WA Horse Council

WA Horse Council WAHC represents the WA equine community, working with Federal, State and Local Government to improve welfare, safety, access and policy.

📌 Put it in your diary 🐎Talking Horses on SportFM 91.3 – Tracks, Trails & Rider Voices 🐎Next week, Lis Cassey will be jo...
12/01/2026

📌 Put it in your diary 🐎

Talking Horses on SportFM 91.3 – Tracks, Trails & Rider Voices 🐎

Next week, Lis Cassey will be joining Talking Horses to talk all things horse tracks and trails across Western Australia — why access and road safety matter, and what riders are experiencing on the ground right now.

Lis represents:

WA Horse Council – Tracks & Trails

Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival

Valley Scenic Trail Riders

The discussion will cover:
• Current issues facing the horse community
• WA Horse Council advocacy
• Rider safety on roads and trails
• The launch of the new ATHRA club in Perth

A key focus will be the WA Horse Council Tracks, Trails & Road Safety Survey.

We are approaching 200 responses, but our goal is 400 — and your voice genuinely matters. This survey is already informing advocacy, planning discussions, and safety conversations across WA.

📻 Talking Horses – SportFM 91.3
📅 Wednesday 14 January
⏰ 6:00 pm (evening show)

🔗 Survey link will be shared again during and after the show — please take a few minutes to complete it and share it widely with your riding friends, clubs, and networks.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr1ffouAIohW3E8o4rxs-MCgMLiE6Cesulk0l6MUR8jrtxpw/viewform?usp=dialog

This conversation is about real experiences, practical solutions, and working together toward safer, more inclusive outcomes for horses and riders across Western Australia.

🐎 Your voice. Your trails. Your safety.

At times of disaster — whether fire or flood — it is the strength of the equine industry working together that protects ...
11/01/2026

At times of disaster — whether fire or flood — it is the strength of the equine industry working together that protects horses, people, and communities.

As catastrophic conditions impact horse communities in Victoria and New South Wales, we stand in solidarity with owners, breeders, trainers, staff, emergency responders, transport companies, vets and volunteers across both states. These events once again demonstrate that when conditions are at their worst, the horse industry responds at its very best — collaboratively, calmly, and with animal welfare as the first priority.

Here in Western Australia, we are continually reminded of the importance of preparedness and cooperation. We extend our sincere and ongoing thanks to Equestrian Western Australia and Magic Millions in the Swan Valley for consistently providing evacuation and emergency stabling facilities when they are needed most.

We also acknowledge and thank the many clubs, private properties, training centres, agistment facilities, and remote regional venues across WA that open their gates during emergencies. Time and again — in bushfires and floods — these facilities provide safe refuge for horses and vital support for owners under extreme stress.

Across WA, and AUS/NZ this whole-of-industry response highlights what is possible when racing, equestrian sport, breeding, training, emergency services and community organisations work together with a shared commitment to safety and welfare.

The Western Australian Horse Council is proud to represent and support an industry that understands a simple truth: in times of disaster, collaboration saves lives.


https://www.racingpost.com/bloodstock/anz-news/theyre-just-remarkable-animals-they-keep-themselves-safe-thoroughbreds-forced-to-be-evacuated-as-fires-rage-across-the-state-of-victoria-a0lJc8Y6JVBj/

Put it in your diary 🐎Talking Horses on SportFM 91.3 – Tracks, Trails & Rider Voices 🐎Next week, Lis Cassey, WA Horse Co...
06/01/2026

Put it in your diary 🐎
Talking Horses on SportFM 91.3 – Tracks, Trails & Rider Voices 🐎

Next week, Lis Cassey, WA Horse Council Tracks and Trails, Swan Valley Horse Trail Revival and Valley Scenic Trail Riders will be joining Talking Horses to discuss horse tracks and trails across Western Australia — why access and safety matter, and what riders are experiencing on the ground.

The conversation will cover current issues facing the horse community, WA Horse Council advocacy, and the launch of the new ATHRA club in Perth.

This is about sharing real experiences and working towards safer, more inclusive outcomes for horses and riders across Western Australia.

📻 Talking Horses – SportFM 91.3
📅 Wednesday 14 January
⏰ 6:00 pm (evening show)

Thank you to the Talking Horses team for providing a platform for this important conversation.
















