As awareness of Quest as an organisation has grown, so have the contacts from people seeking assistance.. for such a range of reasons. This is great, as this is exactly what we're here for, and in every case we always do all we can within our power, using what knowledge, skills, and resources we have to be of help and to achieve a positive outcome for the horse/s and (sometimes) people involved. Sometimes we succeed in doing this, and sometimes there are reasons/obstacles than mean we don't. Being unsuccessful in achieving a positive outcome in the world of equine welfare often means continued suffering and/or death. Being compassionate people, the effect of these instances is always deeply saddening for us, it never gets any easier. Aside from caring for whatever horses we have in care at our shelter, this aspect of Quest's work is one that is evolving to be one of our primary activities.
The increase in the amount of time spent on the phone/email has meant that we are not able to keep everyone updated as frequently and thoroughly as we'd like, so there is much that takes place on a daily basis that we simply don't have the time to share. We do not begrudge one minute spent on the phone/email to people seeking assistance/support/suggestions/ideas, we actively encourage it, but it does mean that there is a lot happening on a daily basis. The only shame in this is that there is probably a lot to be learned from these many and varied scenarios through sharing them.
The latest call I took today was a perfect example of something that has become very clear to us through our work, and that is that equine welfare is inextricably linked to human welfare. This can be seen in the vast majority of cases where we accept an equine for care, or visit a situation where horses are suffering. The root cause of the condition of horses whose well-being is at risk can more often than not be traced back to a human welfare problem. Some examples of this that we have encountered ourselves are, for example, scenarios where an owner has aged, and adequate up-keep of their horses has become just too much for them to manage - situations where an owner has a mental illness, (sometimes very subtle), which has created a perceived need to continually accumulate horses to an extent that is well beyond reason, and well beyond their ability to cater to their welfare needs - situations where an owner’s domestic or financial circumstances have changed and they no longer have the means to care for their horses. Of course there is much suffering caused by owners who are simply indifferent to their horse’s welfare, and those who just don’t know any better… but we are finding that in becoming involved in seeking solutions, it is often necessary for us to factor the welfare status of an owner into our problem-solving.
Yesterday’s call really brought this home to us. It was from a person not much older than myself who has recently been given the news that they have a terminal condition.. their time remaining is unknown. They have been told that it could be a week, it could be a six months. This person visited our shelter a couple of years ago… a wonderful human being, and staunch advocate for animal welfare. They have many animals of their own, care for them beautifully, and love them as family. In fact, the animals are the only family that this person has. This person was calling us as they are methodically going through the process of making arrangements for all of their much loved animals, so that when they pass, the horses/dogs/cats all have good homes to go to and their future well-being is assured. They wanted to discuss their horses with us, (which of course we will help them with), and I will be visiting this person soon. We will ensure that their mind is at rest re the future care of their horses. This person’s main concern seemed to be the actually physical parting from their animals. When I have visited, we will have a chat about how we can possibly maintain the horses and ponies at their property until such time as their owner is no longer there. A tragic human welfare situation which, to this person’s mind, puts the future well-being of all of their animals at risk and is causing them a lot of stress.
Please keep this person in your thoughts, and take a look at the ‘problems’ that you think you have. Doing so may help you to not waste any time in your life with pre-occupations that actually mean nothing. I know my conversation with this horse owner really sat me on my ass, and put a lot of my ‘problems’ in perspective. It is very disarming to discuss somebody’s death with them in a matter of fact manner and plan for it with them, but I so admire this person’s practicality and their devotion to their animals.
So, I guess a few things can be taken from my ramblings… one of them being that if you are aware of some horses who appear to be struggling and un-cared for, in some cases, you may be able to improve their welfare by reaching out a helping hand to their owner.
Another point to think about is the reality that life is full of surprises and the unexpected… set plans in place for the care of your animals in the case that you should you not be around to care for them, make provisions for them now while you are well and present. The person I spoke to yesterday has time to make plans, this isn’t always the case.
The increasing contacts from people who are needing help with their ‘human’ problems in order that their horses do not suffer neglect has also prompted our committee to consider that there may be a need for at least one of us to undertake some training that will equip us better to respond appropriately in these cases, beyond what our basic compassion and care provides us with.
