Archives

• Lesson Horses in Canada

  A Closer Look at Care, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

  

  Lesson horses are the heart of equestrian education in Canada. They teach beginners how to ride, help build confidence, and often serve as the first connection between people and horses. For many riders, these horses are the gateway to a lifelong passion—and for researcher Caleigh Copelin, they were the reason she entered the field of equine welfare.

  Now, with part one of Canadian Riding Lesson Industry Survey study published, there are some in-depth responses to share from 154 lesson barns, representing over 1,500 lesson horses. With support from OMAFA Agri-Food Innovation Alliance and Equine Guelph, researchers Caleigh Copelin and Katrina Merkies, from the University of Guelph’s Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare, explored everything from feeding and housing to health care and daily routines, as well as the opinions of barn owners, managers, and coaches. 

  Conclusion

  This national study paints a complex picture of the Canadian riding lesson industry. On one hand, many lesson horses appear to receive thoughtful, species-appropriate care. Barns are prioritizing turnout, regular veterinary and farrier visits, and even complementary therapies that go beyond the basics. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to horse welfare from the people who work with lesson horses every day.

  On the other hand, the study highlights challenges—especially around workload, pain management, nutrition knowledge, and financial sustainability. Many facility operators are doing their best under tough conditions, often sacrificing their own income or well-being to keep horses healthy and lessons running.

  To read the full story, visit the Horse Portal.

• Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare Appoints New Director 

  

  The Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) at the University of Guelph is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Derek Haley as its new director effective Nov. 1, 2025. 

  Haley, a faculty member in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, brings extensive expertise in livestock behavior and welfare. He has been deeply involved with CCSAW for many years as both a faculty member and member of the Centre’s steering committee, contributing to its strategic direction and mentoring students engaged in animal welfare research and looks forward to continuing to build the Centre’s profile over his term. 

  “Dr. Haley has long been a thoughtful and respected voice in the field of animal welfare,” says Dr. Jeffrey Wichtel, dean, OVC. “His appointment as director of CCSAW reflects not only his deep expertise in animal behaviour and livestock systems, but also his commitment to collaborative, evidence-based approaches that improve the lives of animals.

  Haley’s research primarily focuses on beef and dairy cattle, examining issues such as the effects of long-distance transportation, weaning stress and the welfare of culled dairy cows. Prior to joining OVC, Haley worked as a provincial livestock welfare specialist with Alberta Agriculture, where he advanced animal welfare initiatives across multiple provinces. Fluent in French, he has collaborated widely with producers, veterinarians and policymakers throughout Canada. 

  CCSAW improves lives of animals through research, teaching

  Founded more than 35 years ago, CCSAW is one of the largest and most comprehensive animal welfare centres in the world. The Centre brings together faculty and students from across the University, fostering collaboration across disciplines to improve the lives of animals through research, teaching and outreach. 

  “Interest in how animals are cared for—and the impact of that care—is growing rapidly, encompassing farm animals, zoo animals, companion pets and wildlife,” says Haley. “I’m honoured to lead the Centre, which unites researchers and academics with expertise not only in animal welfare but also in the humanities, alongside dedicated individuals committed to improving the lives of animals.” 

  Haley’s appointment builds on CCSAW’s reputation for international leadership in animal welfare science, supportive and innovative interdisciplinary research, and provision of world-class education to students. 

  “I’m confident that under Dr. Haley’s leadership, CCSAW will continue to grow its impact across research, education and policy,” says Wichtel.  

  The CCSAW community extends its gratitude to Dr. Georgia Mason for her commitment and dedication to the Centre’s growth and continued student development. A professor in the College of Biological Science’s Department of Integrative Biology, Mason will continue with CCSAW as a core faculty member.

• U of G Subjects Rank First in Canada, Top 50 in World

  

  New rankings place U of G first in Canada for food science and technology, veterinary sciences

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  The University of Guelph has been ranked as one of the top universities in the world by subject, according to the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects by Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. 

  U of G ranked first in Canada for veterinary sciences, continuing Ontario Veterinary College’s record of excellence.

  Within food science and technology, U of G ranked first in Canada and first in the world for world-class faculty. At the Ontario Agricultural College, students learn from these award-winning faculty to build a healthier society through food and evolving technology. 

  For the full news release, read here.

• “Gwelfare” students win again.

  Once again, CCSAW’s students lived up to their nickname “Gwelfare” at the 2025 American Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Assessment Contest held at Texas A&M University.

  

  Over 270 registrants from 23 universities across North America tested their skills in assessing the welfare of a number of species including tilapia, pet gerbils, Gaboon vipers in a zoo, and dressage horses. The students were given a welfare scenario to evaluate, then presented their findings to a panel of judges.

