Toronto, ON – The Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program is inviting Quarter Horse licensees to refer students, new employees or interested persons wanting to learn more about working with horses to the Pathway to Employment and Education Program. The first phase of the program begins with attending the Groom One Orientation session on April 15th and 16th, 2010 at the Pickering Horse Centre in Ajax.

Referrals from licensed Quarter Horse participants will have their enrolment fee for the Groom One Orientation session fully subsidized by the Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program ($175).

Hosted by Equine Guelph, the two-day Groom One Orientation session will focus on safety, horse handling, daily routine, horse health, fire prevention, emergency response, licensing and employment.

Pathway to Employment and Education

Attending the two-day Groom One Orientation session is a mandatory step toward becoming a Pathway Student. Pathway Students will be eligible to be hired by licensed Quarter Horse Pathway Mentors. Pathway Students will also be eligible for a bursary bonus and tuition reimbursement if they successfully earn their Groom One Certificate in 2010, while employed by a licensed Quarter Horse breeder or trainer.

The Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program has developed the Pathway to Employment and Education Program to increase the labour pool; promote skills development in the labour pool; and encourage employers to foster skills development for employees.

For more information about the Pathway to Employment and Education Program visit the Quarter Horse Program section of the Ontario Racing Commission website:

www.ontarioracingcommission.ca

For more information about the Groom One Certificate Program visit Equine Guelph at:

www.equineguelph.ca

Licensed Quarter Horse participants may refer candidates for the two-day Orientation session through the Program Coordinator:

Tel: 416-213-0520

Fax: 416-213-7827

Email: qhprogram@ontarioracingcommission.ca