Recently, the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh, launched the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan. The Plan is an important part of the Government's response to the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission, which highlighted that improvements could be made in the coordination of emergency animal welfare to enhance public safety and reduce animal suffering.
Please view the Plan and supporting information here.
My Treasures do not Clink Together or Glitter: they Gleam in the Sun and Neigh in the Night.
Is this not the most magical art work you've seen? This compelling painting was created by one of our talented 'Quest ladies', Tracie Grimwood, of Tracie Grimwood Illustration. We were so struck by the elements of this painting, which so embody the spirit behind Quest's work.
To us, the compassion, warmth, playfulness, and forgiveness in the nature of the majestic equine shine through from this precious painting.. all in the most mystical way. Tracie has been kind enough to part with 'Treasures' and sell her to Quest's President.
We hope you love 'Treasures' as much as we do. We will be looking into creating prints of this unique art work, to enable us to share her with many. (You can click on the image if you would like a closer look at 'Treasures').
Do you know a professional within the equine community who consistently goes beyond the scope of their role in the interests of equine welfare? Someone who freely gives of their time, expertise and /or resources to contribute to the well-being of horses, ponies and donkeys? We know these quiet achievers are everywhere, and we'd like to acknowledge their efforts, and say 'thank you'!
Eligible nominees could include any professional from, for example; a Vet, an Equine Dentist, an author, an individual RSPCA Inspector, a trainer.. through to an owner or employee of an equine related business. As long as the nominee is engaged in an equine related occupation as a means of livelihood, they are eligible.
Please visit the Equitarian Award page for further information and to nominate your individual for their 'good works'. Please do join us in acknowledging and encouraging these un-sung equine welfare advocates, supporters and contributors.
On behalf of Quest’s committee members I would like to wish Quest’s friends and supporters a safe and happy festive season. I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to those people who have shown their support, encouragement, and generosity to our organisation during 2011. Your help has assisted Quest in improving the lives and futures of many horses and ponies this year, and because they can’t say thanks - we would like to say it for them.
Community commitment and support is undoubtedly the ‘fuel’ that is so imperative to our organisation’s capacity to, among the many and varied aspects of Quest’s work; operate the Quest Shelter for the rehabilitation of equines in need, to reach out and help struggling horse owners so that they can provide optimal care for their animals, and to continue to educate the wider community and create awareness regarding equine welfare issues.
Quest needs your continued help in the future. Let us all work together to ensure that a safe and comfortable life becomes a reality for more horses, ponies and donkeys in this country, and not just the lucky ones. This Christmas please consider making a donation to Quest so that we can turn more precious lives around in 2012.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Kindest regards Beth Parker - Secretary
before you rush out to do your Christmas shopping!
We have so many wonderful items to choose from, and definitely something for everyone.
All proceeds from fundraising initiatives such as this store go directly into the maintenance, rehabilitation, and treatment of equines in care. Unfortunately however, sustaining even a 'not for profit' organisation costs money, and we are currently on a mission to raise the funds to cover our annual insurance premium, which is in excess of $1800. This is a huge expense for a small organisation such as ours that receives very few donations and no funding of any kind.
So! Please do some shopping, knowing that your purchases are directly contributing to the capacity of Quest to continue to be available to horses in need. There are so many horses, ponies and donkeys 'out there' to whom Christmas Day will be just another day of hunger, pain, confusion, or fear. We hope that our site visitors believe that Quest is headed in the right direction with its work and will consider spending their money on gifts that give twice this Christmas.
Here are just a few examples of the items you will find in store:
Unfortunately we don't make it to this page to share our news as often as we'd like to, and we apologise for that. We hope that site visitors who are interested in keeping abreast of our news have figured out the listings that appear at the bottom of the home page, which notify of page updates. Time is always in such short supply... we will try to do better!
