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 […]
Pony races teach youngsters to look after their horses and each other
Speed ran a distant second to safety at the first National Pony Racing Series held at Ascot Racecourse recently. Lindy Maurice from Thoroughbred Industry Careers said she prioritised balance and control in choosing the riders who progressed from trial to race stage in the series, which is being held in collaboration with Pony Club Australia. […]
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 […]
Kids learn the Magic words for wellness
Teachers Magic, Yoshi and Muzz have been giving kids a unique insight into staying calm and dealing with challenges. Magic and Yoshi are former racehorses and Muzz an elder statesman of the herd who, along with other paddock pals, are teaching Capel Primary School students what it means to ‘get back to grazing.’ Sophia, aged […]
Two unique Choices for one therapy rider
Flashy chestnut Four Choices arrived at Claremont Therapeutic Riding Centre in 2020 as a gentle, playful horse that had never run a race. Around the same time, handsome grey Say Geronimo was entering the Off the Track WA retraining program having earned more than $130,000 in prize money during his racing career. His destiny also […]
Racing retirees help kids apply Horse Sense to their lives
Many children dream of having a horse but Claire Wright went further by gathering an entire herd when she grew up and then helping the dreams of others come true. Claire’s Horse Sense enterprise gives horse-based learning sessions to children to boost their wellbeing, supported by the new Off the Track WA Community Fund. “I’ve […]
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 […]