Response to COVID-19 for Canada’s Active Equines 

Client: Equestrian Canada

Expertise Applied:

  • Rapid response to research needs

  • Survey analysis

  • Policy analysis

  • Knowledge of niche sectors

  • Plain language report development

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every portion of the Canadian economy, including agricultural and rural industries. Unlike other farm businesses, equine operations relying on horse-riding lessons, equine therapy, and equine sports have had to pause operations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Despite losing revenue, these operations must still support their on-farm equines and cover the costs of food, bedding, and veterinary/farrier services. Although the Federal Government has created financial relief programs due to the pandemic, many equine businesses do not qualify for these programs, and the funding they provide only supports the basic needs of persons, not of animals. In response to this, Equestrian Canada conducted an online survey to gauge the ability of equine businesses to weather this economic storm. EC governs equestrian sport and horse welfare at the national level and represents over 90,000 registered participants.

Providing Rapid Research and Engagement Analysis

Our team used data from an industry survey and the most recent Census of Agriculture to estimate the financial burden on equine businesses from lost revenue due to COVID-19. This provided EC with detailed evidence to support advocacy for financial relief programs for equine businesses.

The classification of equines within the agricultural sector has historically been a challenge. To address this, our team reviewed legislation and policies at the federal and provincial levels to determine how equines are classified in different contexts. Through this research, we built a case that equines ought to be considered part of the agricultural system. Because of the wide range of uses for equines within Canadian society, our team also developed a working definition for active equines to specify the range of activities we considered in our report. Ultimately, this work supported the ability for Equestrian Canada to advocate for Canadian equine business support and identify and fill knowledge gaps related to the equine sector in Canada.

You can download the full report HERE.