Awards recognize equine welfare efforts

Once again, the Saskatchewan Horse Federation (SHF) and Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan (FACS) have teamed up to recognize Saskatchewan individuals, organizations and companies demonstrating excellence in equine welfare and animal health.

Nominations are open for the “Awards of Distinction for Equine Welfare” in four categories until January 15, 2013. The awards will be presented during the Saskatchewan Equine Expo at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park on February 16.

“With the eighth annual awards, we will proudly honour owners, riders, drivers and others within Saskatchewan’s strong equine industry for their ongoing dedication to responsible animal care,” says Adele Buettner, executive director of FACS.

Here are descriptions of the four awards:

Equine Welfare Innovation — Award of Distinction: This award recognizes a person or a company that has developed a new process, product or source of knowledge that has made a significant impact on the improvement of the welfare of horses in Saskatchewan. The honoree will also be saluted for efforts to work collectively with the horse industry to share the innovation.

Equine Welfare Leadership — Award of Distinction: This award recognizes a person or syndicate or other equine business owner who integrates animal welfare into his/her core business strategy and has set his/her bar higher for expectations regarding animal welfare. The honoree will demonstrate leadership and commitment in dealing with issues relevant to animal care. This individual or company leads by example. The award will recognize an active horse owner.

Equine Welfare Communication — Award of Distinction: This awards recognizes a person, organization or company that has taken an active role in effectively conveying equine welfare issues and raising awareness of equine welfare with the general public and the agri-food industry. The objectives of factual and honest information will result in an increase of trust and credibility for the industry and business of horses.

Equine Welfare Young Steward of the Future — Award of Distinction: This award honours a young person between the age of 13 and 25 who has shown — through practices as a horse owner or interaction with others — the importance of a commitment to responsible equine care.

For more information, visit websites for the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan or the Saskatchewan Horse Federation.