There is an increasingly growing concern about catastrophic injuries, especially in Thoroughbred racehorses, that ignites action from animal rights activists and the general public at large. It is every horse owner's, rider's, trainer's, veterinarian's and enthusiast's responsibility to ensure the well-being of the animal that is the backbone of our wonderful industry and to take it upon him/herself to be knowledgeable of how to project the positive side of the equine industry and to know how to interact with animal rights activists.

In 2011–2012 Fall/Winter meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, the 2018–2019 meet at Santa Anita Park, and in 2023 on Derby day at Churchill Downs, and during the Summer meet in 2023 At Saratoga Racecourse there were numerous catastrophic injuries that resulted in euthanizing of the horses. Non-racing activities have been impacted as well. Since 2004, 38 riders and 91 horses have died competing cross-country in 3-day eventing.

The agencies responsible for ensuring the well-being of equine athletes in equestrian sport include: the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI).

AAEP Principles of Equine Welfare include: the responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as companionship, food, fiber, recreation, work, education, exhibitions, and research conducted for the benefit of both humans and animals is consistent with the Veterinarian's Oath.

• Equids must be provided water, food, proper handling, health care and an environment appropriate to their use, with thoughtful consideration for their species-typical biology and behavior.
• Equids should be cared for in ways that minimize fear, pain, stress, and suffering.
• Equids should be provided with protection from injurious heat or cold and harmful adverse weather conditions.
• Equids used in competition, spectator events, shows, exhibitions, motion pictures should not be subjected to the fraudulent use of drugs, non-nutritive agents, equipment or procedures intended to alter performance, conformation, or appearance.
• Events and activities involving equids should continually strive to put the horse first above all other interests.
• Equine industry organizations should identify areas where equids are being subjected to adverse procedures or training methods and work to eliminate any inhumane acts.
• Equids should be transported in a manner which minimizes the potential for infirmity, illness, injury, fatigue, or other undue suffering during the journey.
• Equids should be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when necessary and at the appropriate time, be provided a humane death.
• The veterinary profession shall continually strive to improve equine health and welfare through scientific research, education, collaboration, advocacy and the proposal or support of appropriate legislation and regulations that promote the humane existence of equids.

One, may question what has been done to reduce the number of catastrophic injuries in racehorses? One such initiative is The Equine Injury DatabaseTM , the Thoroughbred industry's first national database of racing injuries. Launched by The Jockey Club in July 2008, the Equine Injury Database seeks to:

• identify the frequency, types and outcome of racing injuries using a standardized format that will generate valid statistics;
• identify markers for horses at increased risk of injury;
• serve as a data source for research directed at improving safety and preventing injuries.

Since 2009, fatalities have decreased by 23 percent.

• Actions taken by the New York Racing Association and the California Horse Racing Board include:
• Establish an Office of the Equine Medical Director to oversee horse safety.
  • Create an independent veterinary practice structure within NYRA which will put the health of the horse first.
  • Establish an anonymous reporting mechanism for jockeys to report health or safety violations without fear of reprisal.
  • Prohibit Clenbuterol with 21 days of a race.
  • Prohibit Methylprednisolone within 15 days of a race.
  • Prohibit all other intra-articular corticosteroids within 7 days of a race.
  • Prohibit all other systemic corticosteroids within 5 days of a race.
• Require trainers to maintain records of corticosteroid administration and notify the Stewards in writing within 48 hours of all intra-articular corticosteroid administration.
• Void Claim Rule
• Amend economic proportionality claiming rule –1.6-1.0.
• Require horse claimants to be notified within 48 hours of any intra-articular admin of corticosteroids in the 30 days prior.
• Expand out-of-competition testing to include corticosteroids and clenbuterol.
• Improve documentation of findings of fatal injuries, including the development of standard protocols for handling horses with fatal injuries.
• Require testing laboratory accreditation.
• Formalize necropsy procedures.
• NYRA, Santa Anita, and Churchill Downs will also examine the installation of synthetic surfaces.

In 2020 an act of Congress was put into law which formed the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority which is overseen by the Federal Trade Commission. This authority establishes uniform national standards for Thoroughbred racing and established the Racetrack Safety Program on July 1, 2022 and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) on May 22, 2023.

• USEF also has guidelines for horse welfare and safety penalties and 3-Day eventing has implemented technology in its quest for a safer sport. Frangible technology: Constructing cross-country jumps with deformable devices that allow part or all of a solid obstacle to collapse, thus decreasing the risk of horse falls and particularly rotational falls and the EquiRatings Quality Index system, tracking cross-country outcomes with unique formulas designed to provide a risk rating for every horse at every level.

It is important to distinguish between the terms animal rights activist and animal welfare group. The activist is committed to changing the moral attitude of the world to the view that all animals should be free and not to be used for any utilitarian purpose. In this philosophy, the humane care of animals is irrelevant, because any use, including mere ownership of animals, is judged morally wrong. On the other hand, animal welfare groups, which include animal scientists, are concerned with the proper care and management of animals in their use.

For the most part, horse people share the concern of welfare groups with respect to humane treatment of horses. However, horse owners and organizations must realize that, regardless of the care given our animals, some activist groups will continue to attack the use of horses as "exploitation," with a view to disrupting the use of horses by humans. Horse people must be prepared to defend horse farms and horse sports and events from unwarranted attacks by animal rights groups.

This can only be accomplished by cooperative efforts industry wide. These efforts should focus on monitoring activists' activities, developing common strategies for coping with legal and legislative attacks, creating positive public relations for the industry, and, when warranted, sponsoring research to provide factual information about industry practices.

Experience from other animal agriculturalists has demonstrated that one must not overreact to criticism from activists whose main goal is to disrupt and attack. The horse industry should not be surprised if it becomes an increasingly visible target of these groups. Horse people should be careful not to respond to any criticism in any way that makes us more vulnerable to the opponent. Since the natural response is to reply immediately to an attack, delaying a response requires discipline and a strategy for dealing with the criticism over the long run.

Strategies adapted to the horse industry to accomplish this goal are as follows:

1. Do not initiate debate with activists about animal welfare/rights issues and avoid public exchanges over incorrect or planted media reports.
2. Be generous and forthcoming with information and activities which demonstrate good horse care and management practices and the positive role horses play in preserving open space and providing healthy and wholesome recreation for millions.
3. Do not equivocate, vacillate or apologize when a stand is in order. In this case, take a strong and positive stand.
4. Establish and maintain strong lines of communication with local, regional or national media representatives. This is best accomplished by designating key spokespersons who should receive professional media training.
5. Remember, acknowledge and be proud of our tradition to tolerate diverse opinions as long as they don't violate the civil rights of others. This is the moral high ground and the public expects nothing less.

There are cases of harm to horses through neglect, ignorance or even intentional abuse. Nonetheless, the equine industry must be prepared to deal with these rare occurrences openly and honestly. The industry must be willing to take the initiative to remove horses from situations of neglect or abuse.

Yes, the horse industry does have its work cut out for it. We must take this issue seriously and not be discouraged by forthcoming events that may interfere with our equestrian activities. What we must do is be prepared to prove that our equine friends are well cared for and not mistreated. This can only be accomplished by providing the public with factual data supporting our industry activities. Research in areas such as stress management are critical to provide this necessary data. Monetary support for these studies should come from those who enjoy the equine industry.

Remember that public perception is important. How the equine industry presents its horses, how the public perceives they are being treated, trained and cared for will ultimately determine who controls the industry.

Photo credit: Photo row across top, right: Kyle S. Hartmann, Manager of Special Events & Programs, Rutgers Equine Science Center.

June 2024