Foreword
The RIRDC Horse Research and Development Program has been one of RIRDC’s longest running programs. The Program has provided more than $6 million to over 130 projects since it began in 1995, investigating issues of key interest to the horse industry such as neonatal death, race course and rider safety, wastage, nutrition, respiratory disease, laminitis, placentitis, lameness and reproduction.
RIRDC is committed to the development of Five Year Plans for each of its Research and Development Programs in keeping with the Corporation’s Five Year Strategic Business Plan, and the National and Rural Research Priorities.
The Australian horse industry is both diverse and expanding with many benefits to be gained in all sectors of the industry from high calibre targeted research. Since the release of the last Research and Development Plan for the horse industry in 2001, the number of horses registered by the Equestrian Federation of Australia has increased by 59%, and the number of Federation members has increased by 22%. As at 30 July 2006 there were 61,819 registered members of pony clubs across Australia. In addition to the now globally competitive thoroughbred breeding and racing sector, this indicates an ongoing capacity to adopt the results of RIRDC research and development in an industry that contributes more than $6.3 billion to GDP.
This Five-Year Plan builds on the outcomes of a stakeholder meeting conducted in early 2006 and wide ranging consultation within the horse industry to determine the key issues and priorities for research support. The Plan identifies key objectives for investment and areas for future consideration, detailing the agreed strategic research and development needs that RIRDC will pursue in partnership with industry.
The production of this plan was funded through industry revenue which was matched by funds provided by the Australian Government.
This R&D Plan an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1500 publications, and part of our Horse Research and Development Program, aims to assist in protecting the Australian horse industry and building and developing its future.
| Peter O’Brien Managing Director RIRDC | Jane Vincent Chairperson RIRDC Horse R&D Advisory Committee |
Snapshot of the Five Year Plan
- For the Australian horse industry to be nationally and internationally recognised for its excellence as a reputable user and supplier of quality horses, products and services; and
- For the industry to expand in the global market by having the requisite skills and knowledge for efficient, profitable and sustainable production.
- Manage the horse industry and government investment in research and development to:
- Ensure the health and welfare of the horse;
- Assist the industry to be more profitable and reduce the current level of wastage;
- Encourage the export potential of the industry;
- Promote the sustainable use of land and water resources; and
- Enhance the skills, knowledge and capability of people in the industry.
- An indicative allocation of resources is given in brackets.
- Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites in horses (30%)
- Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training (30%)
- Improve productivity in breeding (15%)
- Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry (10%)
- Promote the quality, quantity and effective communication of R&D for the horse industry (15%)
The R&D plan was developed in a workshop with key stakeholders, industry representatives and members of the RIRDC Equine R&D Advisory Committee. The workshop held in Sydney on 24 February 2006 was facilitated by Dr Jenny Gordon of the Centre for International Economics (CIE). The key questions discussed at the workshop were:
- What problems/issues are facing the industry that requires R&D as part of the solution?
- What are the pathways by which the R&D outputs will contribute to the solution?
- What is already being addressed well overseas?
- What areas do Australian researchers have an advantage?
- What level of investment is required for the science to be successful and for adoption to occur?
Overview of the R&D Plan
The vision and mission for the Horse R&D Program have continued to be both inspirational and durable and, following review, are considered still to serve the Program well. They therefore remain unchanged from the two previous five year plans. The five objectives for the 2006-2011 Plan have the capacity to meet the Vision of the Horse Program and deliver on Mission outcomes.
- For the Australian horse industry to be nationally and internationally recognised for its excellence as a reputable user and supplier of quality horses, products and services; and
- For the industry to expand in the global market by having the requisite skills and knowledge for efficient, profitable and sustainable production.
- Manage the horse industry and government investment in research and development to:
- Ensure the health and welfare of the horse;
- Assist the industry to be more profitable and reduce the current level of wastage;
- Encourage the export potential of the industry;
- Promote the sustainable use of land and water resources; and
- Enhance the skills, knowledge and capability of people in the industry.
- Reduce the incidence and impact of diseases and parasites in horses.
- Reduce injury and breakdown of horses in work and training.
- Improve productivity in breeding.
- Improve the safety of industry participants and the welfare of horses, and enhance the environmental sustainability of the industry.
- Promote the quality, quantity and effective communication of R&D for the horse industry.
The plan aligns well with the Federal Government’s National Research Priorities and Rural Research Priorities and with RIRDC‘s corporate objectives.
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