Equine welfare is a message Amanda Duerr takes with her to presentations across North America.
“There are more humane methods to go about things,” said the 19-year-old certified equine therapist from Fulda, Sask.
The Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Horse Federation recognized her with an equine welfare steward of the future award in March.
Horse owners are increasingly viewing their animals as high performance athletes and seeking new ways to enhance their output through therapies.
“Sports are getting more competitive every day and the extra edge can really make a difference,” she said.
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Duerr, who specializes in acupressure and chiropractics for horses, would like to set up a rehabilitation centre for the animals in Saskatchewan.
“It does save a lot of horses from the can,” she said.
“A lot don’t know and need someone to help them spot things on their horses,” said Duerr, who keeps 12 horses on the family’s farm.
She is a frequent speaker and participant at shows and clinics and a strong promoter of Canadian horses at international competitions.
In addition to showing, she also has been involved in rodeos and barrel racing. She was the Canadian cowboy rodeo queen in 2004 and reining champion in 2005.
Adele Buettner, FACS executive director, said the equine welfare awards are given to those who make animal care a fundamental part of their business model.
She is impressed by Duerr’s young age, her promotion of horse and health and her message that a healthy horse is a well managed one.
In addition to Duerr, David Dubé and his wife Heather Ryan also received an award of distinction for their ongoing support of veterinary education and research at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon.
Their current fundraising project involves matching funds raised by horse and sports groups, up to $100,000 annually.
The Saskatoon couple, founding members of SHF, was recognized for their strong support of animal husbandry and animal welfare.
“(The horses) have given us so much joy, so much sheer entertainment, we wanted to be able to help them,” said Ryan, who hopes the Saskatoon campus will one day become a centre of excellence in horses.
