In a show of inter-discipline collaboration, Equestrian Victoria and Racing Australia have agreed to share horse traceability data and augment the numerous equine welfare initiatives implemented by the Australian Racing Industry.

This data share agreement supports Equestrian Victoria’s Strategic Plan 2018-2022 pillar around Industry Leadership in Equine Welfare and will allow for more accurate tracing of Thoroughbred horses moving between the industries enabling greater care provision for them upon transfer. Data to be shared will be limited to horse specific information such as microchip number, registered name and location and will be readily available for both parties to access.

Just last week, at the Horse Welfare Forum, guest speaker Dr Roly Owers, CEO of Horse World Welfare presented on a social licence for equestrian sport and encouraged all the different sectors to work collectively on the various welfare initiatives being considered and implemented, as a way to re-affirm equestrian sports’ social licence. The event had been organised by Equestrian Victoria and the Australian Horse Industry Council. Dr Owers’ presentation can be watched here.

Equestrian Victoria Chairman Carl Parkin said, “This arrangement between Equestrian Victoria and Racing Australia is incredibly important in the industry’s work towards improving horse traceability and continues Equestrian Victoria’s commitment to equine welfare.

“By sharing data between our parties and working together, we are confident that we will achieve our common goals of equine welfare and show the way forward for the rest of the industry.”

Racing Australia Operations CEO & Acting CEO Myles Foreman agreed, saying “Racing Australia is pleased to have come to this arrangement with Equestrian Victoria in what is an important step forward for equine welfare in the industry.

“The overall wellbeing of Thoroughbred horses during their careers and following retirement is and always has been a top priority of ours at Racing Australia.”

The two organisations also aim to explore the expanding of this data sharing nationally and hope that this is the first step in greater collaboration between racing bodies throughout Australia in working towards greater equine welfare outcomes.

The data sharing agreement has an initial term of two years and can be extended by another two years subject to the parties’ agreement.