Equine Guelph thanks all survey participants so far who have given their input to help shape the future of the racing industry in Ontario. The respondents to date have been 5% from Quarter Horse, 23% from Thoroughbred and 72% from Standardbred racing industries. Your thoughts contributing towards a healthy and prosperous racing industry are invaluable.

So far there has been an outstanding survey completion rate of 93%! Grooms, trainers and owners in the racing industry, already completing this survey on racehorse health and well-being have been highly engaged. This feedback will assist Equine Guelph in directing future research and programs for the industry.

The goal of the survey is to learn more about the current challenges facing the Ontario horse racing industry in all three sectors (Quarter Horse, Standardbred, Thoroughbred). More specifically, this project explores: current racehorse health concerns (injuries and diseases of most concern), horsemanship and racehorse well-being including post racing opportunities, communications and training. Among other topics associated with health; we want to know what factors you think are related to injuries in racehorses. We want to know in which areas you believe more research is needed. Help us help you by completing this important survey.

As a racing professional, your input is important to help drive new research, educational programs and outreach efforts to maintain and improve racehorse health and well-being in Ontario. The survey is anonymous; no specific identifying information will be collected. A summary of the results of this comprehensive survey will be published.

At the end of the survey, participants have the option to enter a draw to win either one of five $100 fuel cards, one of five $50 Tim Horton’s cards or one of ten $25 Tim Horton’s cards. Chances of winning are approximately 1 in 20.

Give your input before December 15, 2016! Go to: http://www.equineguelph.ca/racingsurvey.php

If you have any questions or concerns about your participation, please feel free to contact Diane Gibbard at (519) 824-4120 ext 53457 (or dgibbard@uoguelph.ca) or Gayle Ecker at (519) 824-4120 ext 56678 (or gecker@uoguelph.ca)