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Home / Equine Research Bank / Aust Vet J / Number, causes and destinations of horses leaving the Austra...
Australian veterinary journal2014; 92(8); 303-311; doi: 10.1111/avj.12204

Number, causes and destinations of horses leaving the Australian Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries.

Abstract: Significant proportions of horses leave the Australian Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries, which has ramifications for both the economic sustainability and the public perception of racing. The aim of this study was to quantify potential horse wastage, describe the destinations of exiting horses and identify risk factors for horses going to these destinations. Methods: Questionnaires were sent to 1258 selected Thoroughbred and 981 Standardbred trainers, with response rates of 30% and 32%, respectively. The survey investigated the role of various risk factors for wastage, including horse age, sex and number of years in training. The destination of departing horses was also examined in relation to these risk factors. Results: Total horse exit rates for the 2002-03 official race year were 39.7% and 38.7% for the Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries, respectively. Reasons for leaving included 'poor performance/slow' (36.5% Thoroughbreds, 35.2% Standardbreds), 'illness/injury' (31.0%, 27.1%), 'to breed' (9.4%, 10.1%), 'unsuitable temperament/behaviour' (6.4%, 6.4%) and 'other' (16.8%, 21.2%). Statistically significant (P < 0.001) risk factors influencing the destinations of both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing horses included whether the trainer owned the horses, sex, age and reasons for leaving. In addition, some factors were specific to one breed or the other. Conclusions: Improved behaviour training and early identification of the causes of poor performance could assist in reducing wastage.
© 2014 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2014-06-23 PubMed ID: 24954530DOI: 10.1111/avj.12204Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research is a study on the number of horses leaving the Australian Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries, the reasons for their departure, and their subsequent destinations. The paper also discusses potential risk factors contributing to these departures, and suggests mitigation strategies to reduce the rate of exit.

Research Background

  • The study commenced with observations that a high number of horses were exiting the Australian Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries. This not only has implications for the sustainability of the horse racing industry, but also impacts its public perception.
  • The researchers intended to measure and describe potential horse wastage, trace the destinations of departing horses, and identify the risk factors causing the horses to leave the racing environment.

Methods Employed

  • The researchers utilized questionnaires as a primary data collection tool. These questionnaires were dispatched to 1258 Thoroughbred and 981 Standardbred trainers, with response rates of 30% and 32% respectively.
  • The questionnaires covered various aspects including the horse’s age, sex, number of years in training, and the reason for the horse’s departure.

Results Collected and Analysed

  • It was found that the horse exit rates for the 2002-03 official race year constituted 39.7% for the Thoroughbred racing industry and 38.7% for the Standardbred racing industry.
  • The primary reasons reported for horses leaving included poor performance or slowness, illness or injuries, being used for breeding, unsuitable temperament or behavior, and other various reasons.
  • The research established multiple risk factors with statistically significant influences on the destinations of both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing horses, including whether the trainer owned the horses, the horses’ sex, age, and reasons for leaving.
  • Notably, some risk factors were identified as being specific to either the Thoroughbred or the Standardbred breed.

Conclusions Drawn

  • Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that there could be potential strategies that could help decrease environmental wastage
  • One such proposed solution is enhanced behavioral training for horses, and early identification, and addressing the root causes of the horse’s poor performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Thomson PC, Hayek AR, Jones B, Evans DL, McGreevy PD. (2014). Number, causes and destinations of horses leaving the Australian Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing industries. Aust Vet J, 92(8), 303-311. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.12204

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 92
Issue: 8
Pages: 303-311

Researcher Affiliations

Thomson, P C
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006.
Hayek, A R
    Jones, B
      Evans, D L
        McGreevy, P D

          MeSH Terms

          • Animal Husbandry / statistics & numerical data
          • Animals
          • Australia
          • Cross-Sectional Studies
          • Female
          • Horses / injuries
          • Male
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
          • Physical Conditioning, Animal / statistics & numerical data
          • Surveys and Questionnaires

          Citations

          This article has been cited 15 times.
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            pubmed: 34475585
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            doi: 10.3390/ani11010066pubmed: 33396451google scholar: lookup
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            doi: 10.3390/ani10091513pubmed: 32859112google scholar: lookup
          15. Aune A, Fenner K, Wilson B, Cameron E, McLean A, McGreevy P. Reported Behavioural Differences between Geldings and Mares Challenge Sex-Driven Stereotypes in Ridden Equine Behaviour.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Mar 2;10(3).
            doi: 10.3390/ani10030414pubmed: 32131444google scholar: lookup
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