Equine Centre
News
June 2008
Students enrolled in Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) equine science degree have received a Wagga Mutual Credit Union Safety Awareness Award for improving safety for students engaged in the high risk activity of ‘breaking in’ young horses at the University’s Equine Centre on the Wagga Wagga Campus. Injuries to ‘horse breakers’, which include the students, can be significantly reduced by having a mature and steady horse - a ‘lead pony’ - to accompany and settle the younger horses. The Centre had a suitable horse on loan, but could not afford the $4 000 needed to purchase the pony, named Buck. Undaunted, 50 students worked together to raise the funds by producing a promotional CD about Buck and the ‘breakers’, obtaining donations, running a chocolate drive and hosting a trivia night. The students raised over half of Buck’s purchase price in short time, while the University provided the balance. Equine Centre manager Mr John Smart said the University’s safety culture was enhanced by the student team as they resolved what could have been a long-term safety issue. Buck now lives at the Centre. A second safety award was presented to a team of Educational Designers from the University’s Centre for Education, Learning and Teaching.
The Connemara Pony stallion Wychwood Willy Wagtail arrived at the Equine Centre in the second week of June. The stallion is owned by Mr Alistair McTaggart and Mrs Catherine McTaggart of Wychwood Connemara Pony Stud, Moonaree Station, Port Augusta, and has been leased by CSU for the 2008 and 2009 breeding seasons. Willy Wagtail will stand at stud at the CSU Equine Centre as part of a new collaboration between the School of Animal and Veterinary sciences at CSU and the Connemara Pony Breeders Association. See http://www.cpbsa.com.au/
May 2008
The CSU X-Country course is being further upgraded by the CSU Wagga Horse Trials Club. International course builder Craig Gordon is spending 3 weeks upgrading fences on the CSU course at Wagga. The community based club has provided funds, labour and materials over a period of 15 years to provide a facility that is available to both students and the greater regional community to utilise. The CSU Foundation recognised the Horse trials groups contribution to CSU, making the club a Governor of the CSU Foundation.
The first year Equine Science students in the subject Horse Industry Practicum students organised a showjumping day in conjunction with the CSU Wagga Horse trials club on Saturday, 10 May. Students were responsible for all aspects of the day including; risk management, planning, promotion, course design and building, bio-security, finances and judging as part of their assessment in the subject. The day was well patronised by local showjumpers and students competing in classes ranging from 50cm to 1.15 meters. The day also provided the opportunity for CSU Media Production students to gain valuable experience in covering a sporting event, the students produced DVDs for competitors showcasing their rides.
Avadh Mathrani (India) an international Equine
student riding Kenny in the 1.05m class
Competitors waiting to enter the competition arena
April 2008
With the EI outbreak now behind us, it is business as usual at the Equine Centre. Classes are back in full swing and the student stables are bustling with activity. Competitions in the area are starting to wind back up, with several events already being held in the indoor arena since the EI movement restrictions were lifted.
The state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinical Centre at the Equine Centre is almost complete and staff and students are very excited at the prospect of taking advantage of this grand facility. Not only will it provide a fantastic teaching and learning environment, but it will be a great veterinary resource for horse owners in the area. With the continued progression and development of CSU’s Veterinary Science degree, a number of widely experienced equine veterinarians have joined the staff of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, providing invaluable expertise in all fields, from reproduction to medicine and surgery. We will also soon welcome two new technical staff to facilitate the operation of the Veterinary Clinical Centre.
Along with teaching into the Equine Science, Veterinary Science and Animal Science degrees, the Equine Centre has been humming with the activity of several research projects. With the wide range of staff expertise, current studies include the behaviour of stabled horses, manipulation of mare reproductive cycles and trials on new equine medications. We look forward to the publication of these results.