Instructor Barbara Sheridan is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer and former Associate Editor of HorseCare Magazine. She combines a strong set of communications skills with a sharp creativity and uncanny ability to reach a target audience.

Susan Raymond, Communications and Program Officer at Equine Guelph is the Assistant Instructor. Susan oversees the communications program and is heavily involved in the education programs at Equine Guelph. An experienced online instructor, Susan co-created and teaches Management of the Equine Environment, part of the Equine Science Certificate and Diploma in Equine Studies programs.

“Equine writers with a passion for horses have the uncanny ability to bring that passion out in their written work,” says Equine Journalism instructor Barbara Sheridan. “However, writing for equine publications today is much more than just writing articles, it’s having the skills and knowledge to market them to the appropriate audience.”

“This online course was developed in response to feedback we received from our two-day workshops,” says Melanie Prosser, Manager Program Development, in the Office of Open Learning. “Barb provides so much personal experience and relevant information that it was necessary to develop a more in-depth course. The online format will ensure it is accessible to students across Canada and beyond.”

Equine Journalism is one of the elective courses in the new Equine Business Management Certificate continuing education program offered by the University of Guelph. The course runs from September 8 to November 30, 2008. For more details, visit www.EquineGuelph.ca, www.EquineBusinessCertificate.com or email info@open.uoguelph.ca

A 15-month-old female thoroughbred was presented clinically as a tie-up 1 hour after appearing normal and being brought into the barn. Over the next 42 hours the horse's condition worsened drastically until unable to stand. The horse was euthanized and was sent to the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL), University of Guelph for necropsy.

Testing of spinal cord samples showed that the horse was infected with rabies virus - Arctic fox strain. This type of infection was very widespread in foxes in the second half of the 20th century, but is now seen mostly in skunks in restricted parts of Ontario. It is important to note that this horse had been vaccinated with a killed 3-year vaccine product at 4 and 5 months of age. Newer DNA vaccines that are now used in horses for West Nile disease, and have been studied for use in equine rabies, may hold promise for better protection in the near future.

Efforts by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources have greatly reduced rabies in Ontario to the point where in 2007 there were only 106 confirmed cases of rabies in Ontario (no horses). This case illustrates the need to consider rabies as a rule-out in any horse showing neurologic signs, regardless of vaccination status.

Vaccination of horses and pets against the rabies virus is a very important routine health maintenance programs in Ontario.  The rabies vaccine is generally regarded as a very effective vaccine when given appropriately.  The AAEP lists rabies as one of the core vaccines that should be given to horses.  Vaccination of foals out of vaccinated mares is recommended after 6 months of age with a booster given 4-6 weeks later.  Additional vaccination should be at 10 – 12 months of age. Adult horses should be vaccinated on a yearly basis.

For more: AHL newsletter