The Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) Since ancient times, horse behaviour and the bond between horses and humans, have been a source of intrigue and fascination. The horse-lore that has accumulated over the centuries is a rich mix of both useful practice (approaching horses from their left side,Read More →
A book featuring the previously untold story behind a fundraising cookbook involving some of Australia’s best-known equestrians, has been short-listed for an international award. The quirkily-titled Noshie for Neddie Lovers was compiled by the late Eleanor Russell to help get the Australian dressage team to the world titles in 1986.Read More →
The benefits of groundwork are becoming more and more apparent as horse owners—professionals and amateurs alike—discover that developing this partnership on the ground helps their horse become safer and more attentive. Many of us have developed a ‘quick-check’ routine that we run through before we mount which allows us toRead More →
Industry-led welfare and safety reforms are gaining momentum as several of the largest race tracks in the United States announce they will phase out the use of furosemide, commercially sold as Lasix, beginning in 2020. By 2021, race-day furosemide will be banned for all major races, including the Triple Crown.Read More →
Horses, as flight animals, instinctively remain silent in the face of pain, but a new study, recently published in Equine Veterinary Education, shows they have a ‘voice’ if observers are trained to ‘listen’. The study confirms that if vets are trained to use a Ridden-Horse-Ethogram they are better able to recogniseRead More →
The results of a pilot study on the effects of rider weight on equine performance have been published in the world’s leading journal of equine veterinary education, Equine Veterinary Education (EVE). It not only highlights the need to match horses appropriately in size, weight and fitness for the rider’s weight, butRead More →
On Saturday April 6th, the article written by Cristina Wilkins on the Santa Anita whip reforms was quoted on the front cover of The Weekend Australian Review’s Sport section by award winning journalist Patrick Smith. Our investigations into the situation in California’s racetracks and our reports on horse sports sustainabilityRead More →
Racing resumed at Santa Anita Park last Friday, March 29, under rules which modernise the sport of horse racing and provide the strongest medication regulations in the United States. Approval for a complete revision of the medication rules, which were agreed upon by The Stronach Group, parent company of SantaRead More →
The Stronach Group has received complete support for the welfare and safety reforms from a large number of horseracing governing bodies, including the Breeders’ Cup, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and other industry leaders. Statement from Louis Romanet, chairman of the International Federation ofHorseracing Authorities (IFHA). The IFHA,Read More →
Belinda Stronach never wanted to test her crisis management skills in as painful a scene as occurred this winter at Santa Anita. As chief executive officer of the Stronach Group, which owns the track, the former member of the Canadian parliament was most interested in taking a legacy sport andRead More →
