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Japan Racing Association Takes A Long-Range View Regarding Retired Racehorse Care

Though Japan's Thoroughbred industry is smaller than that of the United States, both face similar issues, including the question of what to do with racehorses when they retire from racing. Japan has approximately 7,000 Thoroughbred foals born each year. Per the Japan Racing Association, any horse that hasn't won at least one race by the middle of their 3-year-old year must retire from racing.

The JRA has subsidies in place to support high-end retiring racehorses, but maintaining a retired racehorse still costs between $600 to $1,000 per month. The Japan Times reports that previously, those that did not qualify for these were “culled,” which often means they were sent for slaughter. Horse slaughter is legal in Japan.

In 2018, the JRA launched a program that focuses on finding retired racehorses second careers and improving their environment when they retire. The JRA is investigating new ways to support Thoroughbred aftercare, with particular focus on programs that allow children to learn from OTTBs.

The Japan Times notes that it remains difficult to find the physical facilities or skilled personnel to support a robust aftercare initiative in that country.

Congressmen Introduce Bill To Ban Horse Slaughter

On Wednesday, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act of 2021. This bipartisan legislation would permanently ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption in the United States as well as prohibit the export of live horses to Mexican and Canadian slaughterhouses to be sold overseas. The SAFE Act has been endorsed by the ASPCA, Animal Welfare Institute, The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation.

“For centuries, horses have embodied the spirit of American freedom and pride. They are our companions, work partners, entertainers, and athletes. With such a special place in our nation's history it's beyond time that we end the brutal practice of slaughtering these majestic creatures as food for humans. I am proud to reintroduce the SAFE Act with Congressman Buchanan and offer legislation that will finally close a loophole to end the slaughter of American horses for human consumption, both domestically and abroad,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky.

“The slaughter of horses for human consumption is a barbaric practice that has no place in America,” Congressman Buchanan said. “I look forward to continuing to lead the effort with Congresswoman Schakowsky to ban domestic horse slaughter and end the export of horses abroad for the same purpose.”

“The ASPCA is working resolutely to solve equine welfare issues on the ground, but we cannot fully succeed while the slaughter pipeline remains open,” said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of Government Relations for the ASPCA. “An overwhelming majority of Americans oppose horse slaughter for human consumption and with May being Adopt a Horse Month, there is no better time than now to support at-risk horses by prohibiting this unnecessary and cruel practice. We are grateful to Representatives Schakowsky and Buchanan for their steadfast commitment to protecting our horses and we urge Congress to pass the SAFE Act to finally end this abhorrent practice.”

“Only nine years ago, 160,000 American horses were exported abroad for slaughter. Due to awareness of this inhumane and predatory industry, that number has dropped dramatically with only 37,249 shipped to slaughter in 2020. But one horse is still too many,” stated Sara Amundson, President of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “ Fortunately, Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) have committed to passing this crucial animal and consumer protection bill which will end this grisly industry and protect these American icons from those who profit off their deaths.”

“Each year, a huge number of American horses are shipped to foreign slaughterhouses to be butchered under shockingly inhumane conditions,” said Cathy Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute. “Some are former racehorses who have been recently dosed with drugs considered unsafe for human consumption. The SAFE Act would ensure that both horses and people are protected. We are grateful to Congresswoman Schakowsky and Congressman Buchanan for their dedication to ending the slaughter of horses for human consumption,” said Cathy Liss, President, Animal Welfare Institute.

“We're grateful that Reps. Schakowsky and Buchanan have heard the overwhelming opposition of the American people to horse slaughter,” said Neda DeMayo, founder of Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation. “Wild horses that once roamed freely on our public lands, pets, race horses, work horses — no American horse deserves to be shipped to an inhumane death in a foreign slaughterhouse. The national effort to end this practice began in Congress 20 years ago so we call on everyone to join in ending this once and for all.”

Although slaughter of horses for human consumption is currently illegal in the United States, the ban is temporary and subject to annual congressional review. No federal law exists to prohibit the transport of horses across American borders for slaughter in Canada or Mexico. More than 100,000 American horses are exported to Canadian and Mexican slaughterhouses each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Those horses are butchered and then transported overseas for consumption in Japan, Italy and other countries. More than 90 percent of these horses were healthy and in good condition.

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EQUUS Foundation Awards Over $500,000 In Grants In 2020

The EQUUS Foundation announced today the award of over $500,000 in grants, including awards of new and gently used riding apparel, valued at $240,000, to individual riders in need, scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, equestrian camp programs and equine charities through The Rider's Closet program.