As a rule we try to post as much positive information as we can on our site because, to be honest, we have observed that sharing confronting information can very often lose you an audience, and at the end of the day, it is very important to Quest's aims that we are successful in sharing information and spreading awareness. However, we feel that there must be some balance, both in the interests of presenting the equine welfare situation within Australia realistically, and in the interests of representing accurately all aspects of Quest's work. For these reasons, we thought that we might regularly share with our site visitors some day-to-day happenings in 'Quest's world'. We try to keep the pages of the rehabilitating horses in care at our shelter up to date with their progress and news, but don't manage to squeeze in much else as far as general daily news goes.
This train of thought was sparked by a visit to a horse today. When it’s geographically possible for us to do so, committee members do try to attend horses whose welfare has been raised with us as a concern by a member (or members) of the public. This is a reasonably regular occurrence as, (and especially the case in small towns), people are often concerned about the consequences to themselves of reporting a neighbour's/acquaintance's/local horse.
These visits usually result in one of three outcomes; the owner is grateful for the offer of assistance and is prepared to work with us to restore the health of their horse/s, the owner surrenders the horse into care or has the horse euthanased, or, the owner is intractable and the authorities are then involved. Either way, these visits are never pleasant, and as everyone who is involved in animal welfare would know, it is taxing to see case after case of similar scenarios, and it's very easy to feel like nothing will ever change.
Interestingly, and it’s something that I’d really like to gain an understanding of, there are often common threads amongst these situations. A very common one is that the owner will often repeatedly tell you how much they ‘love’ their horse. They will often refuse free treatment offered that would benefit their horse as it is ‘their’ horse, and very often, they seem to very genuinely not truly ‘see’ the sorry state of their horse when it is very obvious to others. Of course there are a large proportion of these owners who simply don’t care, but there are also a large number who appear to be unable to acknowledge the situation for what it is, and are unable to see the suffering. We definitely need a psychologist on the committee! It’s a completely puzzling phenomenon to me, and how can you help when the owner profess’ to care deeply for their animal, but genuinely sees no problem?
Anyhow, I digress. I went to see such a horse today, and yes, the owner believes that the horse is loving life. I did not physically touch this poor boy as I noticed on approaching him that he had quite a profuse discharge from his nose, and he gave off an odour that was so bad that I gagged repeatedly. I recognised the odour immediately as one I have smelled before, the same as a dead sheep carcass or the like. Even after returning home I had to change my clothes as the smell had clung to them.
Please be reassured that the process’ are in motion, and that this horse will have an outcome very shortly.
Another very frustrating aspect in many of these situations we see is that more often than not, the horse is not actually ‘tucked away’ somewhere. There are always people who have seen the horse and who have been aware of the horse’s condition for some time, even if they have only driven past it. Which brings to mind another horse we visited, (pictured at right), who was living in the back yard of a house in a suburban street. I wonder how many people saw this poor girl over the years before somebody finally sought help for her?
Why do these people not seek help for the animal? Is it the old ‘it’s none of my business’ mentality? Well, it actually IS everybody’s business if a fellow human being is causing suffering to an animal, and it is also our responsibility to do something about it.
The Quest committee members have no more legal powers than any other citizen, no more knowledge that isn't publicly available, and no more free time than anyone else. There is an all too common statement that 'someone should do something about that', well, that 'someone' could be you, even if it only means a phone report to the RSPCA. We are always happy to support anyone who finds themselves in the position where they feel morally obliged to seek help for an animal, as welfare agencies are few and far between, and without the help of the public many horses go on to suffer for way too long. There is no reason why any member of the public cannot seek to have a welfare concern dealt with.
Every time someone drives past a horse like this and does nothing, it is reinforced to the owner that there is no cause for concern and that society condones this treatment of their animal. We must make it known that no, it is NOT ok, and that community members will NOT accept animal abuse/neglect in their midst. If you don’t speak for the animal, who will? Seeking help does not need to be a personal confrontation with the owner, anonymous reporting is accepted by the RSPCA, and all it costs is a phone call.
The horse pictured above is well known in his local area. How long has he been clinging on in this state???
We would like to preface this information by stating that:
We are not 'researchers' by any stretch of the imagination, simply horse lovers with curious minds. We would appreciate any relevant information that we may have missed.
The following information is not presented as a comment on the horse meat export trade at this stage, simply the facts as we find them.
