Staying safe around horses

HORSE welfare group Project Hope is returning to Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre to deliver another education session for horse owners in the Golden Plains Shire and broader Ballarat area.

The organisation is hosting equine biomechanics, exercise physiology, and behaviour expert Dr Lesley Hawson at the Smythesdale and District Pony Club rooms on Saturday, 18 June for a training presentation on the topic of safety awareness.

“This is a unique, interactive take on being safe around horses,” Project Hope manager Rhonda Petschel said.

“We will be applying the latest thinking in psychology, safety science and even first responder training to give you the tools to be safer around and for your horse.

“This training is far more than, ‘bites one end, kicks the other and is dangerous in the middle.’ It can be applied in all horse related situations.”

Ms Petschel said Project Hope’s events are designed to suit all horse owners, whether they’re equestrian-lovers, polo players, or simply have pet horses in their paddock.

Dr Hawson will run a webinar on Wednesday, 1 June at 7.30pm on overweight horses, explaining the current science on feeding horses and how to best manage them at a healthy weight.

The in-person presentation in Smythesdale with Dr Hawson will be held at 2pm Saturday, 18 June. The Pony Club is accessible from Lords Road.

Send an email to [email protected] or call 1300 881 606 to register your place or ask any questions. Those who express interest in the online seminar will receive a live video link.

The sessions are all free and have been supported by State department Animal Welfare Victoria.