Protecting horse welfare throughout their lives

PROMOTING and protecting the fact racehorses enjoy “a life well lived” is the key message in British racing’s new welfare strategy.

While horse welfare is undeniably at the heart of British racing and equestrian sport, this five-year plan is the first time racing has had a single, overarching welfare strategy that covers thoroughbreds not just in racing, but from birth to death.

The Horse Welfare Board (HWB), comprising a cross-section of the industry, put forward 20 recommendations on areas from euthanasia to the ethics of using horses in sport, whip rules, more data collection and improved traceability.

Its aims are: best possible quality of life, best possible safety, lifetime