Equestrian Sports New Zealand is thrilled to announce a renewed agreement with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) that further cements the relationship between the two organisations and puts horse welfare at the forefront.

Since 2014 ESNZ has promoted and managed the NZTR-sponsored Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports (TiES) series to encourage the use of off-the-track Thoroughbreds as sport horses in their post-racing careers.

ESNZ is also now also working closely with the NZ Horse Ambulance Trust (NZHAT) with the Trust agreeing to their horse ambulances being used for ESNZ’s events, when requested and available.

The NZ Horse Ambulance Trust (NZHAT) was established in 2016 after initial discussions between NZ Equine Veterinary Association, equine racing codes and the Racing Integrity Unit.

New Zealand’s first horse ambulance was launched at the 2019 Karaka yearling sales. The Trust currently has six horse ambulances spread across the country, with a seventh and eighth due to be deployed before Christmas 2020.

“It’s most important to ensure the best chances of recovery for horses, whether they have sustained injuries in competition or when necessary to transport for emergency surgeries or treatments,” Martin Burns, Chair of the NZ Horse Ambulance Trust said.

“Beyond that, it’s also important to help demonstrate the deserved levels of care our horses should be provided.”

ESNZ is very excited to have this agreement with NZHAT and urges Organising Committees to consider hiring a horse ambulance, particularly for larger events.  We are happy to work with you and put you in touch with the Trust for further information.  An application form for organising committees is currently being drafted. 

There are several conditions for hireage, one being an affiliation to a national body which has an existing relationship with the Trust.  As ESNZ is a signatory to the Trust Deed, any ESNZ-run Event meets this condition.  OCs would need to ensure they meet all the conditions before applying to hire a Horse Ambulance.

Trustee, Dr Bill Bishop says that the locally-made (Dunedin) horse ambulances have already saved horses’ lives.

In the unfortunate event of an immobilizing injury, the ambulance is deployed immediately to the scene and a vet can quickly respond, enabling the best treatment options in the situation.

NZHAT is a registered NZ charity and continues to actively raise funds. If you’d like to contribute to the fundraising you can donate here

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Find out more about what makes these Horse Ambulances so special here