Australian Endurance Moving Forward!

Note this is a historical piece continuing on from Part 1 & Part 2 of the same name.  The Inquiry took place some time ago in 1991, but the message is clear and still relevant today.  Endurance as a sport cannot afford to become complacent with regard to horse welfare issues. C onclusions and Recommendations Equine Fatalities The Committee considered that the number of horse fatalities resulting from endurance riding is unacceptable.  As a matter of urgency, more stringent veterinary controls are to be introduced to safeguard the welfare of endurance horses.  Specific Reforms to improve the welfare of endurance horses 1.  Preparation of horses:  only s uitable, properly trained and fit horses should compete. 2.  Novice Horse Category:   A Novice horse category was suggested as well as a novice rider. Novice horses need to demonstrate a capacity in that category before progressing on to more advanced categories. 3. Train...

Note this is a historical piece continuing on from Part 1  of the same name.  The Inquiry took place some time ago in 1991, but the message is clear and still relevant today.  Endurance as a sport cannot afford to become complacent with regard to horse welfare issues. How did endurance come to be part of this Report? Equine endurance riding could easily be interpreted as an extreme equine sport, with horses travelling a set distance over varying terrains with time constraints.  Competitive events range in distance from 80km to 160km in one day and up to 400km over five days.  The AERA thought it was thought best  to supply submissions and undergo scrutiny in a measured and timely way rather than take a "head in the sand" attitude & be asked to "please explain" at a later date. Views on Endurance Rides At the time of the Report, the animal welfare organisations consulted  did not identify any major problems.  However, the RSPCA was...

What exactly was the Senate Select Committee Report on Animal Welfare?  The Senate Select Report on Animal Welfare. In November 1983, the Senate established a Select Committee to inquire into and report on the following matter: the question of animal welfare in Australia , with particular reference to: a. interstate & overseas commerce in animals; b. wildlife protection & harvesting c. animal experimentation d. codes of practice of animal husbandry for all species; and e. the use of animals in sport . Hence there were reports on the export of live sheep from Australia, dolphins & whales in captivity, kangaroos, animal experimentation, sheep husbandry, intensive livestock production, the racing industry, culling of large feral animals in the NT, transport of livestock within Australia & equine welfare in competitive events other than racing . On 31st May 1990, the Senate resolved that the Committee inquire into and report upon the implications for...

IN THE BEGINNING - AUSTRALIAN ENDURANCE HORSE WELFARE Jo Hamilton-Branigan BVSc(Hons) (Endurance Vet/Rider) In 1965, RM Williams was the Editor (albeit remotely) of Hoofs & Horns, at that time the leading monthly horse magazine in Australia.  As a result, he and wife Erica were exposed to what was happening internationally and both became fascinated particularly by the coverage of an American endurance ride, the Western States 100 miles in One Day Ride, now commonly referred to as the Tevis Cup. Erica Williams on Noddy, 1975 TQ  On Rockybar Station and the like, it was a normal everyday activity to spend long days in the saddle working cattle. There was also a very proud Australian history of droving stock across the continent.  As well, the ANZAC Lighthorsemen who were renown as superb cavalry; their historic feats at Beersheba not yet fifty years past. So it was that these organised endurance events fired the imagination of the Williams' who thought ...