In this issue – March 2016

Abstract

EquineThe results of a convenience, internet-based survey provide additional data regarding the demographics of Australian horses. 1 Survey respondents reported owning 26,548 horses, representing 3% of the estimated domesticated horse population in Australia. Although wide regional differences were identified, horses were generally kept in small numbers on properties of up to 8 ha in paddocks in rural areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Half of the horses were females and 35% were geldings. A total of 43 breeds were reported, with Thoroughbred, Australian Stock Horse and Australian Quarter Horse being the most common. Overall, 16% of horses were used in breeding, 9% each in showing and dressage, and 8% each in recreation and trail riding. Only 1% of all horses in the survey and 5% of the Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds were reported to be used in racing. Overall, 36% of respondents supported compulsory registration of horses, particularly in the ACT (45%), followed by Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria (38% each). Microchip was the preferred method for horse identification in all states, except in WA and the Northern Territory where use of a firebrand was preferred.