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Equine Code of Practice Training

The goal of this Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada program is to raise awareness and provide educational resources respecting Canada’s standard of care for equine, the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines.

The training includes a series of 10 animal care educational videos and reference resources that cover all aspects of equine ownership and care. The full training may be completed in less than 5 hours.

FAQ

Get Started Now

Please click on the button below to begin training, once you complete the ten sections and corrected complete the short exams you will receive a certification of completion.

Click here to begin training

$25 CDN
(Includes Certificate Upon Completion)

Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines (Equine Code)

 

FAQ

Led by the Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada (HWAC), this 2-year initiative (2019-2020) aims to create awareness around Canada’s standard of care – the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines.

The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines is a guide to sound management and welfare practices for horses, ponies, donkeys and mule owners and caregivers. The current equine Code was released in 2013. Codes development is managed through the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC).

The Code is an up to date resource for equine owners that covers everything from duty of care (purchasing a horse), housing, feed, water, health management, transportation, to change of career and end of life.

We are developing a series of online resources including videos, reading material, self-evaluation checklists and guides based on the equine Code. 
These informative tools will walk participants through various sections of the Code and provide introductions to biosecurity and emergency preparedness as it relates to equine. 

Everyone with an interest in the care and welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys or mules. Whether you are an animal owner, caregiver or just interested in equines these resources will offer you insights into animal care and wellbeing.

Yes. The HWAC online educational video series that covers all 10 sections of the equine Code.

While some information may be review, the training can help confirm the benefits of your current practices and provide the latest developments in equine care. The program provides a common reference point for all equine enthusiasts and will boost equine health and welfare across Canada.

There are two options to participate in the equine Code training program:

  1. No cost – click here to begin
  2. $25 fee that includes testing and a certificate of completion – click here to begin

There are 10 sections in the equine Code. The full training may be completed in less than 5 hours.

No. You can leave and come back at any time to continue or review a section as you please.

Thank You

Industry Representatives

Who have contributed in excess of 400 hours to the development of this program

  • HWAC board members
  • Equine owners and caregivers
  • Provincial / national equine associations
  • Breed groups
  • Veterinarian colleges
  • Equine veterinarians
  • Researchers
  • Industry specialists
  • Government bodies

Technical Collaboration

Videos, photography and interviews: 50+ locations and 250+ equine owners, caregivers, veterinarians and other service providers. With location such as:

  • BCCHA Horse Show
  • Gateway Dressage Final
  • Atlantic Veterinarian College
  • The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada
  • Red Shore Racetrack
  • Woodbine Racetrack
  • Calgary Stampede
  • 4-H on Parade
  • Multiple farms, ranches, and stables from BC to PEI

Funding for the equine Codes project is provided through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada AgriAssurance program.

view the videos without certification

Section 1 - Duty of Care

Outlines the overarching responsibilities that come with being an equine owner or caregiver.

Section 2 - Facilities and Housing

Encompasses all aspects of facilities and housing for horses.

Part 1

Part 2

Section 3 - Feed and Water

Feed management includes provisions of feeds that are safe and that meet the nutritional and behavioural needs of horses, donkeys and mules.

Part 1

Part 2

Section 4 - Health Management

Focuses on health of animals through appropriate nutrition and housing and disease prevention, detection and treatment.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Section 5 - Feedlot Management

Covers recommendations and requirements for the care of horses in feedlots.

Section 6 - Husbandry Practices

Addresses common husbandry practices including turnout times, behaviour and handling, training, identification, castration, tail alterations, hoof care and grooming.

Part 1

Part 2

Section 7 - Reproductive Management

Reviews the guidance provided within the codes on responsible breeding.

Section 8 - Transportation

Focuses on transportation of equine.

Section 9 - Change or End of Career

Addresses end of career and provides recommendations to assist horse owners in making the best decision for their animal.

Section 10 - Euthanasia

Addresses decisions respecting euthanasia and recommended considerations.