The suspension of Equestrian Canada (EC) sanctioned competition has been extended to June 30, 2020, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Return to activity (i.e. reopening of riding schools, lesson barns, coaching businesses and training facilities) will be determined by reopening plans from the appropriate provincial government bodies. A document supporting the return to business operations will be shared by EC on May 4, 2020.

On account of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Alberta has banned all gatherings of more than 15 people for an indefinite period of time and the City of Calgary has declared a state of local emergency. These steps, as well as our continuing concern for the health and well-being of our community, means we are unable to host the 2020 edition of the Calgary Stampede.

With many horses seeing their exercise schedules suddenly reduced or eliminated, questions have cropped up if this creates a higher risk of colic. Our National Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines is clear: horses must have some form of exercise or turnout, unless under stall rest for medical reasons or severe environmental conditions make this temporarily impossible. Equine Guelph encourages concerned horse owners and care takers to assess their risk and adjust management practices, to help reduce their chance of colic using a free online healthcare tool: The Colic Risk Rater.