The OMAFRA Equine Hardship Program is designated to support riding schools, trail riding facilities and therapeutic riding centres in Ontario whose financial ability to provide animal care has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will launch on Jan. 18, 2021, and the application process will be made available on the OMAFRA website.
Watch the 2020 AQHA Racing Champions Ceremony live at www.aqha.com/racing. Heritage Place will host the event at 6 p.m. CST on January 14, 2021.
We are sadly writing to inform you of our decision to cancel the Can-Am All Breeds Equine Expo for 2021.
2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress The Ohio Quarter Horse Association regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2020 All American Quarter Horse Congress, scheduled for September 29 - October 25
With circumstances being what they are, I asked if anyone would be interested in doing a virtual trail ride for Breast Cancer, other groups seem to have amazing success with running a virtual ride.
Recognizing the urgent need of our equine friends, Jen Sweet of Lions Bridge Stables of Ayr, along with Jessica Blackwood, came up with a plan to help the horses. They launched a website and program called ‘Helping the Schoolies’ whose goal is to distribute a pandemic relief package for each riding facility in need. Relief will be used to ensure the basic needs, health and welfare of horses during the pandemic.
As Rosemarie described, “Months’ worth of sweat, tears, hard work, and huge community support has seen this project head down the back stretch to now be reaching the finish line, less than one year later!” They’re just finishing staining the boards on 20 new box stalls in a new barn along with tack lockers, a wash stall and grooming stalls. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
As a 34-year veteran farrier based in Waterdown, he’s trimming fewer horses under tighter biosecurity measures, but he still wakes up with a smile every day, knowing that he’s doing a job he loves.
The nature of the horse industry will allow it to open up more quickly than other sports or hobbies. Social distancing is easy on a horse. For many, time with their horse is just that, alone, but for others who enjoy the social aspect of barn life, adjustments will need to be made. In the May issue we’ve got some stories from people who have taken up the challenge. We will be featuring these stories here on our website each day this week.