Page 16 - Equine Matters - Autumn

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EQUINE MATTERS
Racing, both flat and National Hunt plays a large and colourful role in
the sporting heritage of our country and the industry is a major employer
and provider of significant work to equine practices throughout the country.
I have always found that if owners, trainers and their staff genuinely care
about their horses then a high standard of welfare invariably ensues.
Like most sports, racing carries risks. No-one
wants to see valued racehorses killed or injured
and as equine veterinary surgeons it is our
professional duty to make every effort to ensure
the highest standards of welfare for the horses
under our care. Sadly fatalities do occur in
racing to the extent of about two horses per
thousand runners but we must not forget that
horses are herd animals and galloping
alongside one another is natural to them
and it is common to see horses continue to
race and jump after horse and rider have
parted company.
With advances in management and repair
techniques, many of these injuries are now
successfully treated with horses commonly
returning to racing but if fractures are of
longbones many horses do not adapt well
to a sustained period of convalescence
following injury so in some instances, in the
interests of welfare, humane destruction is
the kindest course.
Nobody wants to see abuse of the whip
and guidelines make it clear that the whip
should only be used for safety, correction
and encouragement.
Britain has led the way with restrictions on
use of the whip and design of a kinder whip.
Horses are examined by a veterinary officer
after a race and any signs of abuse are
reported to the stewards and the jockey
will then face an enquiry that may result in
suspension and a fine although I am not
convinced by the deterrent value of fining
wealthy top jockeys and effectively giving
them a few days holiday when they have
been found guilty of whip abuse which often
occurs in high value races
When a horse’s racing days are ended the
racing industry correctly does not see its
duty to racehorse welfare as ending; their
subsequent whereabouts are monitored. Racing
has also set up and funds the charity Retraining
of Racehorses which has been very successful
in raising the profile of ex-racehorses in the
wider equestrian world. As well as being
retired for breeding or racing at a lower level
in point-to-points, a large and increasing
number are re-trained for use in other
disciplines and enjoy life in a different sphere
e.g. hunting, eventing, polo, dressage,
showjumping, endurance riding and many
become loved and trusted hacks, often
enjoying their retirement for many years.
VET VIEWPOINT...
WE ASK THE OPINIONS OF OUR VETS ON THE
TOPIC OF
THE RACING INDUSTRY
I believe there are several aspects of
the thoroughbred industry that could be
considered a welfare issue. I am glad to
say that from what I have seen from my
involvement with racing and racecourse
work, I believe much is done to safeguard
the horse, from the provision of excellent
veterinary care on the track to the debate
on the use of the whip.
Whilst the horse is in training much effort
goes into his care and the prevention of
training injuries, the aim, after all, is to
have a fit healthy horse who will win
races. Good trainers achieve this, sadly
many horses are not so lucky in the care
they receive and fall by the wayside.
Another welfare issue, harder to control
is the indiscriminate breeding of
thoroughbreds at the bottom end of the
market, although the recent economic
climate has helped reduce this. At the
other end of the horse’s life when his
racing career is over, welfare can also be
an issue but I think there has been a recent
improvement with specific re-homing
charities and showing classes designed
for retired racehorses.
Jane King BVetMed MRCVS
Westmorland Veterinary Group
...Is racing a
welfare issue?
Simon Stirk BVSc CertEP MRCVS,
Minster Veterinary Practice
In my opinion
welfare is an issue
that is taken seriously by those
involved in racing; be they owners,
trainers, grooms or veterinary
surgeons. The close relationship
with genuine welfare organisations
results in constant improvement to
the lot of these noble and bold
animals and I sincerely hope that this
approach continues to marginalise
the stated wish of some organisations
to ban racing”