web: www.wahorsecouncil.com.au visit us on facebook for updates

August 2015

Chairperson: Diane Bennit Ph: 9293 3577 email: bennit@iinet.net.auVice Chairperson: Alan Parker email: alan.parker53@bigpond.comWAHC: 7/98 Canning Rd, Kalamunda WA 6076

WAHC and Perth Regional NRM WoRksHoP at Murdoch University- Veterinary section.The last two Sundays in June have seen the continuation of workshops for those with Equine pursuits improving their knowledge and skills on property / pasture management / horse health.Perth Region NRM (PRNRM) works with WAHC to deliver hands on workshops using the nationally recognised ‘Horse Land & Water’(HLW) property management guidelines to up skill land managers with equine interests.Independent specialists are employed for the field days to bring best practice decision making to land managers in varied localities.Workshops in 2014 were held at three country (Albany, Dardanup and Northam), and 1 city venue (Brookleigh) with 2015 Field days at Boddington then Murdoch Veterinary hospital.The workshop agenda generally follows guidance on using the HLW Guidelines to develop a sound management strategy on your property, followed by a session on weeds identification and control and then pasture selection and management according to local requirements.Based on feedback from each event subsequent events are tailored with WAHC using what participants say they’d like info on.As a result veterinary specialists have been included at the last two events. Dr Brad Hampton spoke at Boddington on nutrition and dispelled quite a few myths with the group. Participants were hosted at the Murdoch Veterinary Hospital for the most recent event by Dr Anne Barnes who manages the hospital. Ann detailed how the unit operated and what services it supplied and gave us a tour of the facility and its awesome animal anatomy museum.Participants then looked at Murdoch’s horse spelling yards and Belinda Taylor (Property Management specialist) took them through pasturecover, grazing levels, pasture spelling and annual and perennial pasture options.For further information please contact Graham McAlpine at PRNRM email: graham.mcalpine@perthregionnrm.com or mobile 0417 042 818.WAHC thanks Dr Anne Barnes for the escorted tour of the Murdoch University veterinary facilities.

At Murdoch Belinda Taylor (farrier and property management specialist) took participants through the HLW Guidelines then discussed tracking systems to manage pasture in paddocks on small acreages using a couple of case studies.

Pasture and livestock specialist Phil Barrett-Lennard presented on pasture options using case studies and then he and Belinda discussed weed examples and their controls with participants.

Right: Attendees networked with like-minded people prior to the event.

The Veterinary section tour included the very interesting animal anatomy section. Problem areas identified

were sand rolling spots and compacted areas where horses were fed.

Below: Belinda Taylor discusses the pasture.

BoddingtonLandcare Workshop

A total of 19 attended the field day with Dr Anna Erickson the DAFWA Vet from Narrogin and Boddington based Mel Durack, Natural Resource Management Officer Hotham-Williams for Peel Harvey NRM included in the group.This was another initiative of Perth Region NRM (PRNRM) and the WAHC, working together to present information to the WA equestrian community. Presenters and topics included:Belinda Taylor (Bare foot farrier and Property Management consultant):• property management guidance based on the Horse, Land and Water guidelines with practical examples;• interpreting local government regulation for properties carrying or to carry horses;• dealing with fire threat using practical examples.

Phil Barrett-Lennard (Agronomist / Pasture consultant):• weed identification, risk status and control examples;• pasture types, perennial and annual with site / soil suitability using regional examples;• grazing management for pasture sustainability using examples;Dr Brad Hampton (Vet and equine nutrition specialist);• horse nutrition – understanding horse digestion;• supplements with some myths dispelled;• checking with your vet if you are not sure.

Properties used for the landcare workshops and field days are ‘hosted’ by clubs and organisations. The WAHC thanks all those who have offered their facilities for past and future events.

