Do you ever people watch and notice the different ways people walk? If you do, you’ll see that walks can vary hugely between people…how they move their arms, if they’re one-sided, or how much up and down motion there is! Us equine professionals may be more guilty of this than most – after all, we’re used to assessing gaits for soundness and so on.
In a gait where there are so many variations in movement, one thing I always look for, in both humans and horses – is a purposeful walk. I believe it conveys a lot about the individual and so here are my thoughts on a purposeful walk in humans and horses…
Humans
There is one situation where a purposeful walk is a great indicator to me – conducting job interviews.
As an employer, one of the main characteristics I’m looking for is enthusiasm. So much can be taught, but attitude and enthusiasm have to be there already. When a candidate walks into the yard, they should be seeking to make a good first impression and having a purposeful walk is one thing that can make an immediate difference to the candidate’s body language and how they come across.
There’s no disputing that working in a racing yard is hard work and so you’ve got to have enthusiasm. If a candidate can’t muster that in a basic walk, at the point at which they’re trying to impress at interview – I’d be surprised to see any purpose or enthusiasm when they’re mucking out! There’s much to gain from a life in racing, it’s interesting, varied, exciting and there’s always plenty to learn. The prospect of landing a job in your chosen industry really should put a little bit of a spring in your step. I can understand nerves are a hindrance to many aspects of interview technique and I make allowances for that, but I do not believe nerves give you a lacklustre walk!
So, give me a purposeful walk and you’re halfway to the job. I need workers who see work as an opportunity, those who want to take work on, people I can delegate to confidently, who’ve got a sense of urgency about getting things done. I’m looking for people who show initiative and work well with the team. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need enthusiasm, a good attitude and to be willing to learn.
Horses
To some extent horses can be easier to read than humans! We’re well used to observing and making our own minds up in regards to how fit and well they might be feeling. You can use your instinct a lot more clearly with horses, whereas humans can alter your first impression or perspective with words!
In horses, the walk is very important. I believe an active purposeful walk demonstrates that the horse has the attitude to take things on and will ultimately be more enthusiastic about their day-to-day work. I usually assess the walk at three distinct stages where it’s of particular importance – purchase, training and at the racecourse.
When purchasing at the sales, the way the horse walks is one of the key factors for consideration and assessment. Large sums of money are invested and so assessing the walk properly is critical. Fortunately, a walk can tell you a great deal and is a very good indication of the way the horse will move in the other gaits. As a vet, I have an advanced awareness of gait analysis and personally, I look at the way the horse uses himself, his natural biomechanics, for fluidity of movement, good use of the back muscles and the hind legs coming through underneath with properly engaged hindquarters. Just some of the observations I make are – the natural nodding of the head, the carriage of the head, the swing through the body, the length of the stride (particularly the back feet), the range of movement in the shoulder, how level the hips are, muscle tone and development and the tightness of the muscles; and again I like the horse to look like he’s walking with some purpose.
I like to leave no stone unturned and for me, a purposeful walk is part of the day-to-day training of the horse. It’s part of the daily exercise routine and I assess the walk whenever possible. By this, I don’t mean just putting them on the horse-walker I mean using the walk to and from the gallops as part of the training. I like to see the horses with a strong, fluid, purposeful walk, with some urgency yet moving in a relaxed way. They need to be actively walking on, with engaged hindquarters and stretching the head down and using the back muscles properly. To train winners, you need horses that want to go forward, that want to take the work on, and a good marching purposeful walk in training reflects a good attitude to work in the horse.
Once at the racecourse – I make a brief assessment of whether the horse travelled well and how he’s feeling. In the parade ring, you obviously get a clear indication as to how on their toes they are and I’d be very surprised to see a horse that doesn’t have a purposeful walk with all the added excitement of the racecourse.
So, a purposeful walk is the main thing I look out for in horses and humans – and there’s a big tip for anyone interviewing with me! Like Bill O’Gorman says “this is not a rehearsal!”
