Love the Horse Day Workshop

On Sunday 22 October 2024, the South Eastern Equine Hospital in Melbourne hosted the inaugural Love the Horse Day Workshop, bringing together 11 enthusiastic veterinary students from Melbourne University for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration in the equine field.

The workshop featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Adelaide Ellison, Zoe Walker, Olivia Mille, William Height, Stacey Ryan, Laura Hardefeldt, Hadley Willsallen, Jada Hansen and Gareth Trope. Their collective expertise provided valuable insights into equine veterinary practices, helping to dispel common myths surrounding the profession.

The day kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion addressing misconceptions such as, "I did not grow up with horses, so I can’t be an equine vet," and concerns about client relations and job satisfaction in the field. The speakers emphasised the rewarding nature of working with horses and the importance of building confidence around these magnificent animals.

Following the panel, attendees engaged in informative case studies presented by Zoe Walker and William Height, highlighting exciting aspects of equine practice. In the afternoon, students participated in hands-on sessions where they learned basic horse handling skills, safety protocols, and the significance of equine eye health.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One student noted, “I felt unsure about working with horses as a vet student and wanted to become more confident. I loved that this workshop was aimed at just getting vet students more confident and having a positive experience.” Another shared, “I haven't previously been around horses, and the workshop showed me how cool it is to work with them!”

Many attendees expressed newfound enthusiasm and inspiration regarding opportunities within the equine sector. They unanimously recommended the workshop to first and second-year students, underscoring its value as a transformative experience.

Special thanks to Dr Hadley Willsallen for facilitating this event and to sponsors Provet, Medical Plus and South Eastern Equine Hospital for their support. The success of this workshop marks a significant step toward encouraging the next generation of equine veterinarians and fostering a community of confidence and passion around horses.

Photos from the day can be viewed here.