WA Horse Council

01/06/2026

🚨 ANIMALS IN EMERGENCIES CONFERENCE 2026 – ONLINE OR IN PERSON 🚨

Animal welfare in emergencies is a rapidly developing field in Australia, and this conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from Australian experiences, case studies and emergency response systems.

Congratulations to Anne Keyvar, Emergency Response Manager at RSPCA NSW, for building on the success of last year's inaugural conference. Our AEIMN Chair, David King, will again be presenting alongside an impressive range of animal welfare, veterinary, emergency management and government professionals.

It was also a pleasure to welcome Debbie King, Animal Welfare Policy Research Officer at RSPCA WA, to the WA Horse Council AGM to discuss WA's new Equine Welfare Standards and Guidelines. As Western Australia begins this next chapter in equine welfare, education, collaboration and industry engagement will be key to achieving positive outcomes for horses and their owners.

🎥 I've attached the conference video and registration details for anyone interested in attending online or in person.

📅 10 June 2026
📍 Sydney Adoption and Education Centre & Online

Building Capacity Before the Crisis — because preparation saves lives, for both animals and the people who care for them.

🎟️ Registration details

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1537052

https://vimeo.com/1160932977?fl=pl&fe=sh

Animals are often overlooked in disaster management conversations across Australia. To ensure animals are recognised as a critical part of emergency planning and response, RSPCA NSW proudly hosts the Animals in Emergencies Conference. The conference brings together organisations from animal welfare,...

31/05/2026

🚨 A HUGE THANK YOU to Kath Pinter and Tack on Track for their generous donation of Hi-Vis gear for the 2026 Pass Wide & Slow Ride! 🚨

The WA Horse Council is incredibly grateful for this support of our road safety campaign. The Hi-Vis items will be given away free at this year's Pass Wide & Slow Ride, alongside our new batch of rider safety vests, helping spread the message to motorists to pass horses wide and slow on Western Australian roads.

This generous donation also gives us the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Mary Gracie for her extraordinary contribution to the horse industry in WA.

Mary established Saddlery Wholesalers in 1969, growing it from a small saddlery import business into one of Western Australia's best-known equestrian suppliers. She was also a pioneer in the racing industry, appointed by WATC Managing Secretary Harry Bolton in 1970 to provide a betting information service in the Ascot bookmakers' ring, a completely new initiative at the time. As an owner and breeder, she celebrated many successes, including Group 1 Railway Stakes winner El Presidente in 2007.

While we are saddened to hear Mary is stepping back, we are delighted that her legacy will continue through the new businesses now operating from 14 Carbine Street, Ascot — Tack on Track, led by Kath Pinter, and Combined Farriers, led by Matt and Victoria Godwin.

Mary's support of horses, racing and equestrian sport in Western Australia has been immense, and we thank her sincerely for everything she has done for our industry. We also warmly welcome Kath and thank her for her enthusiasm in supporting Pass Wide & Slow, particularly in the Ascot horse precinct where road safety awareness is so important.

Thank you, Mary and Kath, for your support of the horse community in Western Australia. 💙🐴

31/05/2026

The WA Horse Council is proud to be a member of the Animal Emergency Incident Management Network Australia & New Zealand (AEIMN ANZ).

Last week, AEIMN brought together participants and presenters from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, including emergency services, fire and rescue personnel, veterinarians, animal rescue technicians, wildlife and zoo professionals, animal welfare organisations, local and state government representatives, emergency managers and industry stakeholders to share lessons learned from real-world animal incidents and emergencies.

Highlights included:
🐴 Carolyn Press-McKenzie (HUHA NZ) – a complex remote foal rescue in New Zealand (photos attached)
🔥 Fiona Ryan and Dr Natasha Bassett (Zoos Victoria) – the response to the catastrophic Victorian bushfires
📱 Carol Frawley (Country Fire Service SA) – a new first responders' mobile app for animal incidents and emergencies
🐬 Lyndell Roberts (ORRCA Inc.) – a multi-agency response to a stranded Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin

The recent horse float rollover and rescue in Ellenbrook highlighted the value of training, relationships and shared knowledge before an emergency occurs. It also demonstrated how many agencies across Western Australia could benefit from being part of this network.

AEIMN connects members to a national and global community of practice through partnerships with BARTA and the International Community of Practice (InCoP), sharing Global Solutions to Tackle Local Issues – Creating a Community of Practice.

📢 JOIN THE NETWORK – ALL ARE WELCOME!

Whether you work in emergency services, fire and rescue, veterinary medicine, wildlife, zoos, animal welfare, local or state government, agriculture, racing, equestrian sport, or emergency management, there is a place for you in the network.

Together, we can build stronger capability, coordination and outcomes for animals and communities in emergencies.

