The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) has published standards for the care and welfare of racehorses at different times of their life. They integrate the Five Domains Model now recognised as the gold standard for animal welfare assessment and monitoring.
The IFHA expects all racing jurisdictions to refer to this guidance to establish accepted horse welfare practices in their jurisdiction, and to set minimum standards of participant behaviour, including behavioural change where necessary.
Titled “IFHA Minimum Horse Welfare Standards”, this paper complements recent reforms which will ensure the traceability of horses from their foal stage through into retirement and beyond.
In conjunction with the publication of the IFHA Minimum Horse Welfare Standards, a short video and podcast have been produced, featuring IFHA Horse Welfare Committee Chairman Jamie Stier, who is also the Executive General Manager, Integrity Services, Racing Victoria; Professor Emeritus David Mellor, the architect of the Five Domains Model for Welfare Assessment and a Foundation Director of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre at Massey University, New Zealand; and Dr Lynn Hillyer, Chief Veterinary Officer and Head of Anti-Doping for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board. The panel is moderated by esteemed British racing presenter Rishi Persad.
Watch the video presentation below to find out what this means to the Horseracing sector all around the world.
Principles of Good Practice in Horseracing
To promote best practice, harmonisation and information exchange across Racing nations, the IFHA Horse Welfare Committee has also produced documents on the ‘Principles of Good Practice’. These serve as guidance on standards for the care and safety of horses in key areas as they relate to welfare.
This guidance is to raise awareness amongst participants and third parties of appropriate standards of horse welfare in racing and breeding in areas that are vital to ensure the ongoing success of racing.
These documents provide a practical means to racing authorities to ensure that welfare is properly taken into account by all people in charge of horses at the different times of their life.
They are a basis on which horse welfare can be introduced into the educational courses for jockeys and trainers, and in liaison owners and breeders, and with the Veterinary profession.
Monitoring of Racing Injuries and Fatalities
Activities to Minimise Injury and Optimise Horse Welfare
Veterinary Emergency Care Procedures
Emergency Euthanasia on a Racecourse
Who I the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities?
- Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering (the IABRW)
- Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
- International Race Planning and Grading (“black type”)
- World Rankings
- The fight against Equine Prohibited Substances and Practices
- Harmonization of Racing Rules
- Certification of IFHA Reference Labs
- Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally