Ontario Equestrians Learn to Lessen Their Hoofprint on the Landscape

Tuesday, Apr.14th Ontario Farmer
"Workshops show owners how to be proactive in tackling the industry's environmental impact". by Karen Dallimore

Here's a quote to explain: "There's a new program being developed to help horse owners reduce their hoofprint on the environment. It's a workshop called Healthy Lands for Healthy Horses and it is the result of partnerships among conservation authorities, horse groups and the farming community. The goal is to provide access to resources for horse owners who are concerned about their role in environmental stewardship, including access to funding and educational resources."

The article goes on to say:"Partners at this time include Equine Guelph, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, University of Guelph, Ontario Trail Rider's Association, Uxbridge Horsemans' Association, the Credit Valley, Lake Simcoe Region Central, Lake Ontario and Kawartha Conservation Authorities and OMAFRA....

The Healthy Lands for Healthy Horses workshop will be available again in 2010 but the free technical and financial assistance to the equine community is on going.....

For more information about the program contact Melanie Williams at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority at 416-661-6600, ext. 5349 or ruralwater@trca.on.ca."

It's an interesting article that talks about getting help for things like pasture management, manure or nutrient management, planting trees, encouraging wildlife habitats and using trails responsibly. They can also talk about the impact to the environment on bedding and feed choices and the energy use around the farm. They even talk about the energy used going to and from horse shows.

If anyone gets the Ontario Farmer, it's page B5.

Let me know if anyone has been to this workshop! I would love to know what was said.

Thanks to Brad Hopkins for pointing this article out to me.
Questions and comments are always welcome.
Reinersue
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