New studies seek horse health and welfare advances
A simple blood test to help predict the injury risk of racehorses is among the study projects made possible by the inaugural Racing WA Research Fund grants. Racing WA Head of Animal Welfare Dr Anna Smet announced two projects had secured funding: A study into WA racehorse health and research on injury prevention. “We are […]
Joining forces to improve animal care
Martin Burns grew up riding farm bikes rather than horses so when he took on a leading animal welfare role in New Zealand racing, he searched for experts with the credentials he was missing. As Welfare and Sustainability General Manager at New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Martin set out to build partnerships and collect knowledge, leading […]
A clearer picture of racehorse health
The world’s most sophisticated equine CT scanner has arrived in Western Australia and workers are in the final stages of constructing the clinical unit ready for its installation at Murdoch University. Once complete, the advanced imaging centre at The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University (TAHMU) will feature state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanners, along with ‘day […]
Retired racehorses give students a reason to strive for success
A group of Busselton Senior High School students recently swapped class work for farm work during a horse-based program to reignite their enthusiasm for learning. The six boys, aged 12 to 16, spent time with former racehorses at Chris Scott’s Horse Vision Centre doing a program called EASE (Equine Assisted Student Education) involving groundwork, team […]
Riders play Power games in Collie
About 40 riders of all ages and abilities from across the state visited Collie recently for the HorsePower Winter Games. Collie manager Jo Williams said HorsePower, previously known as Riding for the Disabled, created the local event to bring people together in a fun and relaxed environment. “It’s important to give our riders the opportunity […]
Research fund brings focus to horse welfare
A new funding source is available for research which has the potential to help horses thrive during their racing careers and beyond. The Racing and Wagering Western Australia Research Fund is now open and Head of Animal Welfare Dr Anna Smet welcomes applications for racehorse study projects. “Our aim is to ensure the highest and […]
Trailblazing imaging suite available for horses in Western Australia
The first standing MRI machine installed in Western Australia has scanned twice the expected number of horses in its initial month of operation. The MRI technology can diagnose a wide variety of lameness conditions caused by musculoskeletal injuries, which cannot be accurately assessed with radiographs or ultrasound. MRI is particularly useful for diagnosing soft tissue […]
Science turns to racehorse care
Welfare experts from Australia and beyond recently pointed to quality research as vital for the lifelong health of racehorses. The 2023 Asian Racing Conference held in Melbourne, which included guests from 35 countries, hosted expert discussions on advances in injury prevention and the innovations for horse safety and care. Among the experts was Dr Christopher […]
Community fund for new ideas to engage retired racehorses
Horse-based education and therapy projects stand to benefit from the new Off the Track WA Community Fund. In launching the funding program, Racing and Wagering Western Australia Head of Animal Wellbeing Anna Smet said it was open to a range of learning and wellbeing projects where off the track horses were involved. “We are delighted […]
New path on the quest to keep horses healthy
A new screening program is being trialed to gain a deeper understanding of potential health issues in retired racehorses in the hope of preventing them. Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) recently began a Preventive Health Care Screening program in partnership with Murdoch University Veterinary School. RWWA Head of Animal Wellbeing Dr Anna Smet said […]