MISSION STATEMENT
Queensland Horse Council Inc
Goals
Queensland Horse Council Inc is a representative body for the horse industry.  Any one involved with horses is part of this industry.
QHC Inc is focused on investigating and representing issues for the general good of all sectors of the Horse Industry and it does not seek to interfere whatsoever with the internal function of individual organizations.
Our Vision
To unite, support and represent the equine community as The Peak Industry Body
MISSION STATEMENT
To recognise, support and respect each other whilst valuing the diversity, lifestyle, sustainability and profitability of our members.
To represent and communicate with our membership and external stakeholders for the betterment of the Equine Industry.
The Queensland Horse Council Inc. - Brief History
The Queensland Horse Council Inc (QHC) was founded in 1986, following a request from the Federal Government as a result of a Contagious Equine Metritis outbreak in Australia in 1977 which cost the industry over $12M to eradiate.
At a meeting in Toowoomba in April 1986 Dr Reg Pascoe opened the meeting with the following address.
“Dr R. Pascoe (AEVA) began proceedings with an address covering the history of Horse Councils in Australia and outlining the need for such Councils in providing representation, co-ordination and unity within the horse industry, it's associated individual groups and Government Departments.  The advantages of having a central organised body at State level to deal with areas of disease control, education and legislation, animal welfare, research, communication and problems peculiar to individual states, were pointed out in his address.”
The Queensland Horse Council Inc was formed and duly incorporated and since that time has consistently addressed issues affecting members of the horse industry.  These have included matters like:

spraying horses to cross the tick lines,
road safety,
animal welfare,
keeping roads open to horses,
exotic disease issues,
registration of farriers,
public liability insurance,
drug testing,
a Code of Practice for Horse Hiring Establishments,
the establishment of Horse Trails after the declaration State Forests would become National Parks The EI crisis
Since its inception the Queensland Horse Council has, in line with its commitment to education, convened an annual convention to provide opportunities for members of the industry to receive expert submissions on a wide range of topics of interest or concern to all sectors   You can be sure of an interesting programme when these conventions take place.  
Joining the QHC assists the Council and will strengthen application of their representations on your behalf as a member of the Industry.  QHC does not have any agenda to involve itself in any other organisations activities or affairs.
Please go to the membership page print and complete the application form and return it with your fees.
The QHC is YOUR peak representative organisation building relationships within the Horse Industry to present a united industry to Local, State, and Federal Governments and other key stakeholders.

What do we do?
Act as the peak body for the Queensland Horse Industry.
Represent the Queensland Horse Industry as a united voice to Local, State and Federal Governments as well as allied industries and organisations
Promote education on all matters relating to the Horse Industry
Act as a centre for collection and distribution of information in Queensland on any matters relating to the Horse Industry
Maintain a watching brief with regard to the welfare of horses

Is the Horse Industry only racing?
No! The Horse Industry is any economic activity that involves horses.  This also includes horse related services such as vets, farriers, saddleries and produce merchants.

Who do we really represent?
Anybody who owns a horse.  Competition riders, pony club riders, breeders, riding schools, stock riders. Even if your horse is kept on grass and ridden for pleasure or retired, you will be supporting the industry in some way.

What have we already done?
Worked with all stakeholders to achieve affordable insurance cover for horse related activities.
Developed the Horse Industry Code of Practice which is now legislation in Queensland.
Worked with all stakeholders to implement the HorseSafe accreditation scheme for horse related activities.
Worked with Government (State & Federal) to help our Industry recover from EI
Developed a new profile for QHC with a Board of Directors and a CEO

What are we doing next?
Working on the development of an Emergency Response Plan to establish response policies, systems and procedures to be enacted in any future emergency.
Lobbying the State Government to allow horse riding in State Forests beyond 2013.
Working in partnership with the Queensland DPI&F and keeping Industry informed about Hendra Virus.

Can anyone join?
Yes!
Individuals
Organisations
Businesses
The Queensland Horse Council Inc (QHC) was founded in 1986, following a request from the Federal Government as a result of a Contagious Equine Metritis outbreak in Australia in 1977 which cost the industry over $12M to eradiate.

The QHC is a not for profit organisation run by volunteers.

The QHC represents the majority of Queensland horse owners with over 37,500 affiliated members. This is over 80% of the Queensland Government’s estimated 44,000 horse owners in Queensland’s non racing industry.

The QHC has always been the recognised Peak Body representing the majority of the Queensland Horse Industry to Local, State and Federal Government as well as to other key stakeholders.

The Queensland Horse Council allows people from diverse equine interests to work together for a common goal.

The central role played by the Queensland Horse Council as the interface between Industry and Government is illustrated in our “Industry Interface” diagram.

The Queensland Horse Council will continue to work closely with both Members and the Industry to ensure that it continues to provide innovative solutions into the future.

Queensland Horse Council
Proposal for the establishment of an Emergency Response Plan for the Performance
& Pleasure Horse Industry

Aim
The Queensland Horse Council proposes that an Industry Emergency Response Committee
is established to determine emergency response policies, systems and procedures that will
be enacted in future emergency situations.

Scope
The Emergency Response Committee will develop an Emergency Response Plan which will
ensure that the industry is well prepared for future emergency responses. The Plan will also
ensure that the “Lessons Learned” from the EI crisis response are implemented.
At the declaration of a crisis, the Emergency Response Committee will be enabled to refer
directly to and provide advice to Government and its agencies.

Strategic Outcomes

1. An Emergency Response Plan which will ensure that the industry is well prepared for
future emergency responses.

2. Established relationships with key Industry and Government stakeholders to ensure
ease of communication at all times.

3. An Industry that is prepared and able to work cooperatively during emergency
responses.

4. Quicker response time for emergencies will deliver financial, social and
environmental benefits to all stakeholders.
QHC INITIATIVES

The QHC has sponsored and established an Industry Advisory Committee which brings together a representative of each Association to consult with and advise Government as well as provide direction to the QHC from a grass roots level and represent the needs of the thousands of volunteers who run the industry.