WA Horse Council

22/01/2025

From Paula Vaughn and the Shire of Serpentine/Jarrahdale:

New horse trails are coming to Jarrahdale, setting the stage for the town to become a Horse Trail Town and boosting its potential as a nationally significant equestrian destination! 🏇

🏞️ In partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the Shire is constructing two amazing new trails in the rehabilitated forest of Langford Park:
✨ 5km Easy Trail – perfect for casual riders and beginners
✨ 25km Endurance Trail – for the adventurous spirit

We’re thrilled to have Three Chillies Design leading the creation of these spectacular trails, with progress already underway for this year’s highly anticipated launch! 🚴‍♀️🐎

Stay tuned for updates as we get ready to saddle up and hit the trails! 🤠

18/01/2025

🌏 Exciting First Steps for the InCOP International Community of Practice! 🌟

A huge thank you to everyone who joined the inaugural online meeting hosted by BARTA and chaired by Dr. Josh Slater (AEIMN, University of Melbourne). Despite the challenges of coordinating across time zones, your participation and enthusiasm were inspiring!

During the session, we shared the vision for this innovative International Community of Practice (InCOP) and explored how it will foster collaboration, engagement, and knowledge sharing across borders.

🎥 Missed the meeting?
No problem! You can:

Download the presentation (PDF link below).
Watch the full recording (approximately 1 hour).

📝 Want to get involved?
https://www.bartacic.org/conference/our-first-online-meeting/
We’d love to hear from you! Complete the feedback form to express your interest and share details about your current situation. Simply scan the QR code provided below.

We’re thrilled about the future of this community and the opportunities it brings to connect, learn, and grow together. Your knowledge and skills will be invaluable in making this initiative a success!

📌 Stay tuned for updates and upcoming activities!

The InCOP Interim Focus group would like to extend a huge thank you to all who attended the recent inaugural online meeting where we outlined the vision for our International Community of Practice, particularly as time zones meant it was challenging for some! For the many who couldn’t make it, the...

18/01/2025

🌟 Thank You to DDRA and Partners for Enhancing Trail Safety! 🌟

The WA Horse Council extends a heartfelt thank you to Bruce Hilliard, the Darling Downs Residents Association (DDRA), and Chris Eden-Street of Rod's Equine Solutions for their outstanding efforts in improving the safety of the Comic Loop South Trail at the Darling Downs Equestrian Park (DDEP).

✨ New Safety Fence Installed
The recently added safety fence on the northern side of the crossover point addresses a significant hazard—a deep drainage ditch—making the trail much safer for horses and riders alike.

This project is a fantastic example of the equestrian community coming together to prioritize safety and well-being. The DDRA has also contributed to other safety fencing efforts at the DDEP, creating a safer environment for all users.

👏 A special thanks to Chris Eden-Street for the professional installation of this critical safety feature.

Together, we can ensure our equestrian trails remain safe and enjoyable for everyone!

📸 Check out the photos of the new fence below!

16/01/2025

🎉 A big THANK YOU to Echo News for featuring a cartoon flashback of our Large Animal Rescue Best Practices Training Seminar at the State Equestrian Centre, Brigadoon, in this week’s edition! 🐴🚨

This memorable event, originally held on Aug 23-24th, 2023, brought together over 50 Rangers and Emergency Personnel for essential hands-on training in large animal rescue techniques with Dr HHayley Squance Animal Emergency Management
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all participants, trainers, and supporters who made the seminar a success, helping to ensure the safety and welfare of animals in emergency situations. Together, we’re building a stronger, more prepared community. 💪💙

Check out Echo News this week to relive the moment!

12/01/2025

🚨 Webinar Update! 🚁🐴

Dr. John Madigan, graciously invited the Australian Emergency Incident Management Network (AEIMN) to participate and now to share the webinar from the American Association of Equine Practitioners with our equine community in AUS/NZ.

Topic: Helicopter Airlift of Equines – Rescue and Transportation: An International Perspective

🗓️ Date: December 10th, 2024

🌍 Speakers:

Dr. John Madigan: Emeritus Distinguished Professor, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Colonel Stephane Montavon: Chief Veterinary Officer, Swiss Armed Forces
Dr. Monica Aleman: Professor, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (Equine Neurology & Emergency Care)

We’re thrilled to highlight that UC Davis Veterinary School has recently received the Swiss Sling, an innovative new tool with significant advantages over the Anderson Sling. It requires fewer people to operate and is easier to transport to emergency sites—game-changing features for equine and wildlife rescue operations.

