Dundee July horses show improved welfare says Coastal Horse Care Unit
Horse welfare standards improved at the Dundee July as veterinary checks helped ensure competing horses were fit and properly cared for.
The welfare of horses competing in this year’s Dundee July Rural Traditional Horse Riding event (July 18) showed encouraging improvement, according to Coastal Horse Care Unit manager Tracy Hardouin.
The 21st staging of the event attracted riders, owners and horses from across South Africa and Lesotho, giving Dundee a welcome economic boost as accommodation establishments filled up well ahead of the event.
A total of 264 horses were entered, with 195 eventually competing. Every horse underwent veterinary and welfare checks before being cleared to race.
“Only two horses were scratched after inspection because they did not meet the required welfare standards. While these decisions are never taken lightly, the welfare of the horse and the safety of the rider must always remain the priority,” said Hardouin.
Checks included body condition, hydration, soundness, gait, hoof and limb health, as well as signs of illness, injury or lameness.
Education drives better care
Hardouin said the overall standard of care was encouraging, with greater awareness among owners of proper nutrition, routine healthcare and conditioning.
The most common concerns included minor lameness, poor body condition, wounds and hoof problems.
Where concerns were identified, veterinarians and the unit’s animal health technician advised owners on nutrition, parasite control, vaccinations, hoof care, wound treatment and preparing horses for competition.
“We have definitely seen an improvement in horse welfare over the years. More owners understand the value of preventative healthcare and are willing to seek advice before events,” she said.
Hardouin said continued education and cooperation between owners, veterinary professionals, racing organisations and animal welfare groups would be vital to maintaining this progress.
The Coastal Horse Care Unit also runs rural veterinary clinics and education programmes across KwaZulu-Natal, helping owners improve feeding, healthcare and handling practices.
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