Health and Animal Care
Harness Racing New Zealand’s vision for Standardbred care
“Every Standardbred horse should be treated with respect, compassion and understanding and shall receive a standard of care which allows them to enjoy a good quality of life while in the racing industry and on retirement.”
Our mission is to work with the racing industry (trainers, breeders, and owners) rehoming groups, government organisations and welfare groups to enable the care of the Standardbred horses to exceed the current animal welfare standards.
Horse Care Regulations
On August 31, 2022 the HRNZ Board approved the introduction of the Horse Care Regulations. These regulations have been prepared following consultation with our owners, trainers and breeders through two rounds of consultation in January/February 2022 and June 2022.
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Tracing our Standardbreds
Traceability of the racing population is very important and we are always working to improve our systems.
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Caring for our Standardbreds
We are dedicated to communicating best practice care and husbandry to the industry.
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Health and management
Racehorse injuries & fatalities are an imperative issue that need research & understanding to minimise problems.
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Life After Racing
We ensure as many of our retiring horses are retrained and re-homed for second careers as sport or pleasure horses.
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Life After Racing Grants
Harness Racing New Zealand is proud to introduce their new Life After Racing Grant Scheme.
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Life After Racing Superstars
If you own a Standardbred for pleasure, competition, even just a paddock mate we want to hear their story.
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HRNZ Microchipping
As of August 1st 2021 all Standardbred foals will now be microchipped and DNA tested only. HRNZ will no longer be freeze branding.
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Notifiable Surgeries and Procedures
Since the Introduction of the Notifiable Surgeries and Procedures Regulations in 2019, Harness Racing New Zealand has been working on developing a new online feature within the HRNZ Infohorse App.
MoreKey Welfare Numbers
Harness Racing New Zealand is committed to developing and implementing advanced equine welfare practices.
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