The term ‘agency’ is commonplace in human-animal studies and was featured in public debate via ‘The Equitation Welfare Workshop’. The event gave practitioners, equitation science researchers, vets and therapists from around the world a chance to openly discuss agency and the sport horse. But what is agency and how doesRead More →
What do you picture when you think about ‘self-carriage’? Many of us picture a horse, perhaps in a dressage arena, travelling in a certain outline and maintaining gait and direction. In this article, however, I am going to discuss why self-carriage has a much wider definition and how important itRead More →
Most horse owners are attracted to the idea of breeding their own foal at some stage, especially those who own mares. Less common, however, is deciding to manage and educate a stallion with the prospect of using him as a sire. Horses and People magazine’s editor, Cristina Wilkins asked DrRead More →
The horse racing whip debate just got harder… The Melbourne Cup is upon us. This year will be different due to COVID-19 — but one thing we don’t expect to change is concern about horses’ welfare, which seems to resurface each year. Just days before the Cup, Victoria’s parliament hasRead More →
Abortions and premature births can happen when pregnant mares are accidentally exposed to some types of hairy caterpillar. In this article, Equine Reproduction Specialist Dr John Chopin shares a case that could have ended in tragedy but resulted in a healthy foal thanks to their early intervention. Take home message:Read More →
Research on horse owners’ use of bitted and unbitted bridles, believed to be first of its kind, could change the equine industry. Charles Sturt master’s student to research horse owners’ use of bitted and unbitted bridles Mrs Jude Matusiewicz wants to determine whether science plays a part in decisions ofRead More →
Equestrian Australia in voluntary administration Equestrian Australia has gone into voluntary administration to avoid insolvency, following the withdrawal of funding by Sport Australia. The peak body has, over the last couple of years seen a continuous erosion of trust and legitimacy, questioned by its own members for failing to serveRead More →
Is your horse in the mood to learn? In an article that foreshadows the science of horsemanship (rather than the science of training alone), researchers from the University of Sydney show why trainers should adjust their techniques to the horse’s mood and emotional state. Behaviour scientists say that learning processesRead More →
Mudgee born Sue-Ellen Lovett lives with husband Matthew on a property in Dubbo and is always accompanied by her guide dog. Born in Mudgee, she continues to overcome the limitations of progressive blindness after being afflicted by the hereditary disease Retinitis Pigmentosa. Sue-Ellen doesn’t let her condition stop her achievingRead More →
