Island Horse Council

10/29/2026

Don't forget to get your tickets!

Hi everyone,
Today's SYSPEI Gold Rush pot could hit $155,000+, once again, the BIGGEST pot yet!
Sign up and play (https://syspei.goldrush.causable.io) for your chance to win half the pot while helping to grow and enhance sports across PEI. Another great way to support the fundraiser is by clicking "Like" or "Share" on this morning's Facebook post.
Thank you for your support and good luck!

10/27/2026

⚡ What would happen if the power went out for 24 hours?

Many barns rely on electricity for water pumps, heated waterers, lighting, and ventilation.
How would horses access water?
Do you have emergency lighting?
Is there a backup power source?
Who would check on the horses if roads were impassable?

Emergency preparedness isn't just about fires and floods. It's about planning for the disruptions most likely to happen.

Learn how to prepare your horses, farm, and family in 's Fire & Emergency Preparedness Online Course .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/fire-emergency-preparedness-fall-26/

Nov 16–22, 2026
▪ Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Expert-led
▪ 15% discount for IHC members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/ihc

10/22/2026

Another big pot day!

Hi everyone,
Today's SYSPEI Gold Rush pot is estimated to be $135,000+, the biggest pot yet!
Sign up and play (https://syspei.goldrush.causable.io) for your chance to win half the pot while helping to grow and enhance sports across PEI. Another great way to support the fundraiser is by clicking "Like" or "Share" on this morning's Facebook post.
Thank you for your support and good luck!

10/20/2026

Members: Be sure to submit your comments on EC's Proposed Rule changes before deadline tomorrow! Be sure to review all proposed rule changes that may affect you.
https://equestrian.ca/compete/athlete-resources/rulebooks/

The one below is likely to be significant to juniors/minors.

" What is being proposed?

The proposed change to Section A, Article 103 of the EC Rules states:

“7. Minor athletes must attend a competition with a coach and may not declare as ‘self coached’ on their entry.”

If approved, this change would mean that minor athletes could no longer enter EC-sanctioned competitions as self-coached. "

https://app.cyberimpact.com/newsletter-view-online?ct=TaRCZGRi8eWX5lHIOt2ZahxS7LfpgVeL0611NQXIguPHvJvjQGcYReXUdhp2zFF-ZraPgSBotRnbR0wcq_R_14n7roo2LlD96GcaApavF_57xg8EjpvY0q8tHrPFeyvazmwbOIUg5F2vdoBkQeCvOg%7E%7E&fbclid=IwY2xjawVEeTRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6qripx4qnj6dDIYpjhuB41WefrM5msodO6PQF6-fiftxy5A6FKp0XMtGqmzg_aem_dOCA2idrZdD93mOWm7fYxQ

Comments: This change in rules is absolutely absurd coming from a breed sport standpoint. We already struggle with our own breed association obtaining and maintaining membership numbers. This new rule would effectively kill our Arabian breed sports. Asking minors to attend a competition with a coach...

10/20/2026

🐴 A horse with an eye injury is an emergency.

Eye injuries can happen in seconds and may look minor at first glance. A small scratch, puncture, or foreign object can rapidly become a serious threat to vision.

If you suspect an eye injury:
Contact your veterinarian promptly
Keep the horse in a safe area away from bright sunlight
Prevent rubbing if possible
Do not apply medications unless directed by your veterinarian

When it comes to horse eyes, waiting to "see if it gets better" is rarely the best option.

Learn practical emergency response skills in 's Equine First Aid Online Course .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/equine-first-aid-fall-26/
Nov 9 – 16, 2026

▪ Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Expert-led
▪ 15% discount for IHC members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/ihc

10/15/2026

BIG pot today! Get your tickets and support your sport at the same time.

Hi everyone,
Today's SYSPEI Gold Rush pot is estimated to be $115,000+, the biggest pot yet! Sign up and play (https://syspei.goldrush.causable.io) for your chance to win half the pot while helping to grow and enhance sports across PEI.
Another great way to support the fundraiser is by clicking "Like" or "Share" on this morning's Facebook post.
Thank you for your support and good luck!

10/13/2026

🐴 Can a horse be lonely?

Horses are highly social animals. In the wild, they live in groups and spend much of their day grazing and interacting with other horses. Social isolation can affect welfare and may contribute to stress, boredom, or unwanted behaviours.

- Can your horse see, hear, and interact with other horses?
- Does turnout allow for social contact?
- Are management practices supporting both physical and mental well-being?

Horse welfare isn't just about food, water, and shelter. It's also about supporting natural behaviours and social needs.

Learn more about evidence-based horse care and welfare in 's Horse Care & Welfare Online Course .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/horse-care-welfare-fall-26/
Oct 19 – 30, 2026

▪ Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Expert-led
▪ 15% discount for IHC members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/ihc

10/07/2026

It’s Animal Welfare Wednesday!

Getting your horse’s teeth checked by a veterinarian is a great preventive measure for their health and welfare. Did you know that the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines requires that horses showing signs of dental problems be examined and treated? Signs of dental problems include dropping food, unexplained weight loss, unpleasant odors from the mouth and nostrils, resistance to a bit, and tilting the head while eating.
https://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice

10/06/2026

🐴 Would you cut your cat’s whiskers?

Then why remove your horse’s vibrissae?

These specialized whiskers play an important sensory role, helping horses detect objects they cannot clearly see directly in front of their muzzle or beneath their chin. They also help horses assess food and unfamiliar objects by sensing distance, shape, and texture, reducing the risk of injury or ingesting harmful debris.

Learn more about evidence-based horse care and welfare in 's Horse Care & Welfare online course at .ca

https://thehorseportal.ca/course/horse-care-welfare-fall-26/
Oct 19 – 30, 2026

▪ Flexible format | Certificate of Completion | Expert-led
▪ 15% discount for IHC members - an education partnership with Equine Guelph
▪ Register at www.TheHorsePortal.ca/IHC

10/02/2026

We wish Good Rides to our Dressage PEI riders at the National Dressage Championships this weekend!

Here is your Dressage PEI team - club members from PEI & NS - ready for the team challenge at EC National Dressage Championships.

L to R: Reba Fournier, Kerry O’Connor, Terrianne Feetham