New code of practice for horse industry

The code of practice comes after extensive consultation with the industry and years of advocacy from Mark and Juliana Waugh, whose 18-year-old daughter Sarah was killed after falling from a horse during a TAFE course at Dubbo in 2009.

It’s Australia’s first dedicated code of practice to assist employers and workers in the horse industry to reduce injuries and meet their workplace safety responsibilities.

Of the 133 fatalities in Australia between 2000 and 2014, 18 per cent involved people under the age of 20.

Innovation and Better Regulation Minister Victor Dominello said the code aimed to prevent horse related injuries and fatalities among beginner and inexperienced riders.

“It aims to ensure that the temperament of the horse and the experience of the rider are adequately matched,” Mr Dominello said.

The Waugh family has campaigned for better industry practice for almost eight years and said they felt relieved to see a code of practice being put in place.

“This code is actually tailored to look at … the people who are going to get on a horse with very little experience, like my daughter,” Mrs Waugh said.

“Our daughter adored this industry and we think it’s very valuable and as I’ve gotten to know so many in this industry I have nothing but admiration for the hard work and the diligence that most people put into their businesses.

“This is not ... going to bring Sarah back but I like to think it’s her legacy, and if someone had done this before her death she would be with us today.” 

Common safety risks when working with horses addressed in the code include falling from a horse, incorrect use of riding equipment and tack, and a horse bolting or becoming agitated.

“Numerous businesses across the state offer horse-related activities and this code provides them with practical tools to ensure they are complying with their work health and safety obligations and doing everything they can to prevent injuries and fatalities,” Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said.