Source: Horse Ambulance Trust Facebook
IRT is boosting Veterinary support at key equestrian events as its partnership with ESNZ continues to put equine welfare at the forefront of focus.
ESNZ has liaised with groups throughout the competition sector and the unanimous response has been that additional funds provided by IRT are greatly needed to support the Veterinary costs associated with running events.
An event cannot start without the necessary medical standards in place, and this includes Veterinary support that can cost up to a thousand dollars a day or more depending on the size and the type of competition.
ESNZ CEO Julian Bowden said, “We have consulted each of the disciplines and have had discussion around a raft of ways that IRT’s generous sponsorship could be allocated within each discipline.
“We’re delighted that everyone whole heartedly agreed that they would like to see these funds go towards supporting the Veterinary costs associated with running events. This is an integral aspect of improving our horse welfare outcomes and we’re grateful for IRT’s support in this area.”
IRT’s Managing Director Richard Cole said, “The whole team here at IRT couldn’t be happier than to see our sponsorship funds go towards ensuring adequate Veterinary support is available at key ESNZ events. It will provide reassurance for competitors and sponsors alike, that if required, the best emergency care available is on hand.”
IRT is the Official Welfare Partner of ESNZ, supporting the disciplines of eventing, showjumping, dressage, endurance and para-equestrian. The partnership has seen both organisations working together to develop tools and resources that support ongoing education around ensuring a focus on a ‘good life for the horse’.
While the partnership takes an holistic approach that incorporates the wider equestrian sector, it also builds on initiatives already undertaken. This includes supporting a number of key events on the equestrian calendar, demonstrating best practice and results for equine athletes, both horse and human. See also https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/safety/irt-horse-welfare/