I’m heading to the Guineas Breeze Up & Horses in Training Sale later this week on 3rd and 4th May. If you’re thinking of purchasing a horse and require any assistance from either a Trainer or Veterinarian perspective I’d be happy to assist you .
Guest post by: Dr. Cath Dunnett of Independent Equine Nutrition (IEN).
There are intrinsic contamination risks associated with horse feed and supplements which have in recent years been responsible for a series of post-race positives. Contamination of feed principally occurs due to the accidental introduction of an ingredient containing a naturally occurring prohibited substance. There are many stages in feed production and accidental contamination could happen at several stages, for example, contamination with weeds containing prohibited substances during the growth of cereal or other ingredients. Inadvertent contamination could also occur during harvest through the sharing of equipment or storage, or during cross-contamination during shipping or transport to the mill. There is potentially an increased risk of such contamination as a larger number of ingredients are sourced from across the globe and feed and supplement production becomes a worldwide operation.
Naturally Active Compounds
The feed industry takes the risk of contamination incredibly seriously and strategies have been implemented to reduce contamination risks from ingredients both produced at home and imported. Broadly the feed industry has a very good knowledge where the risks for contamination with prohibited substances lie, however, these can be complicated when additives such as herbs, spices, or plant extracts are used in feed or supplements. Here there are two key considerations – firstly, many plants naturally contain pharmacologically active compounds that could be considered as prohibited substances. Secondly, the country of origin may lack sufficiently thorough quality control systems.
The post-race positives due to morphine contamination of feed were reportedly due to poppy seed contamination of one or more ingredients. It may be a surprise to many that morphine-containing poppies had until recently been harvested in various locations around the UK, under a specific license and strict control and management, for the production of pharmaceuticals. A greater amount of morphine is found within the poppy seed head, whereas the seeds themselves contain only a very low level of morphine. It’s worth mentioning that the commonly seen red field poppies do not present a notable contamination risk, as they contain very low levels of morphine, if any at all.
Interestingly, in human food production, fragments of poppy seeds and heads do infiltrate the food chain. Yet, the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) does not list morphine as an undesirable substance and there remains no minimum legal limit for morphine in human food.
Significant Physiological Levels In Racehorses
Whilst the potential for low residual levels of morphine in the food chain may be physiologically inconsequential to humans, it remains extremely problematic to trainers. Morphine is a significant analgesic and therefore must be regulated in a way that prevents its potential for abuse. Investigations into contamination might successfully conclude that any post-race positive test was as a result of feed contamination, however, it remains the case, that the horse has raced with a level of the ‘drug’ in its system.
Prohibited substance testing is incredibly accurate and a positive post-race result will be returned on minute levels. Whilst regulatory bodies over the world may choose to take a pragmatic view, nevertheless, there is no ‘official’ threshold for morphine in post-race samples in racehorses, therefore, a line must be drawn. For welfare reasons, there is no scientific evidence to allow us to determine an acceptable level where no physiological effect is confirmed.
Scheme Accreditation
The UK feed industry developed a quality assurance code as a risk management measure to reduce the risk of prohibited substances entering equine feed and to safeguard the interests of consumers and feed producers and suppliers.
The aim of any such quality assurance scheme is to understand where the risks lie within each part of the supply chain and then how to mitigate those risks. Here are a few areas where such a scheme can assist:
- Ensuring a long-term relationship with suppliers.
- Using an appropriately accredited manufacturing facility.
- Ensuring that everyone involved in the supply and manufacturing chain, including, farmers, harvest contractors, processors, hauliers, storage suppliers, trainers and stable staff understand the importance and the risks posed by prohibited substances and the consequences of minute levels of contamination.
- Encouraging collaboration between different manufacturers, so that concerns regarding ingredients or products, can be shared following analysis.
- Ensuring that marketing claims regarding prohibited substances are factual and not misleading.
