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 […]
Call to action for the future of greyhound racing
Bans, reviews and demands for closure are challenging the sustainability of greyhound racing and everyone involved in the sport shares the responsibility for building up trust. Veterinarian Dr Michelle Ledger delivered a rallying call at the first Racing and Wagering Western Australia greyhound welfare forum this week, saying there was more to do in educating, […]
Safeguarding horses and greyhounds for better racing experiences
Animal care in racing is moving towards a greater understanding of what physical and mental wellbeing means for racehorses and greyhounds – and meeting those needs. For people enjoying the racing experience at Ascot, the focus may be fashion, hospitality and a good vantage point to see the track but equestrian authority Julie Fielder turned […]
Confetti adds a sprinkle of happiness to Pete and Carly’s family
When Pete and Carly met greyhound Confetti they knew she was the extra burst of colour and fun they wanted in their home. The couple were looking for a dog to complete their family and Carly said Pete’s WA Police Union membership led them to the perfect pet. “In the past, we have had whippets […]
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 […]
Greyhounds give WA police officers paws to rest and recharge
Priority greyhound adoption is being offered to WA Police Union members in a partnership with Racing and Wagering Western Australia to support the physical and mental health of officers. WA Police Union (WAPU) President Paul Gale said the offer was available to both the union’s 7000 serving and 1300 retired members through RWWA’s Greyhounds as […]
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 […]