RIB Stable Audits

Starting from August 1, 2023, the Racing Integrity Board (RIB), in collaboration with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, initiated Stable Audits to ensure licensed trainers comply with Welfare Assessment Guidelines.These guidelines are based on five domains of animal welfare and aim to establish clear standards for licensed trainers. The audit process will measure compliance with these standards, benefiting both industry insiders and the broader community. These standards are generally achievable, with most licensed trainers already meeting them through their existing practices.

NZTR’s Thoroughbred Welfare Guidelines

The initial Thoroughbred Welfare Assessment Guidelines were published in 2019.  These guidelines have subsequently been used as the basis for the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, by Harness Racing NZ (HRNZ) and other racing jurisdictions, so we can proudly say that the NZ racing industry has led the world in equine welfare.

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    Stable Audit Procedure

    The Stable Audit selection process is a list compiled to try and sample a wide range of trainers taking into account stable size and geography. Licenced trainers will be given email notification of an upcoming audit five to seven days prior to the visit.

    The RIB animal welfare team will give notification of:

    • The date and approximate time of the Audit
    • An indication of how many people will be in the Audit team
    • Approximately how long the Audit will take
    • A link to information to help trainers prepare
    • Any paperwork to complete and lodge with NZTR prior to the Audit

    What Happens During the Auditing Procedure?

    The size of the Audit team will be dependent on the number of horses on a property. For example, a medium-sized stable (10-30 horses) would likely be audited by a veterinarian and three others. Ensuring that Stable Returns and other relevant records (including timely submission of SR24 Death or Retirement notifications) are up to date will ensure the Audit team is appropriately resourced and the process is as efficient as possible.

    On arrival, the Audit team will outline the process and depending on stable size, will split into two groups with one team assessing facilities (fencing, water, gear, etc), while the other, including the veterinarian, will focus on the horses (animal health, treatment records, feed, medications etc).

    Each stable will need to provide a staff member to assist the veterinarian with horse examinations that will assess body score, condition of hooves and overall wellbeing of the animal. The identity of all horses present at the time of Audit will be recorded and provided to NZTR to assist with their traceability efforts.

    Audits will be based on the NZTR Thoroughbred Welfare Detailed Assessment Standards. 

    NZTR Thoroughbred Welfare Detailed Assessment Standards were released July 2023 and can be viewed below:

    These standards are more detailed, enabling welfare provisions and the horse’s welfare to be more easily assessed.  This is intended as a further resource for Trainers, Breeders, Owners or other Accountable Persons (refer Rule 1429 in the Rules of Racing) to be assured that their horse welfare provisions measure up to acceptable standards, and as basis for welfare assessment during Stable Inspections.

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    Common Errors

    Audits have been completed in both the Greyhound and Harness racing codes and from those inspections, it was found that the seven most common shortcomings related to:

    • Failure to accurately maintain Stable Returns or to submit Death or Retirement forms on a timely basis (details available here)
    • Treatment logbooks not accurately maintained
    • Treatments either not securely stored, or expired or unlabelled, or not used for the prescribed purposes
    • Inadequate maintenance of stables or fences (broken timbers, protruding wire ends or nails or screws or metal edges)
    • Water supply troughs or containers not cleaned (accumulation of algae or other contaminants)
    • Unlicensed stable staff
    • Lack of an Emergency Management Plan (details available here)

    Please take the time to self-assess your stable against the Thoroughbred Welfare Detailed Assessment Standards (and these above seven common shortcomings) to remedy any issues without delay and get ahead of pending stable inspections.

    Stable Audit Resources

    Emergency Management Plan

    Planning for emergencies such as earthquakes, fires, floods or other natural disasters or unexpected events which may interrupt your day-to-day caring for your horses is essential to ensure their survival and safety. Generally, where it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your horses, however, the need to evacuate horses should be carefully considered and the safety of all humans is paramount. Complete the NZTR Emergency Management Plan, linked below and review annually to ensure it's up to date.

    Treatment Logbook

    Rule 345 outlines requirements for tracking and reporting the treatment and medication administered to horses in the context of racing. It applies to horses from the moment they are taken in hand for training or entered for a race or trial. Trainers and those responsible for the horse must maintain a treatment logbook with specific details, including the horse's name, date, time of treatment, treatment/medication name, administration method, dosage, treatment duration, and the names of those involved.

    When the Welfare Assessment Guidelines are not met, areas of concern are discussed during a debrief and documented in an audit report. Improvement Notices are then issued to trainers, providing them with an opportunity to address issues and align with welfare guidelines. These notices come with a deadline for resolution, and monetary fines may be imposed. Failure to make required changes may impact licensing. The goal is to enhance horse welfare in the industry, improve standards, and attract new participants. The RIB and NZTR are collaborating to make audits efficient, and they offer assistance for trainers.

    For inquiries, contact the RIB's Animal Welfare Coordinator team or NZTR below.

    Stable Audit Contacts

    Justine Sclater
    Head of Thoroughbred Welfare and Sustainability

    Email: justine.sclater@nztr.co.nz

    Ph: +64 21 433 107

    Matthew Williamson
    Head of Licensing and Stakeholder Relationships

    Email: matthew.williamson@nztr.co.nz

    Ph: +64 27 444 1852

    Racing Integrity Board
    Audit Contact

    Email: audit@racingintegrityboard.org.nz