Cr Rod Henderson - City of Swan



🐎 2026 – Let’s Make It the Year of Proactive Road Safety for Horses 🐎The Pass Wide and Slow movement continues to grow —...
06/01/2026

🐎 2026 – Let’s Make It the Year of Proactive Road Safety for Horses 🐎

The Pass Wide and Slow movement continues to grow — and 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet.

With over 100 Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Rides and Drives already planned worldwide for 2026, Western Australia is proud to be part of this global effort to improve safety for horses, riders, drivers, and all road users.

Across all regions of WA, local communities are coming together to educate drivers on the simple actions that save lives:
➡️ Slow right down
➡️ Pass wide (at least 2 metres where possible)
➡️ Be patient and respectful

📅 Key 2026 Awareness Dates
🟠 5–6 September 2026 – Major Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Rides & Drives
(Additional regional events will be held throughout the year)

If you are interested in organising a Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride or Drive in your region, we would love to hear from you.
📩 Please message Diane Ford or Suzanne Starsmore for more information and support. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?ll=54.4220419132298%2C-5.228077000976552&z=6&fbclid=IwY2xjawPJpd5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjRFNUeWEwaFdOSnh5Rjkzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu3nK-cPDBLFRKfohIs8ZP-bwEo5QUSz4JwwA3OieViAlK-z8_O_sX9CQxWn_aem_u-hA4GaaRKYy1YevCLDP2g&mid=1Ry1mfGe-4n5sM09TJWQFzfRgI0oEEMo

Every ride, every conversation, and every sign helps change behaviour and keeps horses and riders safe on WA roads.

🎥 Watch the attached Mildura Pass Wide and Slow video to see how community-led awareness events make a real difference.

Let’s work together in 2026 to ensure horses are recognised as vulnerable road users — and that everyone gets home safely.







https://www.facebook.com/reel/1118520317037589

📢 Check out the December AEIMN ANZ newsletter, Animals Matter!2025 was a milestone year, with AEIMN’s first New Zealand ...
03/01/2026

📢 Check out the December AEIMN ANZ newsletter, Animals Matter!

2025 was a milestone year, with AEIMN’s first New Zealand conference and a one-day horse sport emergency management symposium at the University of Melbourne. Founding Chair Josh Slater, now Programme Director for the University of Liverpool – University of Al Dhaid Veterinary Programme and founder of InCOP and BARTA, highlights AEIMN’s global connections and whole-of-society approach to animal emergencies.

The Western Australian Horse Council, WA’s only provider of large animal incident management education since 2015 and a board member of the Committee for Animal Welfare in Emergencies WA, has been an AEIMN member since 2020, supporting training, knowledge-sharing, and resilience.

Newsletter highlights include conferences, updates, case studies, resources, and events.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qTfEzpehUj9R1txGmPjjPVgWuomCfqmciLKbxeIy8o0/edit?tab=t.0

🐎🔥 This is the Year to SPEAK for the Horse 🔥🐎Horses cannot speak for themselves — but we can.And in this Year of the Fir...
03/01/2026

🐎🔥 This is the Year to SPEAK for the Horse 🔥🐎

Horses cannot speak for themselves — but we can.
And in this Year of the Fire Horse, we are called to act with courage, strength, and purpose.

For thousands of years, the horse explored the world for humans.
They carried us into battle, cleared land so we could farm, and moved people, goods, and entire communities across continents. Until the 1920s, horses quite literally powered the world.

Yet today, despite everything horses have given us, they are being quietly zoned and developed out of our communities.
Tracks and trails are closed. Access is reduced. Planning decisions are made without horses — or the people who care for them — in mind.

🐴 The WA Horse Council Tracks & Trails Survey will be open for four weeks, and every response helps keep the horse front of mind for government, planners, and decision-makers.

If you ride, own horses, compete, trail ride, volunteer, or simply believe horses deserve a place in our communities — this is your moment to SPEAK for the horse.

🔥 Speak for safety
🔥 Speak for access
🔥 Speak for the future
🔥 Speak for those who carried us here

👉 Survey link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr1ffouAIohW3E8o4rxs-MCgMLiE6Cesulk0l6MUR8jrtxpw/viewform?usp=dialog

📣 Please share so voices from all regions of WA are heard.