  OVC students were the first prize winners in the Veterinary Student Division, while in the undergraduate senior division, the CCSAW team placed 2nd. Individual awards went to DVMs Hayley Bryce (2nd) and Mia Nanini (4th) while Gillian Forestell was fifth in the individual graduate category.

  

  The group was coached by Drs Derek Haley, Tina Widowski and PhD student Lydia Benn,

  Congratulations to all.

• Sarah Baert Becomes First ACAW Board-Certified Veterinarian from OVC and CCSAW

  

  Sarah Baert, a laboratory animal veterinarian working in Animal Care Services, has achieved a unique milestone: she is now a board-certified diplomate of the American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW), one of the newest veterinary specialty organizations recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This certification underscores her expertise in animal welfare science, ethics, and policy, and positions her at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field.

  ACAW was established to advance the science and practice of animal welfare within veterinary medicine. Diplomates demonstrate proficiency in areas such as pain management, housing and enrichment and the development of welfare assessments across species. Sarah is not only the first graduate of both the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) and the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) to achieve ACAW board certification, but she is also one of only two ACAW diplomates currently in Canada, highlighting the rarity and prestige of this accomplishment.

  Sarah’s journey into animal welfare began somewhat unexpectedly.

  “It was Derek Haley, my CCSAW master’s advisor, who made me aware of the accreditation process after I graduated from vet school, knowing I had a particular interest in welfare,” she recalls. “I wasn’t sure where my career would lead, but I knew I wanted more of a focus on welfare than what I would find in private veterinarian practice. In many ways, I was simply following my curiosity.”

  Her path to certification was unconventional. Unlike most veterinary specialties, which offer structured residencies, animal welfare required an alternate route, meaning she had to design her own training plan covering a broad spectrum of species and welfare topics under the guidance of a board-certified mentor.

  “Both my training package and my eventual credentialing package were about 150 pages long – a lot of writing from me, and reviewing from the ACAW training and credentialling committees,” Sarah notes. She completed this five-year program while balancing work and a master’s degree.

  A distinctive aspect of her training was the opportunity to collaborate with members of the CCSAW community who specialize in a wide range of species.

  “I was fortunate to connect with experts across diverse fields,” Sarah explains. “That’s one of the things that makes Guelph so remarkable – we have leading animal welfare scientists working with many different species, all in one place”. This experience gave her a breadth of knowledge far beyond that of typical veterinary practice.

  Her path to specialization was also shaped by a strong foundation in research. After completing her MSc with CCSAW in 2021, she spent the following year working both as a laboratory animal veterinarian at the University of Guelph and with the Secretariat of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Table, a multidisciplinary advisory group that provided independent, evidence-based guidance to decision-makers in Ontario. This work deepened her expertise in experimental design and rigor.

  She applies her diverse knowledge every day in her current role as Clinical Research Veterinarian with Animal Care Services, where she partners with research teams to find practical solutions when experimental requirements and animal welfare appear to conflict.

  “I work alongside my veterinary colleagues to oversee the care and use of animals involved in research and teaching on campus. Our day-to-day responsibilities include diagnosing and treating disease, reviewing animal utilization protocols, advising the Animal Care Committee, and training personnel. But what I enjoy most is finding creative solutions where both the animals and the research benefit,” she says. Drawing on her welfare and methodological expertise, she advocates for improved housing and pain management, particularly for species that receive less attention, such as rodents and fish.

  The ACAW certification itself culminates in an intensive eight-hour board examination and requires ongoing professional development to maintain.

  “Your accreditation is valid for 10 years, after which the college asks for a report demonstrating how you’ve kept your knowledge current,” Sarah explains. Mentoring new residents is also a key component of maintaining expertise and advancing the specialty.

  Looking ahead, Sarah hopes to expand teaching and training opportunities in animal welfare.

  “I would love to see an animal welfare residency at Guelph someday. Our institution is uniquely positioned to offer formal training for veterinarians in this field, thanks to the concentration of expertise on campus,” she says. It’s a goal rooted in her own journey—motivating others to challenge convention, just as her mentors inspired her.

  Sarah Baert’s achievement represents not only a personal milestone but also a broader step forward for the veterinary profession, integrating scientific rigor with ethical responsibility to enhance the welfare of animals in research and beyond.

Past Events

• Forensic vet to host webinar, workshop to tackle equine abuse/neglect

  GUELPH – Ontario Veterinary College Professor and forensic veterinarian Dr. Shane Bateman will be hosting a workshop on October 1st to continue his advocacy regarding animal abuse/neglect – with a strong focus on the equine industry.

• How can we sustainably improve human’s relations with farm animals?

  Monday, March 17th, 2025 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

• CCSAW Research Symposium

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