It is with sadness that we report today the passing of IRT Founder - Quentin Wallace
A pioneer and a visionary, and a true gentleman — Quentin Wallace was more than the creator of one of the world’s most trusted names in equine transport — he was a man who built bridges across continents, always with horses at heart and excellence as his guide.
Quentin’s story began in the UK, but it was his first trip to Australia in 1966 that would set the course for a lifetime of innovation and adventure. After a brief stint as a jackaroo in western Victoria, he returned home with a clear vision and a pioneering spirit. Recognising a growing demand for horses in Australia, he began shipping them by sea, forging the first links in what would become a truly global enterprise.
But like many great stories, Quentin’s path wasn’t without challenge. In 1972, equine disease halted sea transport, seemingly closing a door. But Quentin saw opportunity. With determination and foresight, he turned to the skies, becoming involved in the airborne transport of horses between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, in doing so, pioneering the Shuttle Stallion business. This was not just a new chapter — it was the beginning of a revolution in the industry.
Armed with deep knowledge of international routes and a profound understanding of the animals he served, Quentin began to chart new territory. He wasn’t just moving horses — he was creating an infrastructure, a system, a promise: that horses could travel across the world with safety, care, and professionalism. Over time, IRT grew from Quentin’s one-man vision to a team of over 100 staff, with dedicated offices in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, and Germany.
Quentin’s ambition was never about size — it was about standards. He worked tirelessly to refine the transportation process, to reduce risk and travel time, and to ensure every horse — no matter where they were going — received the highest standard of care. By collaborating with government bodies and key industry partners, he turned complex logistics into a seamless, trusted service. What Quentin built wasn't just a company — it was a benchmark.
He wasn’t driven by recognition, but by results. By making things better. By doing things right. The result is a legacy that stretches far beyond business: countless horses moved safely around the world, relationships built on trust, and a company that continues to set the standard for international equine transport.
To those who knew Quentin personally, he was a mentor and a friend. His passion for logistics, horses and the people who care for them was evident in every decision he made.
Today, we honour a life lived with purpose, a vision pursued with courage, and a man whose work changed an industry forever. Quentin Wallace leaves behind not just a global company, but a global equine community — one that will carry his vision forward with pride.
May he rest in peace, knowing that his journey — and the journeys he made possible for so many others — will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with the Wallace Family at this time.
Size and Scope of the Australian Horse Industry.
For the first time the full scale and importance of the Australian Horse Industry is known.
The study shows the horse industry (outside of the racing industries) is growing and plays an important part in the agricultural, sporting and recreation sectors, contributing both to the national economy and to the wellbeing of many Australians.
Read more…..
The Australian Farmer publication - February Issue out now
The Australian Farmer publication
- February 2025 “LIVE” edition out now.
Continuing to deliver AHIC members some of Australia’s “best kept secrets” on agri sci-tech-innovation.
CLICK HERE for free access.
Editor’s Picks:
“The place of the horse in Australia: a national survey” p 197
And these brand new articles …
“The hidden losses of pasture utilisation” (Dairy Research Foundation) pp 188-190
“Boosting cattle herd health and profitability with Marks-Min®” (Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health) p 199
“All bark, all bite: Anti-crime measures working for farmers” (Barko Security) p 68
“The truth about carbon on the farm” (Jigsaw Farms) pp 90-93
“How to transform yields from the ground up” (Bactivate) pp 120-122
“Trace elements: They continue working, even when you’re not!” (Pacific Biologics) pp 127-129
BOOKMARK AND SHARE WITH YOUR FARMER-AGRICULTURAL CONTACTS TODAY!
The Australian Farmer Publication
The Australian Farmer publication
December 2024 “LIVE” edition out now.
Continuing to deliver AHIC members some of Australia’s “best kept secrets” on agri sci-tech-innovation.
CLICK HERE for free access.
Editor’s Picks:
“The place of the horse in Australia: a national survey” p 197
And these brand new articles …
“The hidden losses of pasture utilisation” pp 188-190“Boosting cattle herd health and profitability with Marks-Min®” p 199“All bark, all bite: Anti-crime measures working for farmers” p 68“The truth about carbon on the farm” pp 90-93“How to transform yields from the ground up” pp 120-122“Trace elements: They continue working, even when you’re not!” pp 127-129
BOOKMARK AND SHARE WITH YOUR FARMER-AGRICULTURAL CONTACTS TODAY!
IAC Meeting Executive Summary - July 2024
To read the Executive Summary of the last IAC meeting. Click this link
Click this link to view the Powerpoint presentation by James Gilkerson on Infectious disease threats
Horse Biosecurity Venue Workbook new version released! (and its free.)
The Australian Horse Industry Council has been working with Animal Health Australia, HRA, RA snd EA on a fully updated Biosecurity workbook which has been a great resource for horse owners, equestrian event organisers and venue operators
The workbook assists venue owners and managers to establish a set of biosecurity measures applicable to their venue, which can easily be implemented over time to ensure horses are protected from diseases and pests. It was produced so a venue holding just one horse, or a racing complex holding hundreds, could design and implement measures appropriate for their particular venue, while also addressing individual management and site issues. The Horse Venue Biosecurity Workbook can be adapted to suit your individual horse activities and enterprise.
