Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange will regretfully wind down its Equine Management Centre operations unless a suitable alternative can be found to manage the Centre.

 

Dean of the CSU Faculty of Science, Professor Nick Klomp, said the University had reviewed the Centre’s operations following termination of an agreement by TAFE NSW Western Institute to provide facilities for TAFE’s equine-related courses.

 

“Without that agreement in place, the University needed to review the long-term future of the Centre and the cost of running it, particularly as it’s no longer required for teaching and learning purposes here in the Orange,” he said.

 

“We recognise that the facility is also used by students to agist their horses and by community groups, such as the Orange Pony Club. We’ve written to all parties concerned and will be calling for expressions of interest to see if there is a suitable community group or company interested in taking over the operations at the Centre.”

 

Professor Klomp said the Centre was purpose-built for education and horse breeding approximately 30 years ago, and includes an indoor/outdoor arena, covered round yards and a cross-country training course.

 

“Interested parties can contact the University to discuss the facility, but without someone to manage the Centre we will proceed with winding down operations towards the end of April, start of May.”

 

Using 35 hectares of the 500 hectare CSU campus in Orange, the Equine Management Centre has operated a very successful performance horse breeding program over the past 20 years. The horses bred through this program carry the prefix ‘Harvest’, chosen to identify the University’s agricultural heritage. Harvest horses are not only renowned in the central west but are well respected nationally and state-wide, with a reputation as being well-bred, well-handled and affordable. Resident stallion Bao Lack is the sire of many very talented performance horses, including Shane Rose’s Australian eventing representative, All Luck, at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

 

Equine Centre Manager, Ms Cheryl Gander, the only employee of the Centre, will be working closely with Professor Klomp to ensure the welfare of the livestock is a priority during the process.