Racing South Africa, in collaboration with the Equine Research Centre (University of Pretoria) and Wits Health Consortium, is hosting a strategic horse export workshop on 15 and 16 April 2014 with the objective of developing a strategic plan to unite all stakeholders in the horse export industry and clearly identify a way forward.
Why is the Workshop necessary?
The unique challenges facing horse exports from South Africa are well-known and the restrictions to trade crippling to the equine industry and to the country as a whole. On the positive side, there have been favourable adjustments to the regulatory environment and significant scientific advancements which has led to a far greater understanding of the risks associated with exporting horses from AHS endemic countries.
In 1995, a workshop was held at the Faculty of Veterinary Science in Onderstepoort to explore the possibility of exporting horses from South Africa. This ultimately led to the establishment of the SA Horse Export Protocol which was ratified by the EU in 1997 and subsequently other trading partners.
In light of the changing scientific and regulatory landscape, Racing South Africa and strategic partners are reviewing the current status with a view to providing a future framework for South African horse exports. Additionally, the recent announcement that South Africa is likely to bid for the 2024 Olympics demands that a watertight solution is found for the safe return of visiting horses.
A strategic plan that has been developed by key technical role players in Government and from industry will be presented to the industry at large for further discussion and endorsement.
The Sporting Post has a delegate in attendance and will post a report on the workshop later this week. Ashleigh Hughes, Assistant Trainer at Gary Alexander Racing Stables is also there and will be posting on-site reports via Twitter @GARacingStables
Workshop Programme of Events
