Equine Welfare

The University of Guelph’s award winning continuing education program has unveiled a new Equine Welfare Certificate which will offer students the opportunity to explore local and global animal welfare issues in the horse industry.

Offered as an extension of the award-winning Equine Science Certificate, the Equine Welfare Certificate will provide students access to current research and evidence-based practice regarding equine welfare. Equine welfare is a community responsibility and it is important for individuals who are responsible for their care and well-being to have a heightened awarness of equine welfare issues and ethical concerns. The study of equine welfare encompasses all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention, responsible care, humane handling, and, where necessary, humane euthanasia.

Equine Welfare at the University of Guelph

Made up of six online courses, this program has been designed to engage students who have a passion for making a better world for our equines and will examine the biological and emotional factors that affect a horse’s quality of life. Course content will include housing, management practices and procedures that can affect the well being of horses.

"It is extremely important that everyone who owns or works with horses understands not only the complex issues, but also the common practices in daily care and management that can affect the welfare of horses,” explains Tina Widowski, Director Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare. “Through our partnership with Equine Guelph, we are able to combine top expertise in both equine science and animal welfare science to deliver a practical and well-rounded program in Equine Welfare."

Offered by the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, Equine Guelph, and Open Learning and Educational Support, the Equine Welfare Certificate courses in the Equine Welfare Certificate program begin in the Summer 2012 semester.