Learn more about AEIMN ANZ:
https://www.aeimanz.org/

28/05/2026

Western Australian racing lost one of its true matriarchs on Sunday with the passing of Lois Taylor.

Michael (Mick) and Lois Taylor arrived at Middle Swan in 1959 to manage the historic Jane Brook Stud, at that time the only commercial stud in Western Australia standing both Thoroughbred and Standardbred stallions. Established in 1943, Jane Brook Stud played an important role in both racing codes and became one of the best-known horse breeding properties in the state.

The property itself became part of WA racing history. Entrance gates, the office and showroom, stables and living quarter alterations completed in 1975 were designed by renowned architect Ron Ledger. During the 1980s the stud was owned by Yosse Goldberg before being sold to the State Government for housing in 1988.

From Jane Brook, the Taylors later moved to Albert Road, where Mick built the stables that became well known throughout WA racing circles, later home to Les Bunning for many years and now owned by Paul Ramsay of Ramsay’s Horse Transport. In 1989, the family moved to Bullsbrook to continue their thoroughbred interests, with the Taylor family’s involvement in racing now extending into a third generation through JP Taylor Racing and Brittany and Lochie Taylor.

Lois became Western Australia’s first licensed female thoroughbred trainer in 1977, after years of effectively training horses under Mick Taylor’s licence. Racing was very much a man’s world at that time, and women like Lois quietly changed the industry forever through resilience, determination and sheer hard work — although Lois herself would never have wanted any fuss made about it.

Those who knew Lois will remember her extraordinary horsemanship, work ethic, quiet strength and elegance. Whether in the feed room, handling horses, driving trucks or working beside stable staff, Lois earned enormous respect throughout the industry. She represented a generation of horsewomen whose contribution was often understated, but whose impact was profound.

Even into her late 80s, Lois remained actively involved with the family farm and the horses she loved so deeply.

The WA Horse Council extends sincere condolences to the entire Taylor family and all who knew and loved Lois.

Thank you, Lois Taylor, for everything you gave to horses, racing and the wider equestrian community in Western Australia. Your legacy will endure for generations.

23/05/2026

Well done to the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale for joining the National and International Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride/Drive movement and continuing to lead practical road safety initiatives for the equine community.

The WA Horse Council strongly supports the Shire’s commitment to safer, more respectful interactions between horses and other road users through education, awareness campaigns and community engagement.

The “Pass Wide and Slow” message is simple but critically important:
🐴 Slow to 20 km/h when approaching horses
🐴 Pass with at least 2 metres clearance
🐴 Avoid sudden acceleration or noise
🐴 Respect riders, carriage drivers and all vulnerable road users

Horse riders and carriage drivers remain among the most exposed road users in regional and peri-urban communities, particularly as traffic volumes increase across equine areas.

We also look forward to ongoing support for the petition to WA Parliament seeking formal recognition of horses and riders as Vulnerable Road Users, consistent with approaches already recognised or progressing internationally, including the UK Highway Code changes, Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry recommendations, and current discussions in New Zealand.

Recognition matters because it strengthens education, awareness, road design, policy development and safer driver behaviour around horses.

Congratulations again to the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale for showing leadership in equine road safety and helping promote the message that there is room for everyone on our roads and trails.

🐴 Hold your horses- we need you! 🚗

We’re saddling up for Road Safety Week 2025 and need local riders and their horses to be the face of our Horse Road Safety Campaign-plus a motorbike rider to feature in the video!

Why Get Involved?

Our equine community is at the heart of our region. With so many riders sharing roads with vehicles, raising awareness about horse safety is more important than ever. By participating, you’ll:

✅ Help educate drivers on how to safely share the roads with horses.
✅ Be a voice for our equine community.
✅ Play a starring role in a campaign that could save lives.

Want to help rein in safer driving around horses in SJ? Express your interest today 👉 https://tinyurl.com/363dssrn

18/05/2026

The WA Horse Council was pleased to take part in Exercise Assisi, hosted by DPIRD, testing Western Australia’s State Support Plan – Animal Welfare in Emergencies.

WAHC has been involved with CAWE (Committee for Animal Welfare in Emergencies) since its formation, working alongside DPIRD, DFES, WA Police, DBCA, WA Wildlife, IFAW, WALGA, local governments, Red Cross, the Australian Veterinary Association, WA Rangers, animal welfare organisations, industry groups and community stakeholders to improve planning and coordination during emergencies involving animals.

The exercise focused on a large-scale Perth Hills bushfire scenario impacting livestock, horses, companion animals and wildlife, and examined how agencies coordinate when incidents exceed local capacity.

Importantly, exercises like this recognise a global reality in emergency management — you cannot effectively manage human emergencies without planning for animals. Communities will not leave animals behind, and responders increasingly face complex situations involving horses, livestock, companion animals and wildlife during disasters and everyday emergencies.

