Horse Expo Postponed for 2008

The Directors of Horse Australia Rockhampton Association Inc have made the difficult decision to postpone the Horse Australia Exposition altogether for 2008.

However, many elements will be wrapped into sister expo Beef Australia 2009 from Monday, 4 to Friday, 8 May next year.
Event Manager Noel Landry says a number of critical factors came into play for the decision to be made.
“Hosting an event of the size and scale of the Horse Expo presented many challenges in the post Equine Influenza landscape and the board has decided to err on the side of caution” said Mr Landry.
“We work with over 15 different associations and clubs to host the various elements of the Horse Expo and we are feeling the continued uncertainty in the industry caused by the EI outbreak and general disruption to competition.”
“In another 14 months we anticipate we would be better equipped to host the many hundreds of interstate and local competitors that attend our national and international grade competitions.”
“We will also be able to better utilise the temporary infrastructure that we bring into the Rockhampton Showgrounds and Gracemere Exhibition Centre.”
Mr Landry said that both the Beef and Horse Expos were not for profit events and the merging of both Expos was a practical, financial and logistical decision in this instance.
Mr Landry said his staff would be contacting trade exhibitors, sponsors, suppliers, seminar speakers and others contracted to the Expo to work through any issues arising from the decision with full refunds to be provided.
It is anticipated that the Horse Australia Expo will resume its triennial status and return as a stand-alone event in 2011.
Visit www.horseexpo.com.au for updates.

Horse Deals is proud to launch a new 'Upcoming Events' Gallery.

Gallery Manager Claire Fennell said 'this is a great free service available to all clubs, associations and societies making Horse Deals the one stop shop for all competitors. Interested competitors will simply click on the 'UPCOMING EVENTS' Icon on the Top Right Hand page of the Horse Deals Home page and you will be able to access a calendar of upcoming events with Programs available for download.'

The process is just as simple for clubs to access this free service, by emailing their program through to info@horsedeals.com.au the event will be included in the free listing.
'We also offer a great follow-up service with 'The Gallery' that appears on-line and in print*, this allows event organisers to submit results, photo's and editorial from their event. This free coverage is great for competitors and Sponsors alike, everyone likes to see their photo on 'Australia's Leading Horse Magazine' website.'

For more information contact claire@horsedeals.com.au or email your upcoming program to info@horsedeals.com.au

*conditions apply

Warwick to host Govt horse sale

The Queensland Government will hold its first horse sale since the equine influenza (EI) outbreak.

The horse sale will be in Warwick later this month.

Eight thoroughbred mares seized for welfare reasons before the outbreak will be offered for sale.

Department of Primary Industries' veterinary officer Lawrence Gavey says the horses were allegedly abandoned but are now in excellent condition.

"Principal objectives in selling these horses are to turn them off so that we're no longer responsible for them," he said.

'We are not in the business of breeding horses of course and we also know the acquisition of these horse will be highly prized in the thoroughbred industry."

Blaze damages Wangaratta saddlery factory

A suspicious fire has caused more than $500,000 in damage to a factory at Wangaratta.

A passing fire crew noticed the blaze at the saddlery in Parfitt Road about 10:00pm AEDT.

The site was guarded by police overnight and detectives and Country Fire Authority (CFA) investigators will return later this morning.

Scott Hamilton from the CFA says the fire was contained to the saddle factory, but the adjoining factories suffered smoke damage.

"It was part of a complex of factories and when the firefighters discovered it at 10:10pm the saddlery place was well alight and four of the adjoining factories have suffered smoke damage," he said.

"Obviously good work from the firefighters prevented what could have been a lot more damage."

Comment on What does a constituent in Kevin Rudd's electorate....

what do you do?
you vote him out
this is just the beginning of the labor reign of terror
first the levy on the horse industry to pay for the debacle known as the quarintine station next will be a return to the old days of excessive interest rates(its already begun)
(Anon)

New comment on Industry Sympathetic Too.

Funny how we heard bugger all sympathy from the industry when they were busy snaffling priority on the vaccine that should have been used in areas to protect horses, nor when they were busy claiming their CHAPS payment. Now the time comes to pay for the cleanup, the industry is so keen to drag the other 80% of us into their argument!
(anon)

Industry Sympathetic Too

As an employee of both the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries as well as an enthusiastic event rider I would like to point out to those who continually criticise these industries that we fully understand the plight of the recreational rider and are sympathetic to the cause.

An example of this understanding can be seen in 'The Form' from yesterday's copy of the Sydney Morning Herald where Craig Young relates several passages from a letter written by Paul Whelan to the Minister regarding the suggested Disease Response Levy. Amongst other valid questions, the former NSW police minister and now breeder of thoroughbreds questions the government on the fairness of imposing a levy on the recreational horse industry.

Whilst the inquiry is still ongoing and now the shedding of EI by dogs has been called into question, it seems ludicrous to be passing blame onto any one group. Many employees working in racing and breeding as well as those who own racehorses do so out of a love for horses and a background in pleasure and competitive riding so please give understand we are also on your side as it is our side too and lets just work together to get it sorted!

MS

What does a constituent in Kevin Rudd's electorate do??

I have been trying to contact my local Federal member, Mr Kevin Rudd, to register my dismay and disgust as the proposed Horse Levy Bill but to no avail. When I rang his constituency office, I was not able to make an appointment or, initially, obtain the name of the person I spoke to from that office. I eventually had to fax a copy of my email to him but have not, as yet, had the courtesy of a reply. What does a constituent in Kevin Rudd's electorate do??
Lyn