The Australian Horse Industry Council’s Industry Advisory Committee meeting was on Friday 31st July at Racing Victoria in Flemington,VIC. The meeting is sponsored by Zoetis.The committee is compiled of representatives from equine groups across Australia. The WAHC representatives were Diane Bennit, who is also a Director of AHIC, and Robert Hawes (Legislation and Policy Portfolio WAHC). Robert has highlighted some points from the meeting:• Standardbred horses are now being accepted for Mounted Police. • Victoria has released new regulations defining Animal Cruelty – parts of that will reach WA eventually!• Close (line) breeding is well known for perpetuating abnormalities in ponies – recent work is identifying the relevant responsible DNA sequences. Will this lead to debates on GM ponies eating GM food? • The Australian team took out 1st place at the World Mounted Games in the USA.• Horse Rider Fall Safety Presentation by a retired Olympic standard gymnast. Serious injuries will be reduced when riders learn, through training, to instinctively let go of the reins, put their arms up then tuck and roll.• A horse owner’s experience with Hendra Virus. Horses need a 28 day quarantine period but humans need only 21 days to build up antibodies. Horses die of hypothermia. An emotional video describing the loss of a 31yo horse. • Paul Davenport from Affinity Insurance Brokers (AIB)

INDUsTRy ADVIsoRy CoMMITTee

discussed the changes to the OH&S harmonization laws, industry codes and SafeWork Australia guidelines that have been developed

specifically targeting the equine industry. In regards to voluntary workers, there are now stringent guidelines and obligations for all associations running equine events. This has increased their duty of care in regards to their members and in particular, volunteers. AIB has developed an on-line safety induction training for volunteers at equine events. • National Safety System Requirements is looking at safety concerns in all equine areas. Training courses for drivers of floats and caravans may become mandatory. ‘D’ shackles on safety chains now have to comply with AS2741 in the eastern states but not yet in WA.• New Australian Quarantine Station – Mickleham, Victoria. Replacing all other facilities, only $400m, is nearing completion. 75% is for horses. New fees and charges include a high upfront fee with low daily charges. Horses cost $1.7m/p.a. even after government ‘rent’ assistance. There is now available a CD from Animal Health Australia describing ‘Personal Decontamination Procedures’ presumably aimed at those with reduced immunity to all manner of health threats in today’s lifestyle.• National Campdraft Council of Australia claims 14,000 members

Robert Hawes with Larry Cutler representing the Aust.Stock Horse Society.

Educational Opportunity

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The WAHC has received an invitation from the Australasian Society of Association Executives of a unique event for NFP Professionals in New Zealand from October 20 – October 25 2015. On offer is an educational opportunity to attend the 2015 AuSAE Leadership Symposium in Wellington (Oct 21-22) and continue on to visit another popular New Zealand destination for the remainder of the trip.Valued at more than $5,000 per person this program will be available FREE of charge to 15 carefully selected professionals. This means that all costs including flights, accommodation, professional development sessions and adventure activities will be covered.Applications for the 15 free places are now open. To be considered all you have to do is apply before COB on August 28. They are specifically looking for professionals who share a commonality of interests and wish to visit New Zealand for potential event research to create a cohesive group. To apply go to <http://ausae.org.au/event-2016538> .

Tips for horse safety during fires

The WAHC has been invited by the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Service (DFES) to submit material for an article that it is currently compiling about how to look after your animals during a bushfire. This is for their upcoming ‘Are You Ready?’ public safety campaign. The campaign is to encourage people to be prepared ahead of the bushfire season.If you have any advise for other horse owners you can send details to the WAHC for possible inclusion in their submission. The article, along with several others, will be published on the DFES website, tweeted to their followers, and will also be pitched to WA news media for coverage during ‘Are You Ready?’ week in October.A few questions are listed below- but if you have other comments then just include those in your response. • How important is it to have an emergency plan for your horses?• What can you do to ensure your horses are kept safe during a bushfire threat? • What can you do to reduce the risk of injury or death of your horses? • What should you do if you become separated/have to leave your horses behind during a bushfire?• What is the best way to care for your horses after a bushfire?• Is there anywhere you can take your horses to get them away from bushfire threat?We know that the safety of people’s horses is a major concern to everyone during bushfires so your comments are welcomed. To be considered for inclusion they will need to be with the WAHC by the 28th of August.

JoIN NoW and support the Council in our aim to support the Horse Industry in WA.

