Data collection for the national study will be conducted by Strategic Equine Inc., through telephone interviews with Canadian horse owners and industry participants. Participation in the survey is strictly voluntary. If you are a member of an equestrian organization, sport or breed association, you may be contacted by telephone during June, July or August and asked to complete a telephone survey. All information collected will be pooled for statistical analysis only.   

 The 2010 national study will provide industry with key data to inform the creation of a national traceability program for horses in Canada. In 2009, Agriculture & Agrifoods Canada announced agreements between federal and provincial governments to develop a national livestock traceability program by 2011 -- expected to be fully operational by 2013. The equine traceability program will be part of the national traceability system for livestock. The information collected and reported within the 2010 national study will be essential to the creation of an equine traceability program that works best for Canadian horse owners.

 As an active member of the Canadian horse industry, your input to the national study is highly valued. Armed with current data, the associations to which you belong (at regional, provincial and national levels) will be enabled to make informed planning decisions on your behalf.

 For more information on 2010 national study, or to ensure that you are included in the telephone survey, contact:

 Strategic Equine Inc.

info@strategicequine.ca

905-953-8250