🙏 A huge thank you to Drs. Madigan,Montavon, and Aleman, the WA Horse Council, and the AEIMN for their dedication to improving animal welfare through education and equipment development across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

📩 Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best in the field!

📌https://replay.dropbox.com/share/gAxG2Xx9T7eoYwLr

Together, let’s advance animal welfare and emergency response globally. 🌏🐴

12/01/2025

Some great sharing from California fires.

09/01/2025

To our friends in California’s equestrian and large animal rescue community,

We are heartbroken to hear about the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. With over 26,000 acres burned, 1,000 homes destroyed, and thousands of animals in danger, your community is facing unimaginable challenges.

We stand in solidarity with the horse owners, rescue crews, and volunteers working tirelessly to save lives. The strength, compassion, and dedication shown by your equestrian community in this time of crisis is truly inspiring. As Peggy Klump said, “Horse people take care of each other”—and we are reminded of the global unity within our community.

Here in Western Australia, we know the heartache of wildfires and the critical need for resources, shelter, and evacuation support. Please know that you are not alone.

To assist:

Donations can be made to the USEF Disaster Relief Fund or Fleet of Angels to support emergency shelters, hay supplies, and micro-grants for affected horse owners.
Share verified updates, rescue needs, and available resources widely to connect those in need with the help they require.
To all those impacted: stay safe and know that the international equestrian community is keeping you in our thoughts. Together, we’ll weather this storm. 💕

With empathy and solidarity,
The Western Australian Horse Council

https://youtu.be/ROcMHDDqmEU

01/01/2025

🚨 Attention: Fire Evacuees with Horses 🚨

The State Equestrian Centre has generously opened its gates to assist those needing to evacuate horses due to the fires. 🐴🔥

🔹 Location: Swan Valley Horse & Pony Club, located at the rear of the State Equestrian Centre.
🔹 Contact: Please call Marcus, the onsite Caretaker, at 0422 177 343 to inform them of your arrival.

Let’s spread the word to ensure our equine friends and their owners stay safe during this challenging time. 🧡









#

21/12/2024

🌍 Join the International Community of Practice: Incidents Involving Animals 🌍

Our interim committee is excited to invite all those passionate about planning for and responding to emergencies and disasters that impact both people and animals to the first meeting of the International Community of Practice (Incidents Involving Animals).

📅 Date: 15th January 2025
🕖 Time: 19:00 (GMT)
📍 Where: Online via Zoom

This network was established during the 2024 BARTA Conference to connect like-minded individuals from across the globe. The goal is to create a platform for mutual awareness, support, and professional development for all involved in incident planning and response involving animals.

The initial meeting will be a chance to:
✅ Meet contributors from around the world.
✅ Share your needs and priorities.
✅ Explore how this network can support your activities.

💻 Register for this FREE event via Trybooking.com.
If you’re unable to attend due to the date or time difference, but would still like to be part of the Community, please let us know!

📧 For questions or to introduce yourself ahead of time, contact Jim Green at BARTA: [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you to this incredible global initiative!

18/12/2024

Shared from Horse Trails WA and Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival .

🌟 Trail Spotlight: Chittering Bridle Trail – Lower Chittering 🌟

Yesterday, we explored the beautiful Chittering Bridle Trail in Lower Chittering. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning a ride:

🚗 Parking:

Jersey Road: Behind the water tanks (be mindful to stay clear in case they’re needed) or at the end of Jersey Road where two long-vehicle bays are available.
Sussex Park: This is the ideal parking spot! Plenty of room for floats, toilets, a water tap, picnic tables under shelters, and BBQ facilities. Perfect for a post-ride picnic!
🐴 Trail Details:

Distance: 11km return (Jersey Road to Sussex Park).
Track Type: Gravel.
Signage: The trail is well signposted throughout, with two quiet road crossings.
Features: In winter, the creek alongside the trail flows, making it lush and green—a treat for riders and horses alike!
📢 Important:

The trail is open on a 12-month trial basis, so please ensure you leave the area clean and remove hay and manure.
Feedback Matters! Email [email protected] to share your positive experiences and help secure the trail’s permanent opening.
We had a fantastic ride and are already planning a return visit after winter. Sussex Park’s facilities make it a must for your next outing!

Happy trails! 🐎💚

15/12/2024

So very grateful to partner with PassWide and Slow UK and Pass Wide and Slow New Zealand with our awareness ride in 2025 and petition to re-classify horse/riders as vulnerable road users (VRU).

We are thrilled to be working closely with the WA Horse Council in Australia.

Our value of Kotahitanga - unity in elevating horse rider safety in Aotearoa means we are connecting, supporting and sharing our learnings with others.

