Horse Transport and Race Day Procedure

Purpose. This procedure covers the loading, transport, race day attendance and return of horses travelling to trials, race meetings, sales and other properties.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to all staff who load, drive, attend or unload Silverstride horses, whether in the business's own floats and trucks or in a contracted transport.

2.Before departure

The Racing Manager will confirm the runners, the float allocation and the departure time in the Nominations and Race Entries system the day before. The driver must complete the float pre-start check and the strapper must pack the race day gear, the horse's papers and a first aid kit. The Head Trainer must have signed the horse off as fit to travel.

• Float pre-start check completed
• Gear bag packed against the checklist
• Horse identification and vaccination record on board
• Water, hay and a spare halter loaded

3.Loading

Loading must be done by two people in a quiet area with the float parked square and the ramp on firm ground. The handler must wear a helmet, boots and gloves. A horse that refuses must not be forced; the Stable Foreman must be called. Once loaded, the partition and chest bar must be secured and the horse checked before the ramp is raised.

4.In transit

The driver must plan rest stops for trips over four hours and check the horses at every stop. Speed must suit the load and the road. If a horse goes down or becomes distressed, the driver must stop safely and call the Racing Manager and the nearest veterinarian.

5.At the race meeting

The strapper must present the horse to the clerk of scales or stewards as required, remain with the horse at all times, follow the gear register and attend the swab stall if directed. Any gear change or scratching must go through the Racing Manager. Results and any stewards' matters must be reported to the Racing Manager before leaving the course.

6.Return and records

On return, the horse must be checked for injury, given water and recorded as returned in the Horse Register with the time and any observations. The float must be cleaned out and any damage recorded. Incidents must be entered in the Incident and Hazard Register the same day.