WAHC MeMBeRsHIP

Report by Mel Cooper - the DFES District Officer and is a member of the WAHC TLAER Group. Mel was also the Safety and Logistics Officer for the LAR workshops.In early June the WAHC hosted three days of Large Animal Rescue (LAR) Workshops, two half day information only workshops and two full day workshops, which required the participants to contribute in practical activities. The enthusiasm and work put in by Diane Bennit, Chair of the WAHC and the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Group (TLAER), the WAHC LAR subcommittee, made the first LAR workshops an outstanding success.Held at the excellent Brookleigh Estate and utilising the recently acquired horse mannequin “LAR’ry”, the workshops attracted 99 participants ranging from emergency service units and groups, local governments, equine sporting bodies/associations, equine businesses/industries, equine colleges and a pet cemetery. Some of the participants drove hours and others flew to Perth just to attend what was unanimously voted as well worth the effort.The workshops were delivered by MaryAnne Leighton, QLD Horse Council director, subject matter expert and author of the book “Equine Emergency Rescue”. Delivered in Brookleigh’s stable loft conference room, the spacious round yard was perfect for the practical application and the limestone stables and surrounds were ideal for conducting vertical and hobbled lifts plus a lovely setting for morning tea and lunch.MaryAnne delivered a well balanced mix of theory knowledge and practical application, her presentation consisted of powerful and attention grabbing photos and video recordings that illustrated not only how to perform rescues safely and humanely but also what not to do and what can go wrong. They were also used to present the horse as a hazard to responders and willing untrained rescuers. In essence, horses are to be treated like a ‘Hazardous Material – a dangerous object that will explode without warning.Whilst the rescue of horses is an infrequent event, it is a highly dangerous emergency that is often mishandled.The WAHC recognised that there was no organisation currently providing training in Large Animal Rescue in WA and that there is a need to raise the awareness of safe rescue techniques and the skill level for those who may be involved in a large animal rescue. The workshops are not just recommended for emergency responders (Fire & Rescue, SES, Local Rangers) but are also highly recommended for veterinarians, horse event officials, horse associations and HORSE OWNERS. There is currently no recognised Large Animal Rescue group or cache of equipment available for responding to a large animal rescue incident in WA, so just by having some awareness in the rescue techniques and systems will help to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Furthermore, having an understanding of the rescue methods is beneficial

for all horse owners and could provide the know-how to improvise when the exact equipment is not available. All of which will contribute to ensuring that the incident remains a rescue and does not become a recovery.The WAHC and TLAER committee are to be commended for undertaking this initiative. A special thanks to Diane Bennit for her many hours of driving this initiative and for jointly purchasing ‘LAR’ry’ the rescue mannequin with her sister Christina Slater . The addition of this very special piece of training equipment, and the associated rescue equipment is an asset to the equine community of WA.Thanks to Chris Horvath for providing his time and support for ensuring “LAR’ry” was transported and assembled safely, and for obtaining and maintaining the cache of equipment. A huge thank you goes to MaryAnne Leighton for her tireless work in promoting and developing Large Animal Rescue in Australia.

LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE WORKSHOPS

Above: MaryAnne Leighton- presenter of the workshops- leads LAR’ry and friend out to the arena.

Left: Demonstration of positioning a horse on the slide to facilitate movement to a safe area.

Right: Some of the equipment used in large animal rescues.Below: One of the attending groups.

GUEST SPEAKERS ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS: • Dr David Cook - THE STABLE FLY A forensic and livestock entomologist based at the Centre for Forensic Science at the University of WA, Dr Cook is currently the consultant entomologist supporting the Department of Agriculture and Food WA’s (DAFWA) Stable Fly Project. Dr Cook has worked on numerous flies that affect livestock and humans, but none so devastating and adaptable as the stable fly.• Emma Carlisle - CHAngES To ExiSTing ACCounTAnCY LAwS AnD How THEY impACT on THE HorSE inDuSTrY. This will also cover whether it is more advantageous to keep your activities as a hobby or becoming a business. Emma is the Manager of leading Accountancy firm “Pascoe Partners” and is one of the most successful showjumpers in WA. There will be plenty of time for questions.

Representing a united horse community in Western Australia.

At ‘THE BUNKHOUSE’Brookleigh Equestrian Estate 235 Great Northern Highway, Upper Swan

WA HORSE COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Thursday 27th AuguST 7.15pm

COME ALONG AND MEET PEOPLE FROM OTHER HORSE ORGANISATIONS.

ENQUIRIES: Diane- 9293 3577Mobile:0409 083 617

Contact details: Email: bennit@iinet.net.au 7/ 98 Canning Road, KALAMUNDA. WA. 6076

Everyone Welcome PLEASE PASS ON TO YOUR CONTACTS

Free Wine and Cheese TastingSponsored by Neilsons Winery

FROM 6PM