Horse Welfare Policy

Purpose. This policy sets out how Silverstride meets its obligations for the welfare of every horse in its care, from foal to retirement.

1.Purpose

Silverstride is responsible for the welfare of every horse on its properties, in its floats and at race meetings. This policy states the standard of care the business commits to and the responsibilities of every person who handles a horse. It applies to all staff, contractors, riders, drivers, visiting farriers and veterinarians.

2.Standard of care

Every horse must have access to clean water, feed appropriate to its work and condition, shelter, daily exercise or turnout, and prompt veterinary attention. Horses must be checked at least twice daily and the check recorded in the Horse Register. A horse that is lame, injured, off its feed or showing signs of illness must be reported to the Stable Foreman or Stud Manager before the end of the shift.

• Fresh water at all times
• Feed to the written feeding program
• Daily hoof, leg and body check
• Shelter from heat and wet weather
• Rest and spelling as planned by the trainer

3.Handling and training

Horses must be handled quietly and consistently. Whips, gear and training aids must only be used in the manner allowed by the Rules of Racing and the harness racing rules. Staff must not strike, kick or intimidate a horse. Any training method that causes distress or injury is prohibited.

4.Fitness to work, travel and race

No horse will be worked, floated or raced unless it has passed its daily check and has no active treatment that carries a withholding period. The Head Trainer or Harness Trainer must sign off every runner. The Veterinary Liaison and Welfare Manager will stand a horse down where there is any doubt about its fitness.

5.Retirement and rehoming

Every horse leaving racing must have a retirement plan recorded in the Horse Register before it leaves the property. Silverstride will only rehome to assessed homes and will notify the racing authority of the retirement within the required period. Euthanasia will only occur on veterinary advice.

6.Responsibilities

The General Manager owns this policy and will resource it. Department leads must ensure their staff are trained and that checks are recorded. Every staff member must report welfare concerns immediately and will not be penalised for doing so.

• General Manager: resources and reviews the policy
• Department leads: train staff and audit records
• All staff: check, record and report