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 […]
A life-changing Power for 50 years
Retired pacer Rusty Rockets was a star attraction when HorsePower Australia celebrated 50 years of community service this week. As part of the anniversary celebration, Rusty and rider Eryn Wilson performed a display of the dressage style which won them ribbons in a recent dressage competition. Eryn’s coach JoAli Wheeler said Rusty was very good […]
From Railway winner to Paddock Pop
Two-time Railway Stakes winner Luckygray has swapped the simplicity of one job for a varied career juggling the roles of model, celebrity, ambassador and nanny. Ahead of The Pinnacles, he starred in an early morning photoshoot in the centre of Perth before graciously posing for selfies with fans at Ascot and taking the honour of […]
A double life works for Stephen
There’s not a lot of common ground between mechanical engineering and racehorse training but Stephen Reed has been linking the two careers for more than a decade. Stephen, the son of harness trainer Michael Reed, grew up around horses and found a way to keep them in his life after graduating as an engineer and […]
New guide promotes good horse care
A set of principles on the care of all horses across the state is open for public consultation. On a recent visit to Ascot to meet trainer Luke Fernie and one of his stable favourites Wild Belle (pictured above), Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses […]
Off the Track WA Estate celebrates two years
The Off the Track WA Estate is celebrating two years as a racehorse retraining, rehoming and multi-purpose welfare facility. The 100-acre estate in North Dandalup has capacity for up to 40 horses at a time as well as hosting events as part of its purpose in supporting off-the-track horses as they move on to new […]
Big Mak a treat for top sporting team
Strong and reliable Mak has one more important job to do before retiring – for the second time. The 20-year-old thoroughbred is heading for Sydney this week, where he will carry the Ripplebrook Equestrian Vaulting Academy team through their performances at the National Vaulting Championships. It will be his last major event before returning home […]
Giddy up for vet nurse training
Off the Track WA horses will help vet nurses learn new skills through an online training course starting this winter. Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is launching an equine care course to give nurses the chance to gain a broader knowledge of the handling and treatment of large animals. AVT Assessor Ann-Marie Moyles said content was […]