Shorter, colder winter days are the perfect time to take online courses and webinars that are prevalent throughout the horse industry. Online courses allow students to learn without leaving home, at times that fit their schedule, and increase engagement when riding time is limited. Courses are offered via live-streamed interactive webinars or symposiums, pre-recorded videos, or a series of videos and readings. Topics include business management, equestrian science, equine anatomy, equine journalism, exercise physiology, first aid, horse camping, horse welfare, nutrition, stable management activities, and many more. Timeframes vary from an hour to multiple days or weeks and pricing differs, too, with some courses offered for free while others are fee-based. Courses may lead to certification or provide continuing education credits for coaching certifications and there are courses for almost every interest, learning style, budget, and schedule — beneficial for those wanting to advance their horse industry skills and knowledge — plus advantageous for the horse industry overall.

Better for the Horse. Better for the Rider. “We recommend ThinLine for horses that are back sore, horses that have saddle issues, and to help reduce the impacts that riding has on horses,” says FEI certified veterinarian Dr. Fernando Cardenas in North Carolina, USA who also breeds warmblood sport horses.

Lingering effects of COVID-19 - Much of Canada’s horse community is still suffering financially, mentally, and emotionally from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the horse industry is expected to continue recovering during 2023.

“Western fashion is timeless,” says Jeff Lammle, whose father Barry started Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack 40 years ago. “The Western lifestyle is different for everyone. Whether you live in a rural setting, small town, or big city, Western fashion lends itself to different variations of what it means to dress Western.”