The day was extremely well run and provided valuable discussion around coordination, communication, operational planning and the role of support agencies across WA.

Thank you to DPIRD and everyone involved in continuing to strengthen Animal Welfare in Emergencies capability across Western Australia.

13/05/2026

An encouraging update following yesterday’s incident — both horses are doing well and are now being cared for by colleagues of the injured thoroughbred trainer involved in the float incident. Although understandably sore and stressed, both horses remarkably escaped major injury thanks to the quick actions of local industry participants, veterinarians and emergency responders.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, including DFES crews who used technical rescue methods to safely open the float, and the local veterinarian who provided rapid sedation assistance. Importantly, one of our experienced thoroughbred trainers was able to safely free the trapped horse’s leg after recommending access through the float window rather than the compromised floor area — a critical decision that reduced further risk to both horse and rescuers.

Incidents involving trapped horses are complex, high-risk and emotionally charged. This event provides an important opportunity for learning — not only for the City of Swan, but for communities across Western Australia — about how Large Animal Rescue can operate more safely and effectively within local and State Government emergency management frameworks.

Large Animal Rescue is now an internationally recognised specialist field involving coordinated incident management, veterinary support, technical rescue skills and responder safety. Organisations such as AEIMN ANZ, BARTA – British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association and the broader International Community of Practice for Incidents Involving Animals continue to advance “Global Solutions to Tackle Local Issues” through training, research and multi-agency collaboration.

https://www.aeimanz.org/
https://www.bartacic.org/

For emergency services and agencies seeking further information, the AFAC Large Animal Rescue Operations Guidelines provide national best-practice guidance for incidents involving horses and other large animals. https://www.afac.com.au/resources/large-animal-rescue-operations

The Council sends its healing thoughts to both drivers, and to the horses now safely resting in their stables.

Most importantly, both horses are alive, recovering and home safe — an outcome everyone is deeply grateful for.

12/05/2026

Today’s incident in Ellenbrook is a reminder of why Large Animal Rescue training, planning and specialist equipment are so important across Western Australia.

Thankfully, reports indicate both horses were safely recovered with veterinary assistance, and our thoughts are with the injured occupant transported to hospital ❤️

Since 2014, the WA Horse Council has supported Large Animal Rescue education in WA, bringing national and international experts to Australia and New Zealand to share practical skills and emergency response experience.

In August 2024, WAHC hosted workshops in Perth on “Incidents Involving Animals in Transit,” with David King (Australian Emergency Incident Management Network AUS/NZ) including simulations involving trapped horses, float rollovers and rescue techniques.

Large Animal Rescue is a true multi-agency response involving emergency services, local government, veterinarians, animal welfare groups, racing and equestrian organisations, transport operators, wildlife responders and trained volunteers — all working together for the safety of people and animals.

The WA Horse Council will continue advocating for improved training, coordination and specialist rescue capability across WA.

We wish the horses and their families a speedy recovery ❤️

08/05/2026

From our friends at the New Zealand Vulnerable Road User Charitable Trust — an important reminder during Road Safety Week NZ.

“I DIDN’T SEE THEM…”

It is one of the most common statements made after a crash involving a vulnerable road user. Another is: “I looked.”

The Trust sought clarification from Canterbury Road Policing Manager, Inspector Kelly Larsen, on how such statements are considered during crash investigations. The message is clear: drivers have a responsibility to actively observe and safely respond to vulnerable road users on our roads.

With support from New Zealand Police, this campaign highlights the importance of passing 🚶 pedestrians, 🚴 cyclists and 🐎 horses WIDE & SLOW — while also encouraging vulnerable road users to maximise visibility wherever possible.

This message strongly aligns with the advocacy work of the WA Horse Council and the growing Pass Wide and Slow awareness campaigns across Western Australia, supported by WA Police Force and the Road Safety Commission.

Respect saves lives.
Pass Wide. Slow Down. Be Patient.

01/05/2026

A fantastic initiative in our region, and delivered by some of the best in the field.

Congratulations to Horsepower Hills on the successful completion of the 2026 Hippotherapy Workshop — three days of genuine, hands-on learning that strengthens both practice and outcomes.

It’s particularly important to recognise the depth of experience behind this program. The team at Horsepower Hills, alongside Take The Reins – Occupational Therapy, Nicky Bushell, Julie Nicholson, and guest presenter Sally Francis, represent the original Swan Valley RDA foundations and continue to set the benchmark in this space.

Workshops like this highlight the critical role of well-trained horses, skilled handlers, and qualified therapists in delivering safe, effective hippotherapy programs. The focus on horse assessment, movement, fitness, and training reflects the professionalism required to achieve meaningful outcomes for participants.

Thank you also to Telethon7 for supporting this important work.

This is exactly the kind of capacity-building that strengthens the equine-assisted services sector across Western Australia.