Equine Guelph is proud to support Ontario’s racing community through education and a scholarship that empowers individuals to improve horse welfare and safety. The Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award, honours the legacy of the respected Standardbred driver and trainer by supporting students who demonstrate a passion for equine care and learning.  Equine Guelph offers this tuition award for two of their 12-week online university-accredited courses.  

Selected for their love of horses, commitment to their welfare and desire to learn, the winner of this tuition award will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued over $1,200 (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business – six courses complete the certificate). Applications for the 2025 tuition awards are open until November 30.

We caught up with last year’s award winner, Emily McNulty. 

“Since being awarded with the Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award and taking the equine genetics course, I have received job offers from breeding and training facilities in Canada and the US.

I think it’s a great idea for others to pursue this award, you’re never done learning, and the courses offer a deeper understanding of the horse and management.

I like how the courses are set up to progress at your own pace, and I can pick topics I’m interested in to write about in my assignments. I recommend applying for the award; I personally like to keep busy, and these courses are a very valuable and productive way to do so.

Can’t wait to take my next course!”

2022 past recipient, Shawna Ward shares how Equine Guelph’s online courses helped her apply science-based practices directly to her daily horse care. Ward highlights the flexibility of the program, which allowed her to study while working full-time, and the practical benefits she gained—such as improved feeding strategies and cost-saving techniques.

Shawna applied what she learned directly to her horse care routines. For example, she began using slow-feed hay nets to save money and reduce waste.  Ward also improved her feeding practices through a better understanding of equine nutrition.  She appreciated the global community of learners and the opportunity to continuously grow her knowledge.

“The bar is high for top performers and care takers of horses who can pick up on potential problems before they become health and performance issues are a huge asset to their employer,” says Equine Guelph director, Gayle Ecker. “We have been administering this tuition award since 2016 and it is fantastic to see the future ambassadors in the industry keen to advance their knowledge and take that knowledge back to the stable.” 

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 candidates for Equine Guelph’s 2025 tuition awards need to send in their entry by November, 30, 2025  Submission information can be found at:
https://thehorseportal.ca/tuition-awards/