Horse Care Regulations - Call for Feedback

The new Horse Care Rules were approved by the Clubs and Kindred Bodies at the Harness Racing New Zealand AGM this year, on the basis that these new Rules would be introduced at the same time as the new Horse Care Regulations. The Regulations are intended to cover the operational aspects of HRNZ’s requirements for horse care and welfare. A draft of the proposed Horse Care Regulations has now been prepared. It can be viewed here . 

Good horse care and welfare is a top priority for our sport, and is one of the six strategic imperatives in Harness Racing New Zealand’s 2021/22 Business Plan.

The Regulations follow the principles of the Five Domains Model for horse care and welfare, which is an internationally recognised standard. The five domains are nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental state.

The draft Regulations have been reviewed by a working group which include a practicing equine veterinary surgeon together with representatives from the NZ Trainers and Drivers Association and the NZ Standardbred Breeders Association. 

The closing date for Submissions will be Friday 4^th February 2022 and any feedback should be emailed to Liz Bishop: [email protected]