Horses Intended for Sale at Public Auction The treatment of horses intended for sale at public auction should be regulated in a similar way as for horses that are racing. The adoption of similar regulations will protect the horse and ensure the integrity of the sales process, recognizing that the sales process is a unique experience for immature horses.


The AAEP recommends the following actions in regards to medication usage in race horses intended for sale:


• Yearling and 2-year-old in training sales should institute stringent medication rules that are similar to RMTC guidelines.


• Yearling and 2-year-old in training sales should institute random testing of horses consistent with RMTC testing protocol recommendations.


• Any health problems that require medical treatment on the sales grounds must be announced in a timely manner, giving the buyer time to consult with a veterinarian prior to purchase.


• A list of all medications administered to a horse while the horse is on the sales grounds and being displayed to potential purchasers should be submitted to the sales company. If testing results vary from this list, the sale may be voided at the buyer’s discretion.


• Penalties for medication violations at auctions must be significant to deter consignors from medication practices that may place the horse at increased risk of injury and/or compromise the integrity of the sales process.


The AAEP’s mission is to promote the health and welfare of the horse. Although the focus of the AAEP Racing Task Force has primarily been the Thoroughbred racing industry, nearly all of the recommendations put forth are relevant to other racing breeds in the United States. To this end the AAEP is eager to assist the racing industry in reforming policies and practices in order to enhance the safety and welfare of the horse by putting the horse first. We believe that this effort, based upon what’s best for the horse, will also be the key to restoring public confidence in the racing industry. Simply put, what is good for the horse is good for racing.


Respectfully completed by the AAEP Racing Task Force: Jay Addison, DVM


Kathleen Anderson, DVM Rick Arthur, DVM Don Baker, DVM Jeff Blea, DVM


Larry Bramlage, DVM Tom Brokken, DVM Doug Corey, DVM


Reynolds Cowles, DVM Tom David, DVM Steve Dey, DVM


Chip Johnson, DVM John Kimmel, DVM Robert Lewis, DVM


Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc Nicholas Meittinis, DVM John Mitchell, DVM


Foster Northrop, DVM, Vice Chair Gary Norwood, DVM


Scott Palmer, VMD, Chair Gregg Scoggins, DVM Mary Scollay, DVM


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