The question for us was...
WHAT ARE THE FIGURES FOR THE QUANTITY OF PROCESSED HORSE MEAT EXPORTED OVERSEAS SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF HUMAN CONSUMPTION?
Interestingly, we did not find this data readily available.
From the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry:
Thank you for your enquiry.
The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries does not maintain any data for the purpose of compiling statistics on the annual tonnage of meat types exported, and holds no data regarding the economic value of these exports.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics may be able to assist you. Please find the link below.
Acting Manager, Supply Chain Integrity and Security
Export Meat Program,
Biosecurity Service Group
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
(Personal contact details removed)
In actual fact, DAFF does of course compile statistics on the annual tonnage of meat types exported, however 'Horse' meat is conspicuously absent in the statistics provided. (Downloaded from the D.A.F.F. site here).
We were unable to find any statistics on the Australian Bureau of Statistics web site which document either the quantity of horses processed for meat, or the volume of horse meat exported. In response to an enquiry directed to the ABS, we received the below response:
Unfortunately the ABS does not collect statistics on the number of horses slaughtered for meat. I am not sure who might be able to provide this sort of information. Possibly state DPIs, or perhaps the government department responsible for the licensing of abattoirs? Sorry I can't be of more assistance.
xxxxxx,
Client Services Section
Environment and Agriculture BSC
In actual fact, the ABS does compile data related to horse meat exported, although the data was ultimately provided to us by ABARES (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences). This government department however, also omits 'Horse' meat from where you would expect to find it (i.e. 'Australian Export of Meat, by Product' & 'Gross Value of Australian Livestock Slaughterings') within their latest 'Australian Commodity Statistics Report' document (2010).
Our point? According to the ABS figures supplied to us, horse meat exported for human consumption in the last recorded financial year had a 'sum value' in excess of sixteen million dollars (AU). We think that rates a mention.
If we're going to do it, lets acknowledge it, and let's make the information as freely available as that of cattle, sheep, pig, lamb, goat, etc.
Victorian Animal Welfare and Management Consultation Document
The Bureau of Animal Welfare is seeking feedback in relation to a number of suggested proposals for legislative change. If you wish to obtain a copy of the consultation documents, please
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call 9217 4433 Deadline: Close of business, Friday Dec. 9
I don't hang out at horse auctions, and you probably don't either, but most of us are well aware of the quantity of horses that pass through our sale yards - not just the broken-down, but healthy, registered horses, adults in their prime, and even youngsters. So what chance is there of finding an appreciative home for the nicely dis-positioned, but untalented, plain-looking grade horse.. the "just because" horse bred by a shortsighted horse owner from equally unassuming stock?
Why do some horse owners breed so irresponsibly, and why are they so unmindful of the long-term consequences that result from uninformed breeding? Turns out there are plenty of appealing but questionable reasons that lure the naïve into the breeding game. Read more...
Contact issues are a recurrent problem in the dressage ring, from the grassroots to the top levels, even at the World Cup Finals, World Equestrian Games and Olympics. Tongue problems, going from tongues showing slightly on the side to 20 centimeters of flesh hanging out of the mouth as well as an ensuing blood running from the mouth after a tongue or lip was bitten, have brought entire judging panels off balance.
Though in principle the rules are clear about the tongue showing in dressage tests, scores of individual judges oscillate with a 10% difference. Tongue problems are usually the externalisation of incorrect training, often cloaked by tightly strapped nosebands. The modus vivendi has always been that once blood is seen in the horse's mouth, automatic elimination follows as the welfare of the horse is absolute priority.
Thanks to the wonderful team at Horseland and the good folks at Surfcoast Floats, we are very happy to share the news that Quest finally has a float of its own!
We would like to apologise to anyone who may have had any difficulty in reaching us over the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately I broke my leg in three places nearly two weeks ago now. I consequently needed surgery to install a metal plate/screws, and also a pin. I am now home from hospital, but am pretty much immobile.
