By now, You’ve likely heard of the CARE Act- a group of programs and initiatives passed by Congress. CARE stands for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. But government programs can often be confusing. Thankfully, the US Senate Committee On Small Business and Entrepreneurship has created an easy to understand guide about the […]

With COVID-19 impacting equine activities worldwide, Flair, LLC has teamed up with Dr. David Marlin and Science Supplements USA to develop a survey for those located in the US and Canada to better understand the effects of COVID-19 on horse owners, riders, trainers, grooms, stable managers, and other equestrian professionals. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes and asks for no personal information. We plan to use the information gathered to produce targeted advice on how to care for our horses during these unprecedented times.

Because most equine enterprises characterize themselves as small businesses and include many non-profits such as state associations and equine rescue operations, the package addresses many challenges facing the horse industry. The following are highlights, with more details to follow after President Trump signs the bill into law.

The EDCC’s COVID-19 resource page features fact sheets to help owners explain the differences between equine coronavirus (ECoV) and COVID-19 as well as needed tools to stay up to date on the latest information. Users will be able to download and print off fact sheets and educational materials that can be posted in barns and facilities.

“At this point, we are not aware of any restrictions specific to travel for horses. The problem becomes the people that travel with the horses. We can’t send the animals alone, but if a country is not accepting non-citizens then we may not be able to send the pilots or grooms to the horses’ destinations because they won’t be legally allowed into the country. For that reason, some equestrians have had a hard time moving their horses internationally because they, as the owners or riders, may not be allowed into a certain nation, forcing them to seek alternative arrangements.”

“The Horse Portal brings together our youth in a safe, online community where they will learn how to ‘speak horse’ – and, ultimately, stay safe around horses and on the farm!” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “From grass roots to adult industry professionals, we are so proud when our students tell us how our courses have helped them.”