Primary support is awarded to equine charities nationwide that save and re-home increasing numbers of horses from abuse, neglect, and slaughter and charities that partner with horses to improve the well-being of people through the Foundation's Transparency Awards program. The EQUUS Foundation awarded small grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 to 160 charities that earned the EQUUS Foundation Guardian Seal of Transparency by completing the EQUUS Foundation's comprehensive and unique verification process.

EQUUS Foundation Horse Whisperers are a select group of donors who have an extraordinary kinship with horses. The EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors selects those charities from among the grant recipients that best align with the interests of the Horse Whisperers to be recognized with a Horse Whisperer Award.

2019 EQUUS Foundation Grant Awards

“Through engaging passionate supporters, collaboration, and maximizing the talents of equine charities nationwide, we will be able to ensure a humane and sustainable environment for America's horses now and in the future,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.

Horse Whisperer Perpetual Awards

Michele E. Arnhold Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2008 by the family of Michele E. Arnhold in memory of her life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence, and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport.
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc., Old Lyme, CT

Daniel D. Barkan Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2013 by the family of Daniel D. Barkan, a quiet philanthropist and gentleman, in memory of his life-long love of horses.
Brook Hill Farm, Forest, VA

Horse Whisperer Annual Awards

Emma and Georgina Bloomberg Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 in honor of Emma and Georgina Bloomberg.
Omega Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, Airville, PA

Gore Family Memorial Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of the Gore Family's commitment to equine rescue and equine assisted activities and therapies.
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Inc., Dover Plains, NY
Saving Horses, Inc., Encinitas, CA

Jackson Family Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of the Jackson Family's commitment to horse welfare.
Gerda's Equine Rescue, Inc., West Townshend, VT
The Equus Effect, Sharon, CT

Mighty Nice Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Caroline Moran in recognition of 2017 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductee Mighty Nice owned by HnD Group, which was formed in memory of the late Bruce Duchossois, who owned Mighty Nice before his passing in 2014.
Secretariat Center, Lexington, KY

Newstead Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2019 by the EQUUS Foundation in recognition of the long-standing dedication of the Newstead Foundation and the Firestone Family to safeguarding of comfort and dignity of horses throughout their lives.
Project Horse Empowerment Center, Great Falls, VA
Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center, Aldie, VA

Richard L. Parish Memorial Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2014 by the family of Richard L. Parish in recognition of his leadership and dedication for over 45 years to the causes supported by the Richard Laurence Parish Foundation.
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, John's Island, SC
Green Chimneys Children's Services, Brewster, NY
Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Salem, CT

Lafitte De Muze Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by Cheryl Olsten in the name of her horse, Lafitte De Muze, to protect America's horses at risk for abuse and neglect, and to inspire others who experience the joy of horses to help ensure that all horses live in comfort and with dignity throughout their lives.
Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, CO
This Old Horse, Inc., Hastings, MN

Split Rock Farm/Bobbie & Derek Braun Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2020 by the EQUUS Foundation in honor of dedication of the Braun Family and Split Rock Farm to powerful impact of horses in our lives.
Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc., Petaluma, CA

Weisberg Family Foundation Horse Whisperer Award
Established in 2018 by the Weisberg Family Foundation, a private philanthropic organization with a passion for serving horses, children and veterans.
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc (SMART), Bradenton, FL
Horsepower, Inc., High Point, NC

Grant recipients from the last three years can be viewed here.

Racing NSW Implements End-Of-Life Welfare Program For Thoroughbreds

Racing NSW, the regulating body for Thoroughbred racing in New South Wales, has introduced a new program to ensure that every NSW Thoroughbred in the state has access to humane euthanasia. Created to additionally protect racehorses from being sent to slaughterhouses, the program will pay for the horse's euthanasia, should it be determined that course of action is in the horse's best interest.

Funded by a fee assessed when a Thoroughbred is registered, euthanasia under the program is only permitted when a Racing NSW licensed veterinarian has certified that euthanasia is necessary because of welfare or safety concerns. In addition to euthanasia, Racing NSW will cover the cost of cremation or burial of the horse. Euthanasia and cremation or burial of a horse can be expensive, and possibly deter owners from acting in the horse's best interest.

Specifically designed for any Thoroughbred that has lived predominantly in NSW, the program does not have an age cap for horses it assists. This means that horses that have been retired from racing and are now involved in second careers are also able to be assisted by this program.

This program was created to further strengthen Racing NSW's commitment to the welfare of racehorses throughout their lives. The regulatory body puts aside more than $26 million a year to assist with Thoroughbred welfare programs.

The organization has established a direct retraining and rehoming program for Thoroughbreds, has made it an offense to send a Thoroughbred to a slaughterhouse, has two full-time veterinarians on staff and has multiple other programs and efforts in place to assist Thoroughbreds throughout every life stage.

Read more at The Sydney Morning Herald and at Racing NSW.

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