You can download a free copy from the Animal Health Australia Farm Bio security website which is a great resource on biosecurity for all horse owners.
Or you can download it directly here
NATIONAL HORSE TRACEABILITY TASKFORCE UPDATE
The National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce (the Taskforce) has met on four occasions since being established by the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) in April 2024.
The terms of reference of the Taskforce are included in the report of the National Horse Traceability Working Group.
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) and Harness Racing Australia (HRA) also reported to the Taskforce on the progress of their two pilot projects that will assist the implementation of the NHTS and are on track to finalise their reports in early October 2024.
For more details please click the link to read the full version of Communique 2
Survey Results
National Horse Traceability Taskforce gets underway.
The Australian Horse Industry Council was represented by President Mark Burnell and Vice President, Linda Bracken at the first meeting of the National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce (NHTIT) meeting for the first time on 24 April 2024.
NHTIT is a committee established by the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) to oversee the implementation and operation of a traceability system for horses, donkeys and mules in Australia on behalf of industry stakeholders and the jurisdictions.
The system is to be known as the National Horse Traceability System (NHTS). The principal purpose of the NHTS is to enhance the ability for government authorities to trace horses during disease outbreaks and in times of natural disaster. However, other flow-on benefits to the industry are anticipated.
A diverse range of stakeholder groups are represented on the committee.
Please have a look at the communique from the Taskforce for more information.
The Australian Horse Industry Council will keep our members across developments from the taskforce.
For more information visit the taskforce website:
https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/horses/horse-traceability/communique-one-2024
AHIC Response to Victoria’s proposed Animal Care and Protection Laws.
The Australian Farmer Journal
THE AUSTRALIAN FARMER Journal – “MARCH 2024 LIVE EDITION” now available for free.
The Australian Farmer (TAF), the online publication dedicated to agri science-technology-innovation, is now approaching the 1-decade mark.
One Mandate Group is proud to present this refreshed “MARCH 2024 LIVE EDITION”, available for free to all ASF members, colleagues, and supporters.
CLICK HERE >>> www.theaustralianfarmer.com/digital-book
Includes AHIC article:
Contributing to our recreation and rural life – the place of the horse in Australia pp 198-199
Below are some other articles that have been added to TAF in recent months:
Draft Animal Care and Protection Bill – have your say – closes March 24.
Draft Animal Care and Protection Bill – have your say – closes March 24.
An important opportunity for equine organisations and owners to have your input about new, proposed laws that will impact our industry.
Over the last weeks, the Australian Horse Industry Council have been working through the new proposed Animal Care and Welfare Laws (ACAWL) for Victoria. The AHIC sees these new proposed regulations as a litmus test for other states and territories. This is why it’s very important for your organisation, wherever you are based, to be across these proposals and give your input.
If the draft Bill is passed by the Victorian Parliament to become an Act, the new Animal Care and Protection Act would replace the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (the POCTA Act).
The primary change from the previous Prevention of Cruelty Act (POCTA) is the recognition of sentience of animals. This shift in perception of welfare and cruelty has significant implications with our international trade partners where sentience is foremost in the management of production and companion animals in other countries.
The Board of the AHIC suggests if you or your membership organisation would like to respond please include with your submission any supporting evidence of the abilities of the organisation to self-regulate, especially to ensure good welfare oversight of the horses used in your particular organisation, activity, business or breed society.
Areas of focus could be:
Your Constitution or Rules with particular focus on any rules regarding bits, nose bands, spurs, whips and disciplinary response by your organisation.
Your Constitution or Rules regarding suitability, age, soundness and behaviour of horses used in your activity.
Any policies such as hot weather, lightening events, bad weather, poor or unsuitable surfaces for activities with horses.
Guidelines/accreditation protocols for your event officials, coaches, judges and any grading procedures for suitability of rider/horse combinations to attend events run by your organisation.
If cattle are used in your sport, the welfare guidelines you have in place to ensure the wellbeing of the cattle used.
The AHIC is writing a formal response to the proposal. If a formal response from your organisation or business is not possible by the closing date, we are giving member organisations the opportunity to become a co-signatory to the AHIC response which we will circulate before the 24th of March. If you are a member organisation please let us know when we send out our response, if you would like to add your support to the submission. A number of significant organisations have already indicated their interest in co-signing.
If you would like your organisation to become a member organisation and become a co-signatory you are very welcome. https://www.horsecouncil.org.au/membership-signup
And a reminder, that the AHIC has useful resource documents; the Horse Welfare Toolkit, the Horse Venue Biosecurity Workbook for members to use please contact us via the website www.horsecouncil.org
National Equine Survey
AHIC NATIONAL EQUINE SURVEY
Introduction
Thank you for completing our survey!
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) represents the interests of equine people (just like you), and the health and welfare of all equines in the Australian equine community. The AHIC is made up of a collection of breed societies, performance and competition associations, equine businesses, recreational riders and service providers.