Accredited companies are likely to be audited annually, to ensure their compliance with the scheme and that robust quality control systems remain in place to reduce the risk of contamination by prohibited substances.
Gathering Information
In addition to the efforts made by the equine feed industry, trainers themselves have a responsibility to understand the contamination risks and actively manage them. After all, it’s the trainer’s reputation and livelihood that is at stake. Trainers may receive some advice on this from their regulatory bodies and in the UK whilst attending the BHA trainer licensing course and any NTF seminars on the subject.
So far as is possible, trainers must be totally aware of the constituent parts of everything that is fed to their horses. This information is readily available, as it’s a legal requirement for companies to provide such details on the packaging.
Trainers would also be advised to enquire about the quality control systems that their manufacturer has in place to reduce the risk of contamination with prohibited substances. This could involve comprehensive risk assessments, raw material traceability and testing of both the ingredients and the finished product in some cases. Regardless of the size of the business, or their supply structure, all companies should have a robust system of traceability and quality control. For instance, my own company Racing Blue, follow a thorough quality control program in the manufacture of STORM ® Equus that includes every batch of each raw material and finished product being tested for a wide range of prohibited substances prior to release for sale.
Where a trainer uses a product manufactured abroad, sufficient questions of the importer/marketer should be asked, to ensure their processes match those in the home country. For instance, certain substances that are allowable in agricultural feed production in other countries, may be regarded a prohibited under the Rules of Racing in the home country.
Daily Management Procedures
It’s advisable for trainers to implement additional feed procedures in the yard, such as maintaining a comprehensive list of feedstuffs given to individual horses. This proves extremely useful should a post-race sample return as positive. Further to this, keeping an accurate record of delivery dates, batch numbers and invoices, as well as retaining a copy of all associated delivery notes and other paperwork, provides further evidence, if needed, to establish the route of contamination. Better still, retaining samples of each batch of feed and supplement for about 3 months is an excellent process to implement, as this is the period of time over which a post-race positive is possible and the consequent regulatory process will last. Representative samples of feed (500g) and a supplement (100g) should be stored in a sealed plastic bag and labelled with the product name, batch code and purchase date. Should an investigation be necessary, the record keeping along with the feed samples will provide vital evidence. Feed or supplement manufacturers should also retain samples for re-examination if a problem arises, however, it’s a sensible precaution for trainers to do the same.
Quality control processes and accreditation schemes have brought considerable benefit to the racing industry, however, historical positive cases with morphine and other substances demonstrate that accidental contamination can still happen, and there are always further improvements that can be made. Equally however, trainers have a pivotal role and must ensure they keep informed and up to date, so that they’re able to make the best possible feeding and feed management choices.
You can find out more about feed analysis on the IEN website.
Racing is a dynamic sport and a vibrant industry and there can be a lot to get to grips with, ranging from equine knowledge, to an understanding of the sport itself, and commercial opportunities and connections. So if, like many people, you’re dreaming of owning a racehorse or even a string of racehorses, there are a few important considerations and decisions to work through as you get underway and take your first steps towards ownership.
Average Costs
Firstly, you need to understand the average costs of keeping a racehorse in training, so that you don’t have any surprises and you can make ownership decisions in accordance with your financial situation.
An ROA survey of ownership costs in 2015 found that the annual average cost of a Flat horse in training was £22,595. This included costs, such as, training fees, gallops, farrier, transport, vets, entries, jockeys and registration fees.
Ownership Type
With these average costs in mind, you need to consider the type of ownership that’s most suitable to your financial circumstances and the ownership experience you’re seeking. There are a number of different ownership options available, where you either own as an individual, company or group. Each type of ownership is different in numerous ways and here’s a quick run-down of the main options…
Sole Ownership
This is where you purchase and own a horse outright and are responsible for the associated administration. You’re also liable for all the costs and will receive all of the owner’s share of prize-money.
