The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has developed and published comprehensive guidelines for the emergency race-day management of injured Thoroughbreds.

Created by the AAEP’s Racing Committee, the Thoroughbred Race Day Injury Management Guidelines provide protocols for appropriate preparation, response, and management associated with on-track injuries. The guidelines can be viewed at aaep.org/sites/default/files/Documents/AAEPInjuryManagementGuidelines.pdf.

The document covers:

• Recommended staffing and personnel;
• Automotive equipment, including items that should be stocked in the equine ambulance or chase vehicle;
• Contents of emergency bags carried by paddock and track veterinarians;
• Incident communication standards;
• Injury management duties and responsibilities by injury type, track surface, or track location; and
• Key messages to convey when discussing serious injuries with the media or general public.

“These guidelines serve as an action plan for racetracks so that emergency personnel are equipped, ready and able to administer swift and proper care to injured Thoroughbreds,” said Jeff Blea, DVM, AAEP past-president and chair of the Racing Committee. “Our equine athletes deserve no less