. Herd Behaviour – How Horses Interact with Each Other

5. Horse Handling/Approaching a Horse

6. Rider/Helmet Safety

7. Trailer Loading Safety Basics

8. Safety around the Barn and Paddocks

9. Fire Safety 10. 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 behaviour and safe handling. “The Horse Portal brings together our youth in a safe, online community where they will learn how to ‘speak horse’ – and, ultimately, stay safe around horses and on the farm!” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “It is a perfect way for youth to fuel their passion and learn more about their favourite animal.”

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. “Thank you for doing the youth horse behaviour and safety course,” says Lillian (a past student of the Horse Behaviour 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 with the ability to log on 24/7 to the course and enjoy access until January 31, 2022. Get all your barn buddies together and sign up today for this awesome opportunity to stay safe and pursue your passion for horses online! Go to TheHorsePortal.ca for more info.

by Jackie Bellamy-Zions, for Guelph University