The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has developed and published comprehensive guidelines for the emergency race-day management of injured Thoroughbreds. 

Created by the AAEP’s Racing Committee, the Thoroughbred Race Day Injury Management Guidelines provide protocols for appropriate preparation, response and management associated with on-track injuries. The guidelines are available at here.

The document examines recommended staffing/personnel; automotive equipment, including items that should be stocked in the equine ambulance or chase vehicle; contents of emergency bags carried by paddock and track veterinarians; incident communication standards; injury management duties and responsibilities by injury type, track surface or track location; and key messages to convey when discussing serious injuries with the media or general public.

“These guidelines serve as an action plan for racetracks so that emergency personnel are equipped, ready and able to administer swift and proper care to injured Thoroughbreds,” said Jeff Blea, DVM, chair of the AAEP’s Racing Committee. “Our equine athletes deserve no less.”

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

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