Extended the suspension of all EC sanctioned competitions until June 1, 2020, effective March 30, 2020. Created a working group to develop a graduated framework that will protect the health and welfare of horses upon competition reinstatement.
At this time, we have decided to cancel the first two weeks of training, this puts our first possible training date at April 20, 2020. As we move forward in these unique and difficult circumstances, we will continue to evaluate the start of training along with the start of racing.
All in-person meetings, clinics, events, Rookie Rider and Learn to Ride/Drive activities will continue to be suspended until further notice. Virtual participation in these programs and events is encouraged where available; options are being explored for programs that do not have virtual options at this time.
Maintaining health is everyone’s responsibility. Biosecurity is a word and practice not well understood by an unsettling number of public riding facilities.
We wanted to send an update on the steps already taken and those planned to help protect the Canadian equestrian community to the best of our abilities.
“These funds are to assist owners in efforts to pay horse racing bills, specifically their trainer expenses, who must in turn pay their staff, including grooms and others.”
EC is the national governing body for equestrian sport and industry in Canada, with a mandate to represent, promote and advance all equine and equestrian interests. We empathize with all those who are directly affected by this situation, are fully aware of the potential financial implications and will continue to support the equine and equestrian industries to the best of our ability.
The COC and CPC urgently call on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to postpone the Games for one year.
EC and the PTSOs recommend that all facilities that host equestrian-related activities, including but not limited to boarding stables and lesson barns, cease public-facing and non-essential activities until greenlit by the aforementioned government authorities.
In response to requests coming in from the industry, Equine Guelph has moved up the start date and extended access for both their youth (13 – 17) and adult offerings of the Online Horse Behaviour and Safety Course.
