The Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP) has been educating students and matching them with suitable employers since 2022. Created by the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and supported by Equine Guelph, this important program is absolutely free to participants, who take a six-week interactive training course taught by industry experts specializing in horse health, grooming, management and welfare. Assistance in finding a relevant job in the horse industry is offered upon completion of the course; employers enrolled in the program have the chance to receive a 50% rebate of their employees’ wages for up to 18 weeks/$5,000 while their new hires continue to learn valuable skills on the job.

One of the architects of this initiative is Gayle Ecker, longtime director of Equine Guelph. Her leadership, vision and dedication for the past 20 years was recognized recently when she was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her significant contribution to providing education, research and health care knowledge within the horse industry.

A woman wearing glasses.

Gayle Ecker. (Equine Guelph/Red Suitcase Photography)

Ecker outlined Equine Guelph’s involvement through running the online course and supporting student learning. “As a leader in online education at multiple levels and for different audiences from youth to adult, from beginner to professional, Equine Guelph has been offering online courses for the equine industry to Canada and beyond since 2002,” she explained. “OHHA is a member of our Advisory Council and has been very supportive of our education programs since the start of Equine Guelph. Equine Guelph had previously worked with OHHA on a basic groom program and other educational programming, so when this opportunity arrived, Equine Guelph was very interested in stepping up to help, as we are well aware of the challenges for employers to find help, but also we are aware how difficult it can be for many people to get started in the horse industry.”

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