Bringing together expertise from Massey University and Colorado State University, the initiative will connect information about horses’ early development, training, clinical history and movement to better understand the factors associated with injury.
NZTR General Manager Welfare and Industry Capability Sam Fursdon said the initiative builds on research NZTR has already supported.
“Improving horse safety starts with better understanding the factors that contribute to injury and how we can identify them earlier,” Fursdon said.
“NZTR has funded research that has helped lay the foundations for this initiative. Bringing together the expertise of Massey University and Colorado State University creates an exciting opportunity for New Zealand to contribute to international advances in equine safety.”
The initiative was conceived by Professors Wayne McIlwraith, Chris Rogers and Chris Kawcak, whose expertise spans equine orthopaedics, early development and injury prevention.
Research already underway includes gathering training and clinical records, collecting growth and development data from young horses, and testing wearable sensors during training. Blood biomarker research is also exploring ways to detect changes in bone health before clinical signs appear.
The aim is to develop practical, affordable tools that could help trainers and veterinarians recognise horses requiring further investigation and make more informed decisions about their care and training.
“We welcome the launch of NZESI and its focus on turning research into practical tools that could help trainers and veterinarians identify bone damage earlier and reduce the risk of serious injury,” Fursdon said.
NZESI is being established as an independent, board-led not-for-profit organisation. Trainers, breeders, veterinarians, owners and researchers are invited to register their interest in contributing data or participating in future studies. Anyone interested in following the research can also sign up for updates.
Visit https://nzequinesafetyinitiative.co.nz/ to learn more or register your interest.