Equipment, methods of constraint and other aids in horse racing]

After a brief introduction to the most important aspects of the current sport of horse-racing the equipment and tack will be described with respect to the horses wellbeing: bridles, tonguestrap, blinkers, saddle and girth. With reference to incorrect equipment for the rider, the wip and its misuse will be discussed. Problems with saddling and at the starting gate are often indicators of the incorrect application of aids. Then the misuse of the automatic horse trainer, treadmills and swimmingpools will be explained. Finally, the three most important requirements for improving the protection of racehorse are summarized: the racing regulations should conform to animal welfare laws and the application of these laws should be in the hands of an independent veterinary surgeon, who has the authority to enforce its requirement.