http://www.wahorsecouncil.com.au/

WA Horse Council, Perth (2026)

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.

26/04/2026

A fitting tribute from our friends at the New Zealand Vulnerable Road User Charitable Trust this ANZAC Day.

Mounted troops from the ANZAC Mounts Charitable Trust attending commemorations in Palmerston North are a powerful reminder of the role horses have played in service — and the responsibility we carry to honour that legacy.

Through education, community engagement, and preserving mounted traditions, this work connects past and present — from the realities of war to the importance of safety for horses and riders on our roads today.

136,000 horses from Australia.
Over 10,000 from New Zealand.
Millions lost.

We remember their service.
We recognise their contribution.
And we continue the work to keep horses and riders safe.

Lest we forget.

25/04/2026

Stunning Autumn day on Wednesday for a Valley Scenic Trail Riders . For information on joining the group, please reach out!

25/04/2026

On ANZAC Day, we honour the men and women who served and those who did not return.

We also acknowledge the horses who carried them—into conflict, through extreme conditions, and in many cases, did not return.

In Western Australia, this history is closely tied to the 10th Light Horse Regiment, formed and trained in Guildford before serving in Gallipoli and across the Middle East. Their partnership with their horses was central to those campaigns.

We acknowledge and thank Cr Zannino, Chris Horvath, the 10th Light Horse community, and the City of Swan for their work in establishing the War Horse memorial in Guildford—ensuring this shared history is formally recognised.

At the WA Horse Council, this recognition reinforces an ongoing responsibility:
horses have always worked alongside us, and they require consideration in how we manage access, welfare, and emergency response today.

They cannot advocate for themselves. That responsibility remains with us.

15/04/2026

From our friends at New Zealand Vulnerable Road User Charitable Trust — a timely and sobering reminder of why this matters.

A horse lost on a shared-use road. A rider doing everything right. Good horses, experienced people — and still not safe.

This is exactly why Pass Wide and Slow awareness rides are so important.

They’re not just symbolic — they:

-make horses visible in communities where drivers may not expect them
-remind road users that horses are unpredictable, sentient, and vulnerable
-build local awareness before an incident happens — not after
-connect riders with councils, police, and community groups around shared road safety

Most drivers are good — but it only takes one moment, one misjudgement, one missed sign.

One horse. One rider. One road.

Please consider signing up for an awareness ride this year — whether you’re in a busy corridor or a quiet regional town. It all adds up.

Because doing everything right should still be enough to get home safely.

City of Belmont, WA City of Wanneroo Tanya Richardson Mayor City of Swan Cr Rod Henderson - City of Swan

https://www.cambridgenews.nz/2026/04/safety-call-follows-death/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRMFURleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeaIscSue-3y0N97HvuTNq62El4UX05mzIW1Ibjx7gqr4nGzZLWIagrPSYE_Q_aem_lVUDn0an_756Z8BVPWl7xg

13/04/2026

Naval Base, WA — today

BYD Quokka contenders Caballus, Rey Magnerio and Jedibeel enjoying the Indian Ocean ahead of Saturday’s $5M race.

Naval Base isn’t just a beach — it is the best. Its long, gently graded bay provides ideal, safe wading conditions critical for training, rehab and horse welfare.

For many decades, leading international trainers — including G*i Waterhouse and Chris Waller — have described it as one of the best beaches in the world for wading and working horses.

WA Horse Council last met with Westport following community consultation in September 2024.
In September 2025, stakeholders were advised of marine geotechnical investigations at Naval Base horse beach (15 Sept–mid Oct), with drilling works, temporary fenced areas and continued public access during that period.

WA Horse Council continues to advocate to retain access as planning progresses. Loss of this site is not replaceable.

And importantly — solutions exist.
Horses safely work at Botany Bay, alongside a major international airport and container port.

Access above the mid-beach container terminal is possible — if it’s prioritised.

12/04/2026

We’re working to get awareness rides happening right across Western Australia — Kalgoorlie, York, Northam, Geraldton, the Pilbara, Esperance… wherever horses and riders are part of the community.

And it starts exactly like this.

A huge thank you to Donna Hendry in Albany — our first regional WA sign-up — for stepping forward and getting involved. This ride at Albany Equestrian Centre is a private club ride, but it puts WA firmly on the map.

To those thinking “we’re too small to run something like this” — this is your reminder.

In Pratten, QLD, one rider — Marianne Irvine — headed out alone with her horse Benny. No crowd, no event infrastructure. Just a quiet ride through her local roads, a few conversations, and a simple message shared locally.

That’s what awareness looks like:
Quiet. Local. Respectful. Effective.

You don’t need numbers.
You don’t need noise.
You don’t need permission.

But you do need connection — working with your local government, police, and emergency services so the message is seen, understood, and supported.

One horse. One rider. One community at a time.
And importantly — you’re not doing this alone.
There is real support behind you. Diane Ford and Suzanne Starsmore from Pass Wide and Slow are always there to help — whether it’s questions, planning, or getting your ride organised. Reach out, they will back you.

If you’re in regional WA and thinking about it — this is how it starts.

👉 2026 WORLDWIDE PWAS AWARENESS RIDE/DRIVE MAP (all registered rides):
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1Ry1mfGe-4n5sM09TJWQFzfRgI0oEEMo

WA Horse Council

13/05/2026

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