Economics & People

Question 1

Number of Eq in Canada?

Answer 1

509,099
- but equines can have overlapping roles

Question 2

numbers of donkeys & mules in Canada?

Answer 2

• 44% decline in 10 years
  -> potentially fewer animals, movement of donkeys to non-census farms, or reduced reporting

Question 3

How did covid impact Canada’s horse sport industry?

Answer 3

• concerns over closure of equine facilities & euthanasia of healthy animals due to economic impact
• federal government funding for agri-food sector did not include most working horses
• issues defining horses in the legislature & which governing body would provide support
• many equine businesses were unable to qualify for emergency support

Question 4

What is an active equine facility?

Answer 4

• commercial agriculture business that uses farmland, purpose built structures, & active equines to generate revenue

Question 5

What is an active equine?

Answer 5

• livestock specifically raised & cared for in an active equine facility
• active equines are not kept or raised for use in food processing or the pharmaceutical industry

Question 6

How much did the equine industry contribute to the GDP in 2023?

Answer 6

$8.69 billion
- also taxes & jobs

Question 7

What are the costs of equine care?

Answer 7

feed, bedding, housing, vet, farrier (every 5-8 wks), tack, etc.
- amount spent on equine keeping for elite sport equines was 3x higher than amounts spent on breeding & working equines
- elite sport equines cost 2x as much as those that are kept for recreation

Question 8

How are equines good for people?

Answer 8

• contribute to human heath & well being
• riding can influence youth towards positive & healthy lifelong habits
• equine-assisted services can help people manage mental & physical disabilities

Question 9

Participation of children in equestrian activities?

Answer 9

• 3rd most expensive kids sport after hockey & water skiing
• kids in equestrian activities are more knowledgeable about horses than their parents

Question 10

How are equine sports & activities regulated?

Answer 10

• governing sport & provincial horse associations exist, but enrollment is not required (boarding, lessons, rodeos, racing, shows/competitions)

Question 11

What are individual animal welfare issues?

Answer 11

• denied access to important psychological resources (companionship/social interaction)
• inappropriate drug use
• denied access to physical requirements
• lack of proper professional care

Question 12

What are industry level welfare issues?

Answer 12

• ignorance/lack of knowledge
• overpopulation of horses
• lack of regulation at the industry level

Question 13

methods to address equine welfare at the individual level?

Answer 13

• allow access to physical requirements
• make proper horse care the primary goal
• consistent routine care
• strengthen & enforce animal welfare legislation
• education

Question 14

methods to address equine welfare at the industry level?

Answer 14

• education for all people dealing w/ horses
• better understanding of equine behaviour & learning theory

Question 15

What are some hands on horse racing careers?

Answer 15

barn manager, caretaker/groom, driver

Question 16

what are some support roles in horse racing?

Answer 16

admissions, bookkeeper, facility owner

Question 17

What are some hands on non-racing horse careers?

Answer 17

barn manager, caretaker/groom, coach/instructor

Question 18

what are some support roles in horse non-racing?

Answer 18

announcer, course designer, facility manager (riding school, boarding)

Question 19

What are some hands on equine facility management & breeding careers?

Answer 19

barn manager, bloodstock agent, boarding stable owner

Question 20

what are some support roles in equine facility management & breeding careers?

Answer 20

equine pedigree analyst

Question 21

what are some support roles in Eq industry careers?

Answer 21

Eq product sales representative (equipment, pharmaceuticals, feed, tack, insurance), journalist/writer, photographer/videographer

Question 22

What are some hands on equine science careers?

Answer 22

• animal care tech (at uni, animal health/nutrition company)

Question 23

what are some support roles in Eq science careers?

Answer 23

lab tech, researcher/ assistant researcher (animal health & nutrition companies, unis), uni/college position (faculty positions, research jobs, graduate student positions)

Question 24

What are some hands on equine health & service careers?

Answer 24

• Equine chiropractic, equine dental tech, equine vet

Question 25

what are some support roles in Eq health & service careers?

Answer 25

receptionist, bookkeeper

Question 26

What types of Eq vets are there?

Answer 26

• mixed animal practice, large animal practice, equine practice
• specializations: equine practice, internal med, surgery

Question 27

what are some certifications in equine practice?

Answer 27

• chiropractic, acupuncture, International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology

Question 28

What do farriers do?

Answer 28

• care for the hoof of the horse by trimming the hoof & applying shoes
• training courses (5 days - 1 yr): requirements to become a journeyman but no regulation around claiming to be a farrier; mentorship from experienced farrier is important

Question 29

what are some equine massage & alternative therapy jobs?

Answer 29

• massage therapy, vertebral realignment therapy, therapeutic laser