The American Association of Equine Practitioners was founded in 1954 by 11 racetrack veterinarians. While the association has grown to serve nearly 10,000 members worldwide who work with all equine breeds and disciplines, the AAEP’s horse racing origin brings a unique understanding of the health and welfare needs of the racehorse.


It is with this perspective and commitment to equine safety and welfare that the AAEP formed its Racing Task Force in July 2008 to evaluate the safety and welfare issues affecting Thoroughbred horse racing. Catastrophic injuries, medication usage and a changing societal view of the appropriate use of horses in competition present formidable challenges to those entrusted with the care of the racehorse and the structure of the industry.


The AAEP Racing Task Force developed this white paper with the intent of recommending practices that place the welfare and safety of the horse first while supporting those who seek to make meaningful change. As equine veterinarians, we are committed to working with the Thoroughbred racing industry to implement procedures that protect the horse. In addition, the AAEP expects its veterinary members to abide by the rules of all jurisdictions where they practice.


General Principles


The AAEP has long held position statements that address many aspects of racehorse health and safety. We encourage the Thoroughbred racing industry to support the following essential elements of an overall industry structure that promotes horse safety:


• The adoption of uniform rules of medication usage, testing, security and enforcement by all industry participants.


• Increased funding for regulatory functions, including state-of-the-art testing and racetrack security.


• Continued identification and implementation of procedures and strategies that will significantly reduce the injury rate of horses, such as the recent recommendations to eliminate the use of toe grabs other than wear plates with a height no greater than 2 millimeters.


The AAEP makes the following recommendations for the Thoroughbred racing industry in four key areas: societal change and the public perception of horse racing, the racing business model, the veterinarian-owner-trainer relationship, and medication.


Societal Change and the Public Perception of Racing


Since the turn of the century, American society has drifted far from its agrarian roots to the point that only 15 percent of Americans today are involved with agriculture of any form. The horse, which was once a staple of American agriculture and general transportation, has become less of a beast of burden and is now viewed by many in the


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