Company Ownership
Registering your company as an owner allows you to take advantage of unique branding opportunities – your silks can match your brand colours and you can sponsor your horse, so that your logo is displayed on your silks. With company ownership you purchase your horse, retain full ownership, your company is responsible for all the costs and receives all of the owner’s share of prize-money.
Group Ownership
As a co-owner you’ll share your horse with a group of like-minded people whilst significantly reducing the expenses associated with ownership, as all costs are divided amongst the owners. There are three main types of group ownership…
#1 Partnership
All partners are registered owners with the BHA and have a percentage share of the horse. On sale of the horse, you’d receive proceeds equivalent to your percentage share. You’re responsible for your percentage of the costs and will receive your percentage of the owner’s prize-money.
#2 Syndicate
Shared ownership where only the syndicate manager needs to be a registered owner with the BHA. They also handle all the administration. Check each agreement for details, such as:
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- Who owns the horse (and receives any proceeds of sale).
- How prize-money is distributed, who to and when.
- The length of the agreement.
#3 Racing Club
Run by racing managers, clubs are monthly or annual subscriptions offering shared ownership. These are different to partnerships and syndicates in that the club itself owns the horse, not the members and therefore the club managers receive any proceeds from the sale of the horse. There are often many members, sometimes hundreds, if not thousands. You may get a proportion of the prize-money, but do not expect it to cover your costs.
Make sure you check the details in each agreement for group ownership as they do vary.
Your Trainer
Your choice of trainer is pivotal. They can make the whole experience for you. If you’re new to horseracing you’ll need the support and guidance of your trainer on certain matters throughout the whole experience. So you need someone you can go to, who’s got time for you and who’s happy to help.
Communication is essential. Beyond the day-to-day training of your horse, which is of course the central role of a trainer, their communications to you are paramount to your enjoyment and to making you feel a valued part of the team. If you try and find someone you personally like, you’ll naturally appreciate their communication style.
Further to communication style, you need to consider any other attributes you’d like in a trainer…are you looking for someone innovative? Maybe, someone with varied experience and depth of equine and racing knowledge? Perhaps, someone with a particularly strong equine welfare focus? Most trainers have a website which enable you to get a very clear idea of this kind of information in order to create a short list. After which, the best way to get your questions answered and to get a feel for whether you like them (or not!), is to get in touch and arrange to have a chat.
Your Horse
When joining a partnership or syndicate, the trainer and horse often come as a package. As your trainer will already have a selection of horses with shares available and you can choose the one that appeals to you the most.
As a sole owner you may already have a horse, or you might like to go to the sales with your trainer and experience the unprecedented thrill of purchasing your horse at auction. Your trainer would be more than happy to attend with you, view horses and offer their wealth of advice and knowledge on how the whole process works, the attributes of each horse, and help you make the right decision, at the right price.
Administration of Your Ownership
There’s a quite a bit of administration involved in ownership and if you’re new to racing it can take some time to work through. To give you an idea of the basic admin involved, you need to – register as an owner, register your colours, set-up your racing account, name your horse (if not already named) and register an authority to act. You should also – register sponsorship and register to reclaim VAT.
Therefore, it’s worth considering the extent to which you’d like to be involved in the administration side of ownership. By opting for a partnership, syndicate or racing club, you can avoid the majority of the administration as it’s handled by the trainer or manager, removing the hassle and freeing you up to enjoy your ownership that much more.
Get In Touch
Here at Gansera-Lévêque Racing your experience of racehorse ownership is central to us. We offer both sole and group ownership options to allow you the most freedom possible in choosing the best ownership option for you. We do our utmost to offer the personal touch, ensuring each owner is fully involved and up to date with their horse’s development, training and racing career.
If you have any questions at all on racehorse ownership or would like to discuss how to go about becoming an owner, please feel free to contact me – I’d be more than happy to talk it through. Alternatively, you can find out more by downloading my ‘Guide to Becoming a Racehorse Owner’ below…
