Media Releases

Media Release

 Contributed by:

Hayley Glover, Regional Landcare Facilitator (Pioneer) ph. 4944 1979.

Date:  /10/2011

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Workshops lead the way for sustainable management of horse properties

 Responsible horse ownership starts with knowledge. Aim to be as knowledgeable as you can about horse care, horse behaviour, training, safety, welfare and horse management.

 The environment in which your horse lives greatly affects their (and your) health and well-being.  This workshop shows you how following good land management practices reduces illness and injury to your horse, reduces feed bills, increases the value of your property and improves the environment. 

 The managing horses on small properties workshop is a one day workshop and covers the sustainable management of a horse property.  The principles and topics discussed will be relevant and beneficial for horse properties of all sizes.

 “Managing horses on small properties” workshops are being held in November throughout the Mackay Whitsunday region.  The aim of the workshop is to promote safety, care and welfare for you, your horse and the environment.

The workshop will cover a range of topics:

• Horse characteristics: how horse behaviour contributes to the management of a horse property;
• Pasture improvement and renovation;
• Horse and Pasture Management: how horse health and good property (environmental) care are linked;
• Manure management: how manure can be detrimental to a property and the environment if not properly managed and how to turn manure into an asset rather than a liability;
• Water Management: importance of clean water, how to manage horses so that they do not pollute the waterways and how to use water responsibly;
• Vegetation management: the role of trees and plants both in the local and wider environment and the importance of revegetation and protection of trees and plants on a horse property;
• Property design and planning: what facilities are necessary on a horse’s property and where to place them, the importance of planning and how to set about it.

Jane Myers MSc (equine) will be conducting the workshops with assistance from Pioneer Catchment and Landcare Group (PCL), Whitsunday Catchment Landcare (WCL) and Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA).  This project is supported by the Central Qld Coast Landcare Network, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country, Whitsunday and Mackay Regional Councils.

 Jane has been involved in the horse industry for over 30 years and is the author of the CSIRO publications “Managing horses on small properties”, “Horse safe: complete guide to horse care in Australia and New Zealand 2^nd ed.”  Jane was employed by the DPI&F during the equine influenza outbreak as an industry liaison officer.  She teaches (via lesson/workshops) and advises on a variety of subjects including handling and riding instruction, feeding, horse behaviour, float training, clicker training, property/pasture management, horse safety and horse management.  See www.equiculture.com.au for more details.

 Workshop Details

Time: 9am – 3pm

Cost:   $20 per person or $30 for two (includes lunch & morning tea)

RSVP: Registration and payment required by 8 November

 Proserpine:

Friday 11 November, Proserpine RSL.  Phone 4945 0267 or email wcl@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

Sarina:

Saturday 12 November, Sarina (venue tbc).  Phone 4956 1388 or email slcma@mcs.net.au

Mackay:

Sunday 13 November, Mackay (venue tbc). Phone 4944 1979 or email admin@pioneercatchment.org.au