Some of the Quest horses that I had in care here at the shelter have been relocated temporarily to our Sanctuary, and the remainder, along with my own horses and donkeys, are being basically maintained through the assistance of both my parents, who are travelling up from Melbourne when they can, and a Quest lady local to the shelter. Best case scenario at this point is that I will be able to weight-bear on the leg in around seven weeks time.
As I'm sure any horse or property owner can imagine, I am absolutely stir-crazy, and totally frustrated with my inability to maintain the property and animals in the manner I normally would, and the days are dragging. I will endeavour however to use my enforced incarceration in the house to catch up on much web and administrative Quest work that has been languishing on the 'to do' list.
I'd like to publicly thank our incredibly Secretary from the bottom of my heart for her support through this time. She has managed to make so many arrangements from her interstate home. Beth ensured I was well cared for in hospital, and she has ensured the well-being of all of the equines that we are currently responsible for. All this at time when she is completely snowed under with the work involved in our annual reporting/audit, among many other things. She really does deserve a medal. The strength of any volunteer organisation is the people involved, their level of commitment, and the validity of their reasons for being involved. I realise that I am blessed to be surrounded by people who share my steadfast conviction in our work, and who also share my passionate commitment to it.
So.. yes, a set-back which will mean a slowing for a time in relation to some of our process', but we will continue to beaver away and make good use of the time.
We hope that you and yours, human and equine, are doing well. When you have the time, please do read the new article on our site, 'Equines & Bush Fire', which is very relevant at this time of the year. We should all be making our preparations for the season ahead at this time.
Stay safe, and please, if feeding-up in the dark... CARRY A TORCH!
Our sincere appreciation to all who have sent through good wishes for Jess' surgery, and to those who were able to contribute financially to her surgery appeal. Jess leaves today for the Equine Hospital, and her surgery is scheduled for Wednesday 27th.
Please keep Jess in your thoughts on Wednesday. Here's hoping that the procedure will be a success, and that Jess will finally be relieved of this debilitating and life threatening condition. You can follow Jess' progress on her web diary page here.
Thank you from Jess, and best regards from all at Quest.
You may have noticed that there are some major changes underway on our site.
Please forgive us for any confusion caused as we fumble around getting the site back in order!
We're always happy to receive feedback on, and/or suggestions for our site. Please feel free to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Really thrilled to learn of this fabulous venture by the AJC, together with Racing NSW!
In the interests of providing futures for retired racehorses, they are conducting a program which is rehabilitating 30 horses per year, with a view to either utilising them in their newly formed 'AJC Mounted Security' service, or placing them in homes to pursue equestrian disciplines other than racing.
Yes, it is a drop in the ocean when we're seeing close to 20,000 racing-bred thoroughbreds find their way to slaughter every year, but this initiative, along with others that we have seen come to fruition in recent history, is indicative of a significant shift in the attitude of the racing industry towards the industry's horses. As we all know, the catalyst for change is always a change in attitude and perception, so we'd like to believe that the greatest hurdle has now been overcome.
Hopefully we will see further support and backing from the AJC of any program which assists in providing safe futures for these talented young horses, and less of our beautiful Australian Thoroughbreds on dinner plates in foreign lands.
Congrats to all involved!
Holding an event? You can now hire the 'AJC Mounted Security'!
much suffering caused by owners who are simply indifferent to their horse’s welfare, and those who just don’t know any better… but we are finding that in becoming involved in seeking solutions, it is often necessary for us to factor the welfare status of an owner into our problem-solving.
Do you know a professional within the equine community who consistently goes beyond the scope of their role in the interests of equine welfare? Someone who freely gives of their time, expertise and /or resources to contribute to the well-being of horses, ponies and donkeys? We know these quiet achievers are everywhere, and we'd like to acknowledge their efforts, and say 'thank you'!
On behalf of Quest’s committee members I would like to wish Quest’s friends and supporters a safe and happy festive season. I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to those people who have shown their support, encouragement, and generosity to our organisation during 2011. Your help has assisted Quest in improving the lives and futures of many horses and ponies this year, and because they can’t say thanks - we would like to say it for them.
hanging out of the mouth as well as an ensuing blood running from the mouth after a tongue or lip was bitten, have brought entire judging panels off balance.
