Uniting for the welfare of horses

HORSE welfare organisation Project Hope will run two events for the local equine community with money received as part of a State Government grant last year.

A free training day will be run at the Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre on Saturday, 29 January from 9.30am to 3pm, with a specific focus on working with horses who have experienced trauma.

Educator and animal physiology expert Ian Shaw will lead the day of learning in a controlled environment, which aims to give practical tips to those with horses that are fearful of, or reactive to, people raising their arms, throwing ropes, touching their ears, or lifting their hind hooves.

Project manager Rhonda Petschel said the events are designed to suit all horse owners, whether they are equestrian-lovers, polo players, or simply have pet horses in their paddock.

“We all have a common bond, and we all know people who have difficulties with horses that need support,” she said.

“Ballarat has every horse-riding discipline known to mankind, from polo-cross, to trail riding, to dressage, you name it… That learning and sharing is so very important, as is linking up disciplines.

“We can offer support for how best to help the horse when we have to do their feet, teeth, or have the vet come to them. We’re uniting for the welfare of our horses.”

Originally a face-to-face event at Woady Yaloak on Sunday, 16 January, The Overweight Horse presentation by equine biomechanics, exercise physiology, and behaviour expert Dr Lesley Hawson has been postponed.

It will be run as a webinar on Wednesday, 16 February at 7pm, to ensure COVID-safety amongst pony club attendees, many of which are children and may be unvaccinated.

“The presentation will explain the current science on feeding our horses and how to manage their weight,” Ms Petschel said.

Register for either via [email protected] or 1300 881 606. “Fence-sitters” are welcome at the training day.

If the day of the in-person event becomes a period of Total Fire Ban, or if temperatures reach above 33 degrees, it will be cancelled.