Let’s honour the horse — not just in words, but in action — and ensure horses remain part of our communities, now and into the future.

🎄 Merry Christmas from the WA Horse Council 🎄Wishing our entire community a safe, restful, and joyful Christmas. Thank y...
25/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from the WA Horse Council 🎄

Wishing our entire community a safe, restful, and joyful Christmas. Thank you for supporting horses 🐴 and riders 🏇 by showing care on our roads and respecting shared tracks and trails, parks, and beaches. We also acknowledge the strong WA horse community (Thank you David Houston/Magic Millions/ State Equestrian Center Equestrian Western Australia,) who assist with evacuation and emergency stabling during fire and flood , supporting animal welfare in times of crisis.

We look forward to continuing our advocacy and lobbying for the horse across Western Australia in 2026. Tania Lawrence MP Tanya Richardson Mayor City of Swan Cr Rod Henderson - City of Swan Charlie Zannino - Swan Valley/Gidgegannup Ward

The WA Horse Council joins the WA Police Force in mourning the loss of Police Horse Dexter, who served the Western Austr...
23/12/2025

The WA Horse Council joins the WA Police Force in mourning the loss of Police Horse Dexter, who served the Western Australian community with distinction for 11 years as part of the Mounted Section.

Dexter, a Clydesdale–Canadian Percheron cross, was known for his strength, calm temperament, and unwavering reliability. Throughout his career he played a vital role in public order management, ceremonial duties, and community engagement, earning the respect of colleagues and the public alike.

We have been privileged over the past decade to work with the WA Mounted Police, including their valued participation in our Large Animal Rescue courses. Their professionalism, horsemanship, and ongoing support of the WA Horse Council have been greatly appreciated, and Dexter was a wonderful ambassador for the Mounted Section during that time.

Farewelled from the WA Police Academy last year, Dexter went on to enjoy a well-earned retirement at an agistment property in Donnybrook.

Our sincere condolences go to his handlers and colleagues in the Mounted Section, who are understandably devastated by his loss. We honour Dexter’s service with gratitude and respect.

Magic Millions Swan Valley has opened for evacuations 🐴🔥
21/12/2025

Magic Millions Swan Valley has opened for evacuations 🐴🔥

🐎 What Happens Next — and Why Your Voice Still Matters 🐎Thank you again to everyone (over 100 now!) who have already co...
20/12/2025

🐎 What Happens Next — and Why Your Voice Still Matters 🐎

Thank you again to everyone (over 100 now!) who have already completed the WA Horse Council Tracks & Trails survey — the response so far has been encouraging.

Each survey response helps build a clear, evidence-based picture of what’s happening on the ground, including:
• where trail access has been lost
• how closures impact rider and public safety
• what works — and what doesn’t — in local trail management
• why rural and semi-rural areas like Chittering need practical, horse-friendly solutions

This information supports formal advocacy and discussions with councils and land managers, not just now, but going forward.

If you haven’t yet had your say, there’s still time — and if you have, please keep sharing so others can be counted too.

👉 Survey link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfr1ffouAIohW3E8o4rxs-MCgMLiE6Cesulk0l6MUR8jrtxpw/viewform?usp=dialog

Together, informed voices create better outcomes for our trails 🐴💚

🐎 PASS WIDE & SLOW – MATHIESON ROAD, ASCOT 🐎Travelling Mathieson Road, Ascot, you are in one of City of Belmont’s highly...
19/12/2025

🐎 PASS WIDE & SLOW – MATHIESON ROAD, ASCOT 🐎

Travelling Mathieson Road, Ascot, you are in one of City of Belmont’s highly sensitive horse precincts, shared by horses, riders, pedestrians, pets, wildlife and birds. This area is a block away from the Swan River, sees horse trucks and floats, plus traffic from building sites, trades, and shortcut drivers — all increasing risk for animals.

👏 Thank you to the City of Belmont for installing the driver-feedback sign to educate drivers and promote respect for all road users, right at Ascot Racecourse (and our Pass wide and slow sign!) Getting the message out there:
-Drive below 20 km/h
-Give horses, riders, and animals at least 2 metres of space.

⚠️ Animals are Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) — just like bicycles, pedestrians, and children. They are slow, easily spooked, and need extra space. Pass wide, slow down, and share the road safely.

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