Equine Guelph is proud to announce that Sara Visser, a second-semester Veterinary Technician student with a growing passion for Standardbred racing, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award.

Visser will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $625 each (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business). This award recognizes Sara’s dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to advancing equine health and welfare.

Sara’s journey into the horse world began just two years ago when she started volunteering at Future Morgan Farms every spare Saturday, eager to learn everything she could. Her interest deepened during a high school co-op at a veterinary clinic, which inspired her to pursue veterinary medicine to make a lasting difference in the lives of animals. Since then, she has gained hands-on experience at a breeding and boarding facility, completed her co-op credits, and participated in the Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program (OEEEP).

“The OEEEP program introduced me to the exciting world of Standardbred racing—a fast-paced environment I quickly fell in love with,” says Sara.

Now, as a Veterinary Technician student, Sara is eager to build on her experience as a groom and specialize in medicine for Standardbred racehorses. She relays her appreciation, “Receiving this award is another important step toward a career where I can make a meaningful impact on the health and welfare of these incredible animals.”

Sara’s employer, Micheal Whelan of Walter Whelan Stables praises her exceptional work ethic and passion for the sport: “Sara consistently approaches every task with enthusiasm and professionalism. Her reliability and eagerness to learn have made her an asset in a demanding environment. She has truly found her calling within the equine industry.”

Sara has already enrolled for the winter semester, beginning Jan 12, 2026, with Equine Guelph’s Management of the Equine Environment course.  For the summer semester, beginning May 11, Visser has her eye on the Equine Anatomy and Physiology course.

“I chose these courses because they will help me build off my practical experience as a Standardbred groom, and further my knowledge in equine anatomy, physiology and environmental management, which are especially important factors when working with high performance horses,” says Sara.  “Eventually, I hope to use my work experience and post-secondary education as a Veterinary Technician to specialize in equine care within the racing industry, and I aim to eventually complete the University of Guelph’s Certificate of Equine Science to support this path.”

The Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award was established in loving memory of Standardbred driver, trainer, and groom Roger L’Heureux by David L’Heureux and Crystal Fountains Inc. The award is presented annually to a student who demonstrates exceptional dedication to the equine industry, mirroring the passion and commitment of Roger L’Heureux.

Submissions will be accepted for this year’s applicants until November 30, 2026.
https://thehorseportal.ca/tuition-awards/