The urgent requirement for a Horseracing Ireland funded ex-racehorse retraining/rehoming administrative centre in Ireland

Background:

My name is Gerard Hussey. I have been involved in the racing sector in Ireland and the UK for twenty five years. I have recently founded an online action group Horse Welfare Within Racing Ireland to engage with and express concerns of those employed in the racing sector on the issue of horse welfare, in particular, the aftercare of thoroughbreds. I have found a large proportion of those who I have spoken to within the sector have serious concerns about the lack of action from DAFM, HRI and the IHRB on horse welfare.

I have worked as a work rider, groom, restricted trainer, travelling head lad and most recently in the rehoming of racehorses exiting racing.

I consider myself to have a comprehensive understanding of all areas of horseracing from breeding to racing.

It has been through this close involvement with the sector that I have come to the conclusion that the horseracing governing bodies, namely, DAFM, Horse Racing Ireland and the IHRB need to implement a large scale ex racehorse registration, assessment, retraining and rehoming centre as a matter of urgency in Ireland.

As an extremely profitable, part state funded sector it is socially and morally imperative that the racing industry makes provision for it's own collateral, in other words, surplus to requirement thoroughbreds.

A large scale, suitably located and well run centre open to the public would increase public confidence that the horseracing industry is taking appropriate measures to ensure it is catering for it's equine retirees.

Recommended centre model.

An existing training centre or a purpose built centre comprising of:

150 to 200 stables

large outdoor menage,

indoor menage

walkers

isolation yard(10 boxes)

veterinary unit

offices and public reception centre

tack room, feed room, hay storage, etc

staff canteen/rest area/facilities

The primary purpose of the above recommended centre is to:

1.Log all horses identified as exiting racing/training. This must include unnamed/unbroken horses and youngstock. This may not involve bringing the horse to the centre. The owner/trainer/handler may have a rehoming plan in place, details of which must be documented and verified by the centre. However, it must be implemented as an IHRB rule that the owner/trainer/handler contacts the centre immediately on identifying a horse that is due to exit racing or is not suitable to continue training. Life traceability for thoroughbreds, as well documented, presently operates on an extremely flawed system.

2.Assess. Veterinary/centre staff thoroughly inspect each horse for health, injuries, temperament and suitability for an alternative career. Any horse found to be unsuitable for rehoming due to serious health complications, injuries or extremely fractious temperament must be humanely euthanised by a qualified vet at the centre or at the premises of the trainer/owner/handler.

It is worth noting that many horses found to be not suitable as riding horses may find other careers e.g., therapy horses, companion horses etc. Euthanasia is only to be used as a last resort.

A once-off rehoming charge to be covered by a recommended fee paid by the owners/syndicate on registering an ownership application with HRI. If euthanasia of the horse is unavoidable the owners rehoming fee will cover this cost and the removal/rendering cost.

3.Retrain.Provide adequate retraining for the horse with respect to possible discipline(s). This can be achieved by (a) subcontracting qualified retrainers to retrain at their own premises or (b) Providing retraining at the centre itself

4.Rehome. Source suitable new owners matching owner's riding ability and experience with the individual horse. Source homes for the horses in Ireland, UK

Scandinavia and any overseas country with appropriate welfare standards and regulations

Centre Funding:

My recommendation is that the centre is registered as a charity and overseen by an independent committee of members with a strong background in horse welfare.

Funding for the initial setting up of the centre will come from the state allocation to horseracing.

Going forward the funding will consist of a levy (rate to be discussed) on all sectors of the racing industry including, prizemoney, sales companies, breeders etc

Funding may also come from charitable donations and from a rehoming fee(to be discussed) which prospective owners will be charged. It is a possibility that the centre will continue to maintain ownership of the horse and may reclaim the horse at any time.

Centre Staffing:

Once an independent governing committee has been established, salaried and voluntary roles within the centre can be advertised. An interview panel consisting of committee members will then interview candidates with the required experience for the advertised role.

Summary:

As a country that prides itself on a world class racing industry, a world class aftercare programme that can be the envy of all racing countries is long overdue. A centre that the general public can visit and openly see that a percentage of their taxpayer funding will do much to improve and advance racing's damaged image.