Skip to main content

Horse Welfare & Wellbeing

At Gold Rush Barrel Racing Club, the welfare of every horse comes first. We are committed to promoting responsible horse ownership, good horsemanship and safe competition practices. This page provides practical information and resources to help members maintain the health and wellbeing of their horses throughout the year.

Maintaining an appropriate body condition is one of the simplest and most effective ways to monitor your horse's health.

The Pony Club Australia Body Condition Score provides an objective method of assessing whether your horse is underweight, in ideal condition or overweight by assessing six areas of the body including the neck, ribs, loin, tailhead, withers and shoulders. A score of 3 (Good) is generally considered ideal for most performance horses, while breeding mares may appropriately carry slightly more condition. Poor body condition may not always indicate inadequate feeding and can also result from parasites, dental disease, illness, age or reduced mobility.  

Download the Pony Club Australia Body Condition Score Chart

If your horse displays any of the following signs, seek veterinary advice immediately:

  • Colic
  • Choke
  • Eye injuries
  • Severe bleeding
  • Deep lacerations
  • Fractures or inability to bear weight
  • Heat stress
  • Respiratory distress
  • Snake bite
  • Seizures
  • Sudden illness or significant behavioural changes

Prompt veterinary attention can make a significant difference to your horse's recovery.

Keeping horses healthy requires regular preventative care including:

  • Routine worming and parasite management
  • Annual dental examinations
  • Farrier visits every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Appropriate vaccination programs
  • Access to clean water at all times
  • A balanced diet appropriate for workload and age

These simple routines help reduce preventable illness and injury.

Healthy horses generally display:

  • Bright and alert behaviour
  • Healthy pink gums
  • Normal eating and drinking
  • Comfortable movement without lameness
  • Normal temperature, heart rate and respiration
  • Regular manure and urination

Knowing what is normal for your horse makes it easier to identify problems early.

Every horse owner should carry a basic equine first aid kit when travelling to events.

A kit should include:

  • Gloves
  • Gauze and dressings
  • Cohesive bandages
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Thermometer

Basic first aid should never replace veterinary treatment but can help protect an injury until professional care is available.

Gold Rush Barrel Racing Club Welfare Expectations

As a club, we are committed to providing a safe and positive environment for both horses and riders.

Members are expected to:

Where concerns exist regarding a horse's welfare or body condition, club officials may undertake a welfare assessment in accordance with the Club Rules.