Students enrolled in Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) equine science degree have received a Wagga Mutual Credit Union Safety Awareness Award for improving safety for students engaged in the high risk activity of ‘breaking in’ young horses at the University’s Equine Centre on the Wagga Wagga Campus. Injuries to ‘horse breakers’, which include the students, can be significantly reduced by having a mature and steady horse - a ‘lead pony’ - to accompany and settle the younger horses. The Centre had a suitable horse on loan, but could not afford the $4 000 needed to purchase the pony, named Buck. Undaunted, 50 students worked together to raise the funds by producing a promotional CD about Buck and the ‘breakers’, obtaining donations, running a chocolate drive and hosting a trivia night. The students raised over half of Buck’s purchase price in short time, while the University provided the balance. Equine Centre manager Mr John Smart said the University’s safety culture was enhanced by the student team as they resolved what could have been a long-term safety issue. Buck now lives at the Centre. A second safety award was presented to a team of Educational Designers from the University’s Centre for Education, Learning and Teaching.