The AHIC is instrumental in responding to and preparing for current and emerging bio-security
issues. We represent all our members (recreational and competitive) and drive regular ongoing discussions with Government bodies, the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC), other horse industry representatives (for example, Equestrian Australia, Racing Australia, Harness Racing Australia), Animal Health Australia (AHA) and others. We are here to advocate for you and your equines with equal representation at the highest level, to ensure that all involved in the Australian equine community have a voice.
Who should complete this survey?
Any individual or business with an interest in the health and welfare of our equine partners.
You do not have to be an AHIC member, this survey is designed to provide a snapshot of the equine community outside of Racing. We will use this information to present the facts and your feedback of our equine community (which is the largest of them all), to the Government to assist us in increasing their knowledge around the vast and varied disciplines we undertake with our equine partners. The ramifications of decisions being made without consultation in our equine community are significant. The AHIC is on a mission to ensure all equine community needs are taken into consideration before the decisions are made.
Survey information
We have used equine in place of horses to capture horse, mules, ponies and donkeys.
Your survey responses are anonymous. The survey should only take approximately 5 minutes of your time and will be open from 7th September 2023 and close on 30th October 2023.
Please feel free to share this survey link with anyone who would like to fill it out.
https://m9eiwuiyeet.typeform.com/to/yfXW23nB
We thank you in advance for your support of our industry and equine partners.
Victoria - Sudden horse death investigations
Agriculture Victoria media release
2 August 2023
Investigation concludes
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed that recent sudden multiple horse deaths are not linked or the result of an infectious disease.
Sample testing and necropsies were conducted where possible on deceased animals and found nothing unusual or unexpected as contributing causes.
A number of separate diagnoses have been made including intestinal issues in one instance, while there is a possibility of toxic plants present in another.
In some instances it was not possible to determine a clear cause due to a lack of available suitable samples.
The investigation involved a total of 17 horses that died on six separate properties where multiple deaths were reported.
Negative tests were returned for a wide variety of transmissible diseases such as Hendra virus and equine influenza.
We would like to thank the horse industry, private veterinarians, other experts and horse owners for their assistance during this investigation.
Follow the link to Agriculture Victoria for the latest news.
Sudden horse death investigations | Horses | Livestock and animals | Agriculture Victoria
Victoria - Media Release Agriculture Victoria 20th July 2023
Sudden Victorian horse deaths update - Please see attached Media Release for full report
Agriculture Victoria investigations into 13 sudden horse deaths since the start of July has found no common links to date between the five affected properties and no evidence of infectious disease.
See full media release for full report.
Media release https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/sudden-victorian-horse-deaths-update
NSW - Hendra in an unvaccinated horse near Newcastle
Please find attached the latest media release concerning the confirmation of Hendra in an unvaccinated horse near Newcastle.
Horse owners to remain vigilant for signs of Hendra virus and to contact their private vets or the emergency animal disease hotline number 1800 675888 on suspicion of the disease. Humans in contact with suspicious horses must wear PPE.
It is important to note that no horses in Victoria have tested positive to Hendra virus at this point in time.
Victoria - Report any sudden deaths/illness - July 2023
Agriculture Victoria is working with private veterinarians to understand the cause of recent horse deaths in Victoria.
If your horse has suffered sudden death or onset of illness, immediately contact your local veterinarian or call the emergency animal disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Report an unusual or emergency animal disease | Animal diseases | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria
Mosquito Management for Horses
Farm Biosecurity has released a very useful free guide for management of mosquitos around horses.
Access To Japanese Encephalitis Virus Human Vaccine (Victoria)
Latest update: All staff working on stud farms in areas affected by the floods are now eligible to be vaccinated against Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV).
While there are currently no confirmed cases of JEV in Victoria, the recent flooding and heavy rainfall can mean a greater risk of infections spread by mosquitoes.
Vaccination against JEV is now available for anyone aged two months or older who:
Lives, or routinely works, in a high-risk area and spends significant time outdoors (four hours per day), for unavoidable work, recreational, educational or other essential activities, or
Is living in temporary or flood-damaged accommodation that places them at an increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, or
Is engaged in the prolonged clean-up of stagnant waters following floods.
The vaccine is free for people who meet these criteria and is available from local councils and local public health units, including some COVID-19 vaccination hubs. Select GPs and community pharmacies can also provide the vaccine itself for free, but may charge a fee for the administration.
People living in areas experiencing mosquito activity should undertake these protective measures now and over the coming months to protect themselves against not just JEV, but other mosquito-borne diseases for which no vaccine is available – including Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and Murray Valley encephalitis.
For further information, please visit the Victorian Department of Health website here.
Prepare your horse bush fire survival plan now, before summer.
Winter is the best time to ensure you have a bush fire survival plan for your horses.
Here is some information on a free webinar on July 20 for you to hear from leading experts on what you need to consider.
https://bushfireresilience.org.au/2022-w1-horses-and-bushfire-what-do-we-know/