Harness Racing Australia (HRA) and its Members are dedicated to the humane treatment and welfare of horses. The cruel, abusive or inhumane treatment of a horse by any owner, trainer, driver, stablehand or other person must not be tolerated anywhere, under any circumstances.

Welfare Policies 

The litmus test when considering the effectiveness of the harness racing industry’s equine welfare policies and procedures is to ask ourselves - is it ethically acceptable?

Whilst HRA Members are confident in the various programs, welfare guidelines and practices currently observed within the industry, there is no room for complacency and these activities are under constant review.  Recently the lifecycle statistics for Standardbreds were not as well understood as they could be, so retirement regulations were re-focussed and enacted.  Similarly, through continued improvement and moderation, Australian harness racing has one of the most stringent whip use policies in the world.

Harness Racing Australia is truly committed to being leaders in the area of equine welfare.

HRA regularly consult with welfare organisations as part of a formal review processes and a group of acclaimed experts in the field of animal health have been assembled as the Standardbred Welfare Advisory Group (SWAG) to provide on-going advice for HRA Members on equine welfare and integrity matters.

Integrity Officers (Stewards) have wide ranging powers, supported by the Australian Harness Racing Rules, which include unannounced stable visits and inspections.  During such visits, each individual horse is inspected, as is the property and its surrounds - which includes feed, fencing, stabling, bedding, access to water, shade, exercise, security and cleanliness.  Any concerns or issues are appropriately dealt with, including setting timelines to improve standards, more regular visits, imposing penalties or more immediate action such as removing the horses if circumstances dictate (including involving relevant welfare and law enforcement organisations).

Administrators and Stewards also work effectively with welfare organisations and law enforcement agencies to identify horses and owners in instances of mistreatment of a Standardbred which has been retired and has left the industry.

The There Is No Finish Line program and related activities in each State are also being continually developed and enhanced to provide opportunities for horses when they exit the racing industry, and a recent change to the way horses are handicapped provides better oppportunities for horses of all abilities to enter the industry and remain there racing safely and competitively for longer.

The unanimous adoption of the industry’s Equine Welfare Code of Conduct and Equine Welfare Statement by HRA Members in 2010 (current version below) also illustrates the long standing commitment of all involved in the industry: 

HARNESS RACING AUSTRALIA
EQUINE HEALTH & WELFARE STATEMENT

Harness Racing Australia is committed to the humane treatment and welfare of horses. The cruel, abusive, inhumane or neglectful treatment of a horse by any owner, trainer, driver, stablehand or other person must not be tolerated anywhere, anytime and under any circumstances.

• Cruelty can be defined as intentionally causing pain or unnecessary discomfort to a horse. The standard by which such conduct or treatment will be measured, is that which a reasonable person, informed and experienced in generally accepted training and racing procedures, would determine to be cruel, excessive or inhumane.

• Cruelty to a racehorse either in competition or outside of competition must not be tolerated. State Controlling Bodies and Clubs may consider further action and sanctions within the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR), various Racing Acts and local regulations.

• Neglect is defined as the failure to provide the basic necessities of life: adequate levels of food, water, shelter, security, hoof care, veterinary care, grooming, or sanitation resulting in poor physical conditions.

Harness Racing Australia is committed to:

• Upholding the welfare of horses as a primary consideration in all activities.

• Requiring that horses be treated with kindness, respect and the compassion they deserve, and that they never be subjected to mistreatment or neglect.

• Ensuring that owners, trainers, drivers and their agents use responsible care in the handling, treatment and transportation of their horses, as well as horses placed in their care for any purpose.

• Providing for the continuous well-being of horses by encouraging routine inspection and consultation with health care professionals and competition/industry officials to achieve the highest possible standards of nutrition, health, comfort, sanitation and safety as a matter of standard operating procedure.

• Continuing to support scientific studies on equine health and welfare.

• Being at the forefront of change and evolution of industry best practice.

• Increasing education in training, horsemanship and breeding practices

• Requiring owners, trainers, drivers and stablehands to know and follow their State Controlling Body's rules and regulations in all equine activities and businesses.

• Tracking the Standardbred at each stage of its journey through the industry.

• Providing pathways and resources for life after racing to facilitate an increasing uptake of retired Standardbred horses into alternative equine pursuits.

• Continuously reviewing, revising and developing rules and regulations that protect the welfare of horses.

Updated July 2019