Fields Nominations Results

New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust

New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust

“We believe every person involved in horse racing and equestrian sports have a responsibility for the welfare of the animals in their care. This takes priority over all other considerations. The New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust was established in 2016 for the sole purpose of funding, procuring and operating a national fleet of horse ambulances.” 

The purpose of the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust is to assist horses injured while competing at race meetings and equestrian events through the provision and operation of a national fleet of horse ambulances. To protect the well-being of horses competing at race meeting and equestrian events in New Zealand. To promote the animal welfare standards that must be achieved for participants to exceed their obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

With animal care very much in the news and the concept of racing and equestrian organisations now requiring a ‘social license’ to operate; being at the forefront of an entity that responsibly champions animal welfare within the racing industry and equestrian sports should only be seen as a positive experience and public message.

The New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust intends on buying ten horse ambulances and ten towing trucks over the next three years.  There are already three horse ambulances each with its own tow vehicle, attending race meetings, with a fourth horse ambulance due to be completed in December 2019. Once all of the horse ambulances are deployed, a horse ambulance will be available at harness race and Thoroughbred race meetings, many Thoroughbred trials and premier non–racing equestrian events. The horse ambulances will provide significant care benefit to horses that need assistance with light or moderate survivable injuries.  

Harness Racing New Zealand will:

  1. Continue to maintain a Racing Incident Database. Since August 2014 New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and HRNZ have, with the cooperation of race day veterinarians employed by the Racing Integrity Unit, recorded the details and circumstances of any race day injuries, fatalities and pre- or post-race inspections of horses
  2. Extend the Race Day Injury reporting App used for the two equine codes, to non race day injuries
  3. Ensure that the Rules of Racing reinforce compliance with care regulations and appropriate sanctions applied to owners or trainers who are non-compliant. 

 

Industry Information