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New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is dedicated to communicating best practice care and management of thoroughbreds and the minimum expectations for horse care and training. NZTR will sanction individuals who fail to meet these standards.
NZTR promotes adherence to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Animal Welfare (Horses and Donkeys) Code of Welfare (2016) and MPI regulations that provide specific guidelines on proper animal care.
Thoughtful and proper husbandry practices and minimising stress for the horse help ensure its overall welfare. NZTR's Thoroughbred Welfare Guidelines can be viewed here.
Jockey, stable hand and trainer education is also provided through mentoring and on-the-job learning, and also by NZ Qualification Authority equine qualifications.
NZTR will:
- Continue to review, update and extend the NZTR Horse Welfare Guidelines which were released in October 2019 and which are consistent with the government’s Animal Welfare (Horses and Donkeys) Code of Welfare released in 2016
- Publish detailed Welfare Assessment Standards that will serve as a self-assessment tool for Trainers and others in charge of horses, and also as a reference for investigations of alleged shortcomings in the care and conditions of Thoroughbreds.
- Ensure that the Rules of Racing reinforce compliance with welfare regulations and appropriate sanctions applied to owners or trainers who are non-compliant.