New EA National Safety Manager to Speak at National Safety Conference for Horse Sports

The first National Safety Conference for Horse Sports in February 2020 will be a chance to hear from Equestrian Australia’s newly appointed National Safety Manager, Meredith Chapman – but places are filling quickly so don’t miss out.

Ms Chapman is scheduled to speak at the conference, hosted by Pony Club Australia for all horse sports, on Saturday February 1, 2020 in Melbourne. Her topic will be - ‘Talkinabout’ a better, safer rider, not just ‘putting on a lid’.

Her appointment was announced last week by the Chair of Equestrian Australia, Ms Ricky MacMillan.

Meredith Chapman has advised on Work Health & Safety and Vocational Rehabilitation throughout Australia for over 20 years. She has a Masters in Safety Science and post-graduate degrees in Rehabilitation Counselling, Health Sciences and Accident Investigation. For her PhD she is exploring how ‘WHS as a framework can reduce horse-related human injuries and fatalities’.

“I am delighted to be able to share ideas about better-safety practices for equestrians at the National Safety Conference for Pony Club Australia and the broad section of horse industry,” Ms Chapman said this week.

“Staying safe at work, home and sport is close to all of our hearts and I do believe we are trying to do this better. My research commenced in 2015 when I completed my Master’s thesis for Safety Science on the tragic death of the young horse enthusiast Sarah Waugh in 2009,” she added.

“Compelled by my findings and ‘high-risk’ workplace industry safety experience, it made sense to complete a PhD and my research interest has been in how we can use Workplace Health and Safety as a framework to reduce horse-related human injuries and fatalities. This research is pivotal to driving improved safety-first principles and shifting a culture of tradition and acceptance of risk and its start with our impressionable youth.”

Equestrian Australia is a sponsor of the conference and their National Safety Officer Roger Kane will also be speaking on setting the standards for courses, gear and events.

The conference is designed for all those involved in horse sports - decision makers, coaches, officials and participants. The attendees will have the chance to hear about current research and learn what rider and horse safety changes are being made already or are under consideration.

As well as high profile guest speakers, there will be panel discussion sessions with industry experts on topics including safety of courses and gear, First Aid at events and grading riders for competition.

• Places at the conference are now filling more quickly so to gain a seat people should register soon for the first National Safety Conference for Horse Sports in Melbourne on Saturday February 1, 2020.

You can access more information and booking forms at http://www.ponyclubaustralia.com.au/Events/NationalSafetyConferenceforhorsesports.aspx

More information:
Dr Catherine Ainsworth
CEO, Pony Club Australia
m: 0438 174 222
e:ceo@ponyclubaustralia.com.au

Bronwyn Wheatley Marketing and Development Officer
M: 0423 823 190
E: marketing@ponyclubaustralia.com.au