The inaugural International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) took place in Washington, last week. International advocates for equine aftercare emphasised owner responsibility and humane treatment in addition to sharing insights into retirement programs for horses whose racing or breeding careers have ended.

Di Arbuthnot, chairman of IFAR and chief executive of Retraining of Racehorses, discussed IFAR’s vision for aftercare in the global Thoroughbred industry and reminded attendees how important aftercare is to the entire industry.

“We all have a shared responsibility for the welfare of racehorses, which extends beyond the track. Across the entire animal welfare debate, the spotlight is on quality of life and the emerging concept of a life worth living,” Arbuthnot said.

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“The welfare of racehorses throughout their lifetime is one of the single greatest issues facing the racing industry. A key function of IFAR is to provide help and support by sharing expertise and good practice on a global basis whilst recognising cultural differences.”

KEYNOTE

Thursday’s keynote address was delivered by Michael Blowen, a former film critic for the Boston Globe and founder and president of the retirement facility Old Friends.

“Horses have value and I consider (equine) retirement a legitimate career. These horses are priceless. Racing is based on competition on every level: racing, breeding, sales and others. When these horses come to our farm, that competition is over. They tell us how they want to be treated,” he said.

The IFAR conference was hosted by The Jockey Club and supported by Godolphin and was open to all racing jurisdictions, aftercare organisations and other interested parties. A video and PowerPoint will be available on the IFAR website, internationalracehorseaftercare.com, soon.