Redesigned and Expanded

Guelph, ON - With anticipation building over the signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement between the Equine Research Centre (ERC) and the University of Guelph (U of G), the Centre is preparing to launch its newly designed web site April 15.

"The new web site will reflect the collaboration between the ERC, University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), " said ERC Communications Coordinator, Kelly Counsell. " The three groups have been meeting regularly to offer up ideas and materials for the site. There will be a wealth of information for the horse industry at our familiar address www.erc.on.ca."

Alison Thielman, digital media specialist at the ERC, is redesigning their website to reflect a new era in research communications.

One of the new attractions will be a comprehensive catalogue of past and present horse research being conducted by all three organizations. This will include names and faces of the primary researcher, and links to related reading. An extensive section called "Cyber News" will host current news briefs and some of the tried and true favorites of the ERC web site: Disease Watch, Just for Youth, Calendar of Events and Jobtrack.

Another objective of the new collaboration is the development of an education program that will encompass certificate and diploma courses, and eventually an Equine Science Degree. "This is something the industry is looking for, and by leveraging new technologies we will take learning into your home, on your own time," said Kelly. "The ERC has met industry needs for education through our Distance Learning program (a correspondence course) and now through our on-line Equine Nutrition course. By pooling the resources and expertise of the ERC, U of G and OMAFRA we will be able to build the finest equine education program in the country."

Information on current horse learning tools available from the Equine Research Centre is on-line now at www.erc.on.ca or you can contact the Centre at (519) 837-0061. Visit the ERC bookstore on-line where you can shop securely. And watch this section for more news on great things to come!