TBA Leader
Julian Richmond-Watson Chairman
New welfare programmes require fresh funding A
t the beginning of each new year it is customary to look back on what has happened over the past 12 months, which from the bloodstock point of view have revealed worrying trends that were highlighted by the sales season in Britain, Ireland and France. Headline figures can be deceptive. They might have looked strong on paper and rewarding for those fortunate enough to be involved at this level, but they disguise fragility in the middle and lower market across the board. Thus, the most recent increases in foal production are at severe risk of reversal, as breeders go through the facts and figures of their overall financial returns during 2018. A decline or potential decline in coverings is already being reported in a number of major bloodstock producing countries, and this trend could increase if returns do not improve. The cry of overproduction is often heard, and so some adjustment may be good for the overall industry. In Britain, domestic production does not even supply half the number of horses needed to fulfil an acceptable racing programme, with the shortfall made up from horses that are imported. With many breeders making unacceptable returns and beginning to cut back, the situation of supply could tighten very quickly as the fixture list continues to expand. Welfare is another issue that has moved rapidly up the agenda. It can be an emotive subject, but as I have pointed out before, a happy and healthy horse is the one that repays its connections on the racecourse and in breeding. Any thoroughbred that is not looked after appropriately will fail to deliver for its owner. Following December’s debate in the House of Commons, there is a move to create a Welfare Board. The aim is laudable, and it is important to get a Welfare Board up and running with an appropriate independent chair, and then to consult across the industry to decide which areas should take priority and which groups of people are best suited to examine each area and propose what work needs to be done. Foaling and the management of the young thoroughbred, and the aftercare of horses that have finished racing, are very different to what happens in daily racing operations and require separate proposals and approaches. The aftercare of a horse who leaves racing and is no longer the responsibility of a licensed trainer broadly falls into three categories: breeding, recreation or full retirement. It is important to consider each of these aspects as having separate needs.
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To support breeders in meeting their responsibilities to ensure the highest standards of health and welfare for the horses in their care, the TBA provides its members with education, guidance, policies and the HBLB Codes of Practice, which are reviewed each year. The Codes are one example where we lead the way and continue to raise equine health standards internationally. We also fund equine veterinary research for the purposes of improving practices associated with the producing and rearing of the Thoroughbred, the health and therefore soundness of the breed and co-fund the Equine Infectious Disease Service at the Animal Health Trust. Retraining racehorses for a useful life after racing has proved a great success and the level of retraining and support needed will be apparent to those involved. A recent trial in
“Breeders and owners already contribute significantly to the aftercare of racehorses� the United States has shown that retraining thoroughbreds can add real value and in many cases be self-funding, as they are sold on at a profit for a further useful life. Extra effort in this area will cost more money, yet breeders and owners already contribute significantly to the welfare and aftercare of horses raced in Britain. If substantial funding is required for the new welfare programmes, then imaginative ways from all those responsible will need to be found to unlock the funding.
THOROUGHBRED OWNER BREEDER INC PACEMAKER
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16/12/2018 11:03