| WELFARE |
WELFARE…
KEY FACTOR IN RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP
T
REGINA BYRNE OUTLINES THE VARIOUS RACEHORSE RETIREMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR OWNERS IN IRELAND
he welfare of the horse is paramount and it is the responsibility of the owner to make sure the horse is properly looked after throughout its whole life. While in training, the owner entrusts the welfare of the horse to the respective trainer but keeps a vigilant watch at all times. After racing, the owner must decide what the next step is for their horse and find a suitable long-term home. Regina Byrne takes a look at some of the options available for Irish owners post-racing.
Some horses, both male and female, will always have a place at stud and owners have the choice to keep the animal for breeding themselves or to sell them for these purposes. Both Goffs and Tattersalls Ireland have annual breeding stock and horses-in-training sales, with a huge national and international clientele list that is a very live option for owners.
Retraining/ Rehoming Thoroughbred horses are bred to race and often their temperament means that they are most suited to an active life and the thrill of competition. HRI engaged industry participants for a co-design workshop in 2021 which looked at the IFHA welfare document and recently published their resulting infographic, which outlined areas for improvement. HRI is planning to create a quality assurance checklist, which it will deliver in 2022, this will allow for any premises to quickly assess itself against accepted basic and best-practice standards for welfare. There are several retraining and rehoming facilities available around the country including: TREO EILE – Established as a not-for-profit in 2020, Treo Eile aims to assist owners with rehoming and retraining ex-racehorses. once
their careers on the track are concluded. Their goals are threefold: CONNECT > racehorse owners with re-trainers/new owners SUPPORT > ex-racehorses with a thoroughbred event programme PROMOTE > the versatility of the ex-racehorse For more information, check out their website www.treoeile.com or contact Sarah Sands on hello@treoeile.com
| MAGAZINE 2022 |
Breeding
their versatility for other equestrian disciplines and pursuits. Their aim is to be instrumental in making the transition from racing to a new discipline as seamless as possible for each horse, based on their individual needs. For more information, check out their website www.irishracehorseretirementfund.com or email info@irishracehorseretirementfund.com
Irish Horse Welfare Trust – This is a charity organisation originally set up to help neglected horses and is Ireland’s largest equine charity. They also provide a facility for ex-racehorses when they have finished racing and they re-train them for equestrian sport and leisure riding. For more information, check out their website www.ihwt.ie or email info@ihwt.ie Irish Racehorse Retirement Fund - The Irish Racehorse Retirement Fund raises funds to help support the re-training and rehoming of former racehorses and to promote
Euthanasia, Humane Destruction/Slaughter and Disposal For some horses, however, the next step is not so easy. Euthanasia to prevent suffering is a well-established key factor in any sector of animal care. Veterinary surgeons will need to assess the animal to decide the best course of action and disposal of the remains is the responsibility of the owner. Burial is no longer an option due to EU environmental laws, but disposal options are available on www.gov.ie. Humane destruction is also available through facilities licenced and supervised by the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and remains are disposed of in accordance with EU and national legislation.
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