
Lesley Hawson
Human Resource Manager

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About me
Helping people and horses be safer.
Education

University of Sydney
2009 - 2014Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Science of Horse TrainingBachelor of Veterinary SciencePhD

RMIT University
1986 - 1987Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial RelationsPost Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations

University of Adelaide
1982 - 1984Bachelor of Science
RMIT University
2005 - 2006Graduate Diploma Animal Chiropractic ChiropracticPost Graduate Diploma in Animal Chiropractice

University of Sydney
1995 - 2000Bachelor of Veterinary Science
University of Sydney
2009 - 2014Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Equitation ScienceEquitation science provides a lens through which the full diversity of horse-human interaction can be examined, evaluated and improved. In this thesis I investigated many aspects of the human/horse relationship from safety to animal welfare at the 2008 Olympics. The process equipped me with data management, questionnaire and most importantly good communication skills.

Macquarie University
1993 - 1993Post Graduate Diploma of General ManagementActivities and Societies: Post Graduate Certificate in Business Management.
Experience

Orica
Dec 1988 - Feb 1995Human Resource ManagerCore Responsibilities;• Delivered a high quality, professional and seamless human resource function by showcasing an authentic and collaborative leadership style• Drove the strategic planning activities within business management teams through a focus on workforce planning, compliance, employee and organisational development• Led the provision of employee and industrial relations of up to 50 sites, 1600 employees and ten unions (e.g. ICI Australia)• Enhanced employee engagement and operational performance through the development, execution and maintenance of management systems (e.g. recruitment, training, development, team building, performance management)• Instilled a positive, inclusive culture by encouraging integrity, respect, teamwork, safety, continuous improvement and recognition• Decreased operational and safety risks through the development and implementing of WHS initiatives including; safety operating procedures, policies and standards• Negotiated, developed and implemented enterprise agreement to enhance business offerings to employees and create a global interest• Addressed staff and union grievances by gathering preliminary information, investigating details and formulating solutions Show less

Various Veterinary Practices
Jan 2000 - Dec 2012VeterinarianCore Responsibilities;• Met operational requirements of practices attended including health consultations, minor surgeries, emergency medicine and euthanasia’s• Managed the Equine Influenza Program for the David Hayes stable, including providing vaccinations, accommodating to horse racing schedules, coordinating resources and complying with relevant TGA, APVMA and Racing Victoria requirements• Delivered a professional, efficient small animal and equine practice • Led the development and execution of the strategic plan, budget, and standards (e.g. policy, procedures, framework and guidelines)• Managed all aspects regarding Human Resource Management including administration, rostering, recruitment, training, development, team building and performance management• Diagnosed animal’s health problems by conducting examinations including physical, blood tests and x-rays• Treated animals for medical conditions by providing medication, treating wounds and performing surgery• Provided advice to animal owners in relations to general care, medical conditions and treatments available• Supported philanthropy activities by conducting euthanasia’s and desexing Show less

University of Sydney
Feb 2009 - Nov 2014ResearcherMy doctoral thesis was entitled "The science of horse training: implications for rider safety and animal welfare". I measured the communication process between horse and rider while using these measurements to identify the optimal training process for horses, particularly sports horses. I had the privilege of being supervised by Professor Paul McGreevy of the University of Sydney and Dr Andrew McLean of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre. The collaboration gave rise to eight research papers and the intellectual experience of a lifetime. Show less

Melbourne Polytechnic
Jan 2012 - Dec 2015LecturerTaught functional equine anatomy and physiology, equine exercise physiology, managing the equine athlete, and equine behaviour into the Bachelor of Equine

Charles Sturt University
Feb 2016 - Nov 2017LecturerTaught theoretical and practical components of equine biomechanics and equine exercise physiology to undergraduate equine science students. Approximately half of my teaching was traditional didactic face to face and half of my teaching was on online. I ran practical sessions across the full gamut of equine biomechanics from anatomy through to on treadmill sampling of blood parameters.

Harness Racing Victoria
Oct 2017 - May 2024VeterinarianI have extensive experience across veterinary science, tertiary education, and human resources management. I am an internationally recognized leader in equitation science. I enjoy improving animal welfare and human safety by monitoring legislation, best business practices and applying the latest research to influence key stakeholders, maintain industry standards and actively execute best practices. I have been relied upon by my team members, government entities and communities to deliver good governance, quality assurance and compliance across internal functions. I have a profound sense of responsibility to add value by driving continuous improvement through feasible solutions within my sphere of influence. Show less

SaferHorses.com.au
Jan 2022 - nowG'day. I'm Dr Lesley Hawson. I want you and your horse to be safer! Safer means less likely to be injured, sounder for longer and less expensive! I am a veterinarian with a PhD in equitation science, a teacher and a researcher, but first and foremost I am a horse lover and horse owner. My studies with some of the best equine behaviour scientists in the world combined with my long-standing commitment to safety has led me to this capstone practice. Be it housing, nutrition, transport, handling, training or rehabilitation, there is always a safer way to do it resulting in better outcomes for you and your horse. Show less G'day. I'm Dr Lesley Hawson. I want you and your horse to be safer! Safer means less likely to be injured, sounder for longer and less expensive! I am a veterinarian with a PhD in equitation science, a teacher and a researcher, but first and foremost I am a horse lover and horse owner. My studies with some of the best equine behaviour scientists in the world combined with my long-standing commitment to safety has led me to this capstone practice. Be it housing, nutrition, transport, handling, training or rehabilitation, there is always a safer way to do it resulting in better outcomes for you and your horse. Show less
Principal
Jan 2022 - nowPrincipal
Jan 2022 - now
Licenses & Certifications

Certificate in Horse Husbandry

Provide First Aid Certificate
- View certificate

Eye Emergencies in the Horse with Dennis Brooks, DVM PhD DACVO
The Veterinary Dental CompanyNov 2025 - View certificate

Licenced to practice Veterinary Science in Victoria
Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of VictoriaOct 2001
Honors & Awards
- Awarded to Lesley HawsonBest Oral Presentation Award 8th International Equitation Science Conference Edinburgh Jul 2012
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