University of Melbourne Magazine

Premier Napthine launches Dean’s textbook on equine sports medicine

Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
    • Professor Ken Hinchcliff and The Hon. Dr Denis Napthine MP, the Premier of Victoria and an alumnus of the Faculty of Veterinary Science

    Professor Ken Hinchcliff and The Hon. Dr Denis Napthine MP, the Premier of Victoria and an alumnus of the Faculty of Veterinary Science

    Professor Ken Hinchcliff, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, released his latest publication at an intimate gathering of guests, students and alumni in University House in February.

    The book, Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery: Basic and clinical sciences of the equine athlete, was officially launched by

    Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery covers the basic and clinical sciences needed for managing athletic horses. It is a reference book for anyone involved in equine athletic activities such as racing, dressage, showing or sports.

    Premier Napthine said the book was an absolutely outstanding text. “I’ve had the pleasure over the last few weeks to be able to have a preview copy and I am absolutely impressed by the quality of the book and the content, and the easiness to read for someone who has been out of veterinary science for some years.”

    The Premier spoke about his memories of Veterinary School at the University of Melbourne, praising the expertise of professors past and present and reflecting on the relationship between Equine medicine and the equine sports industry.

    “This book will not only be of value to Victoria, where equine sports play an integral role in the economy, but to Australia and to the world,” he said.

    “When you look at the people who are contributors to the book, they are the who’s who of equine industries and particularly equine industries around the world. This is a substantial piece of work, a great update on this wonderful volume that is going to provide great support and service to everyone involved in the equine industry.”

    Professor Hinchcliff said the book was a labour of love.

    He said: “There’s something almost visceral about the relationship between people and horses.

    “Horses were domesticated around 5000 years BC … and since that time they have been intricately involved with people. We’ve used them to make war on each other, we’ve used them in recreation, in transport, and really what we’ve done now is progress to the point where we don’t use them for war anymore, but we do use them for recreation and in some parts of the world they are still important draft animals.”