Online courses at Equine Guelph at the University of Guelph, are not typical classes. In fact, they are not even typical online programs.
Enriched learning, full of interaction with a forum of fellow horse enthusiasts signing in from around the globe discussing cutting edge research is just one reason the line up of 19 courses is expanding.
Enrolment continues to increase in these evidenced-based courses delivered by an accredited university with top instructors and industry experts.
Exercise physiology instructors Dr. Amanda Waller, of Michigan, and Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph welcome gold medal eventer, Jessica Phoenix who will be one of the guest speakers in their class this September when she returns from representing Canada at the London Olympics.
The 28-year-old Cannington resident has garnered international acclaim for her historic individual gold-medal finish at the 2011 Pan American Games in Mexico, which led Team Canada to a silver medal win.
In January, Phoenix was named Equestrian of the Year by Equine Canada, a prestigious award given to a rider who has gone above and beyond all expectations, consistently ranking at the top of his or her sport and giving back to the community.
For Phoenix, representing Canada at the 2012 Olympics is an honour, adding to her experience as a teacher.
“Competing and winning gold for Canada has always been my dream. As a profession I teach and train riders and horses allowing me to connect from the grass roots right up to the highest level of competition,” Phoenix said.
“I feel that by realizing my own dream I can best help Canadian Equestrians of the future reach theirs.”
Waller, who obtained her Ph.D. in Equine exercise physiology commented, “As a horse owner and competitor myself, I believe if we ask our horses to do physically demanding tasks then it is our responsibility to make sure we knowledgeably train and prepare them for this task.
“By continually working to increase our knowledge of training, conditioning and monitoring our horses, we will be better equipped to enhance the horse’s athletic performance and to prevent health problems and injuries from developing.”
Waller explains the course will provide students with the opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information from instructors and guest speakers that are experts in their field.
For more information on Equine Guelph’s September line up of courses visit www.EquineGuelph.ca.
