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AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 ISSUE
EQUINE MATTERS
16
Joseph Ivey BVSc MRCVS
Rosevean Veterinary Practice
As a vet working in west Cornwall my
contact with the racing industry is minimal
but in general I believe that thoroughbred
horses are born to race, it is what they
do, and to my eye what they enjoy doing.
Whilst horseracing has its own issues, if
you start to break down any competitive
equine sport you can find welfare issues to
debate. Therefore, as long as we continue
to closely scrutinise and monitor horse
welfare and safety so that we can strive to
achieve the best practice both race side
and away from the racecourse it is a
great sporting event for all involved. I do
believe in these hard economic times we
need to be realistic about the number of
racehorses that are bred and maybe this
is an area that needs closer attention.
Lesley Barwise-Munro BSc BVM&S Cert EP MRCVS
Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group
The BHA has raised the standards of
welfare of racehorses on the track over the
last 10 -15 years by working closely with
the Association of Racecourse Vets which
assists in the training of racecourse vets.
Any horse with nose bleeds or injuries are
recorded by the British Horse Racing
Association and horses are only allowed
to race again when they have had an
adequate period of time off racing.
Data collected from racecourses is used
to review patterns of problems both in
groups of horses and at particular
racetracks. If a group of horses have a
higher injury rate, they then assess what
can be done to reduce this either by
changing training methods, surfaces or
jump design. If investigations show a
particular racetrack appears to be having
more problems than others then the BHA
will assist the team at that track to
investigate the reasons behind the pattern
and make changes.
This might mean for example improved
drainage or the use of turf watering
systems. The important point is using a
team approach ensures reviews are carried
out and improvements are made to benefit
the future welfare of the racehorse.
VET V I EWPOINT