We can’t wait to launch our PWASNZ website, which will track the work happening both here and across the 🌍.

And we were only to happy to share the Vulnerable Road User submission currently before Government, with the WAHC, as it looks to make a case in 2025.

PWASNZ kaupapa lead - Julia

New Zealand Parliament

15/12/2024

🌿 On the Brigadoon Orlov Multi-Purpose Trail 🚶‍♂️🚒🐎

Cr Rod Henderson and Cr Charlie Zannino (Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward) joined Shauna Alban (WAHC ViceChair), Lis Cassey (WAHC committee and Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival ), and City of Swan staff to assess the steep, eroded, and rocky sections of the Brigadoon Orlov Trail.

This trail is vital as a multi-purpose walk, fire access, and horse trail, and improvements to its safety are urgently needed. These issues will be raised during the City's upcoming budget meetings to ensure a safer, more accessible trail for all users.

Thank you to everyone involved for highlighting this essential work and for your commitment to our community! 💪🐴

Equestrian Western Australia
East Swan Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade
EASE WA
Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival

08/12/2024

Attached is a promotional flyer for a free online event titled "Planning for Animals for disasters & emergencies in Australia and New Zealand" presented by Dr. Mel Taylor. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, 10 December 2024, at 6:30 PM AEDT.

Event Highlights:
The session focuses on protecting animals during emergencies, including evacuation and warning processes.
Dr. Taylor will introduce a new handbook designed to:
Provide nationally agreed principles.
Identify and promote good practices for managing animals in disasters.
Support decision-making for organizations and individuals.
Key Details:
Registration link: Trybooking.
Organizer: AEIMN (Animal Emergency Incident Management Network).
Event will be recorded, and acknowledgment is given to the University of Melbourne for ongoing support.
About Dr. Mel Taylor:
Dr. Taylor is a social researcher specializing in emergency management, particularly related to natural disasters and their impacts on animal and emergency services.

03/12/2024

From WAHC Committee Member Lis Cassey and Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival :

🌟 Your Voice Matters! Help Improve Bridle Trail Maintenance in the City of Swan! 🐴🐾

We at the WA Horse Council and Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival need your input ahead of a crucial follow-up meeting with the City of Swan Maintenance team, Cr Rod Henderson, and Cr Charlie Zannino on December 13th. The discussion will focus on the grading and upkeep of our beloved Bridle Trails.

✅ What we’ve seen so far:

The track behind the SEC has been graded.
A small section of Falabella has been improved (though more is needed).
Trails like Orlov and Joshua Mews seem untouched so far.
🐎 What we need from you:
If you’ve noticed any maintenance on the Bridle Trails in the City of Swan, please let us know! Whether you’ve ridden, walked, or just seen the state of the trails, every observation helps.

💬 Share your updates below or reach out directly to Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival Together, we can ensure these trails are safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone!

Thank you for your support! 🙏🐴

30/11/2024

Dr. Hayley Squance, a leader in Animal Emergency Management and our TLAR presenter in 2023, has made a significant contribution to Australia’s first Planning for Animals Handbook. This landmark resource highlights the vital role of integrating animals into emergency planning, underscoring the deep interconnections between communities, ecosystems, and their animals.

Hayley’s work is not only a testament to advancing disaster preparedness and response but also a reflection of her dedication to improving animal welfare worldwide. Thank you, Hayley, for your invaluable contributions to the global evolution of animal welfare in disaster management. Your research and insights continue to shape a more inclusive and compassionate future for all

The Planning for Animals Handbook provides principles and guidance for the inclusion of animals in planning before, during and after disaster.

28/11/2024

📢 Calling All WA Horse Council Members!

We need YOUR help right HERE in Western Australia! 🌟

EASE WA has been tasked with sourcing 200 PP20 and PP30 carriers—yes, 200 carriers! These are urgently needed for wildlife evacuation and containment efforts:

🦜 140 carriers will go to KAARAKIN Black Cockatoo Sanctuary to support their incredible work rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of endangered Black Cockatoos.
📦 The rest will help restock the EASE WA shed for future emergency responses.

Here’s how you can help:
✔️ Check your sheds for unused carriers.
✔️ Ensure they’re in good condition—no cracks or brittleness, please!

📍 Drop-off Points:

KAARAKIN Sanctuary: 322 Mills Rd East, Martin
EASE WA: 695 Gnangara Rd, Lexia
Mundijong: 63 Robinson St
Baldivis: Contact Meri on 0411 271 776
💡 Please note: We’re unable to collect from multiple locations—your effort to drop them off makes a HUGE difference!

Let’s rally together to support WA’s precious wildlife. 🙌