Equine competitive events (other than jumps racing and rodeos)
Review of existing policy
No comments were received and minor editorial amendments have been made
Policy
Competitive events involving horses must ensure the health and welfare of the horse is not
compromised for any reason. Responsibility lies with the rider (or competition team) and the
event organising committee.
Background
Equine competitive events range from pony club events, which are low risk, to endurance
events and bush races, which pose higher risks to horse welfare. The range of necessary
supervision and veterinary involvement will vary according to the particular event, its
duration, the terrain over which it is conducted, and the relative risks involved.
Guidelines
Organisation of competitive events should involve the following:
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Understanding and application of the relevant state Acts relating to the prevention of
cruelty to animals.
A clear definition of the age of horses permitted to compete and the criteria relating to
the horses’ level of fitness and training before competition.
A defined veterinary management plan; in many sports, this will involve the
attendance of a suitably experienced veterinarian at the event, with provision to
ensure that the veterinarian is engaged on a professional basis.
A process that ensures, either with or without veterinary involvement, that horses do
not compete when lame, ill, unfit, or injured.
A statement to competitors that horses competing should be presented drug free. For
some events, there should be a process to ensure compliance.
Course design that tests the skill of the horse and rider/driver/handler, but does not
place unreasonable demands on the horses for each given level of competition. The
course should be checked by the organisers, with veterinary involvement if available,
to ensure that adverse conditions — such as heat, humidity or heavy-going and
slippery conditions — will not place unreasonable demands on horses. Course
organisers have the final responsibility for course design and suitability of the
conditions.
Financial or commercial pressures must not interfere with or override safety or the
health and welfare concerns of the horse or rider.
Procedures that ensure that riders, drivers and handlers are not under the influence
of drugs or alcohol when competing and do not subject their mounts/horses to undue
risk.
Riders/drivers should be appropriately clothed with adequate protective gear as
specified by the organisers.
Riders/drivers should use aids, including whips and spurs, as sparingly as possible
and not be used when horses are at maximum performance. Any aids should comply
with industry standards to ensure no damage to the horses.
Inspection of horses and briefing of riders before the event to ensure compliance with
the requirements documented above and to ensure that riders understand the rules
of the event. Horses must be presented in adequate physical condition and be shod
appropriately for the event.
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Adequate supervision of all parts of the event to ensure compliance with event rules.
Arrangements to treat injuries and/or illness promptly and effectively.
Investigation, preparation of a report and compliance with relevant state legislation or
supervising committee requirements, if a horse dies or is injured during an event.
Reports should include proposed corrective action to prevent the incident occurring
again. In the event of a contagious disease outbreak, there should be a plan to
execute biosecurity measures and notify relevant state authorities. Personal
protective equipment (PPE) must be available to all persons directly involved with
this process.
Contagious diseases, particularly those with zoonotic implications should be required
to be vaccinated against where a vaccine is available. This is particularly important in
the case of Hendra Virus, but should also include Strangles and could include Equine
Herpes Virus.
All horses attending the event must be individually identified and the details recorded
in an appropriately accessible database.
Other relevant policies and position statements
7.9 Use of whips at competitive events
7.10 Use of horses in entertainment
17.8 The provision of optimum veterinary services to the horse racing industry