Equine Welfare Bulletin Equine Welfare Bulletin
The health and wellbeing of all thoroughbreds is, and has always been, at the heart of our culture at the VRC. Our love and respect for horses has fuelled our involvement in the sport of horseracing and will continue to drive our future actions.
We are, all of us, the champions for happy, healthy, thoroughbreds, and we are proud to share these stories with you.
Equine welfare always has and always will be paramount to the VRC. The safety of the horses, along with all racing participants and racegoers, is our absolute number one priority.
Equine welfare: A commitment to care
Thoroughbreds are the heart of the industry, and ensuring their wellbeing before, during, and after their racing careers is a collective responsibility. The efforts of the industry span the entire lifecycle of these incredible animals, supported by a strategic plan and substantial financial investment.
A day in the life of Esti Feny
Race day for any stable with a horse running that day is a blend of excitement, meticulous preparation, and unwavering dedication. We followed Esti Feny to see what goes into a typical race day.
READ MOREUsing natural remedies for allergies
Stress and allergies affect horses just like humans and there are many ways to help them. Ciaron Maher's team has the solution for Pintoff.
READ MOREThe rhythm of race day for Esti Feny
Race day for any stable with a horse running that day is a blend of excitement, meticulous preparation, and unwavering dedication. We followed Esti Feny to see what goes into a typical race day.
Equine Welfare Measures
A horse’s journey doesn’t end at the finish line after a race; it continues with a series of rituals designed to ensure their wellbeing and recovery.
Care on course
The Racing Victoria veterinary services team is committed to protecting equine welfare and maintaining the integrity of the sport. Each race day, General Manager of Veterinary Services Grace Forbes and her dedicated team care for the health and welfare of the equine athletes.
Beach benefits
From city lights to sandy beaches... dual training facilities are now becoming more common for many trainers, as they seek to offer their horses more variety in their care.
Emma Booth: Journey of determination
In the high-stakes world of para-equestrian sports, the path to success is often paved with unexpected challenges and moments of resilience. Emma Booth embodies this spirit of perseverance.
READ MOREThe importance of pre-training for young thoroughbreds
The breaking in and pre-training of young thoroughbreds is a crucial part of their racing career; Woodlow Equine, run by Sam Woods and Shenae Lowings, aims to improve that early equine experience
READ MORERacing Victoria implements new thoroughbred welfare rule
The racing industry's enhanced commitment to thoroughbred welfare in Victoria is demonstrated through a new rule that prohibits the sending of live racehorses to knackeries and abattoirs.
READ MOREPost-race rituals for our equine athletes
After a race, a horse’s journey doesn’t end at the finish line; it continues with a series of rituals designed to ensure their wellbeing and recovery.
READ MOREFrom the arena to the racetrack
The transition from eventing to racing is demonstrated by some of racing's familiar faces.
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