Hartpury University researchers and collaborators played a leading role at a major international racing welfare conference in Hong Kong from 15-17 December 2025. The event was attended by over 240 racing professionals, researchers and funders, led by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Equine Welfare Research Foundation and including the Japan Racing Association (JRA), Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), and the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation.
Representing Hartpury were Professor Jane Williams, Dr Gillian Tabor, Associate Professor Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Dr Victoria Walker, with Hartpury the only applied university present among a field of UK and international veterinary schools.
The conference focused on translating research into practical change for the racing industry, with the overarching aim of improving the health and welfare of the racehorse.
Delphi study shaping future research priorities
Professor Williams led a two-stage Delphi investigation to determine priority research themes to enhance racehorse health and welfare. The research was supported by Gillian Tabor on behalf of the HKJC Equine Welfare Research Foundation Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC), of which Professor Williams is a member.
The first round of the Delphi was completed prior to the conference, with the second round delivered across Days 2 and 3 through four separate presentations, culminating in the presentation of interim findings to delegates.
Further analysis and final rounds will take place this month, with the results to be shared with conference delegates and funding bodies, helping to shape future national and international research directions.
New research on saddle and girth interaction in racehorses
Dr MacKechnie-Guire, Associate Professor at Hartpury University, delivered an oral presentation of the study he carried out with Rachel Murray, titled “Could optimising racehorse exercise saddle and girth interaction improve equine welfare?”
He presented new treadmill-based research examining how saddle and girth fit and design influence the racehorse. The findings demonstrated that:
· Girth pressure patterns in racehorses are consistent with previous research in sport horses, with pressure location influenced by stride during gallop.
· Modifications to girth design significantly reduced pressure levels, lowering the risk of girth-related discomfort.
· Exercise saddles designed to reduce pressure produced lower saddle pressures and were associated with changes in locomotion, including increased stride length at gallop.
Dr MacKechnie-Guire said: “It was a valuable opportunity to share research at the conference, which focused on optimising racehorse welfare. From a saddlery perspective, it was particularly rewarding to present new insights with findings that can be applied immediately, helping to improve the health and welfare of racehorses.
“If we ensure the highest level of welfare, the performance element will look after itself. Poorly designed or incorrectly fitting equipment can compromise a horse’s athletic performance and, ultimately, its welfare. The research presented here offers practical applications that can help improve the welfare of the racehorse.”
Posters highlight applied welfare science
Dr Walker presented two poster studies examining the influence of polework on equine spinal kinematics, both featuring student and alumni co-authors:
· How does walking and trotting over ground and raised poles influence equine spinal kinematics?
· Walking and trotting over ground and raised poles: effect of speed on equine spinal kinematics.
Professor Williams also presented a poster on behalf of MSc student Saranna Jordan titled “Searching for success: Exploring key indicators for suitable second careers for former racehorses.”
Collaboration, funding success and recognition
The conference included a competitive “sandpit” event linked to a dedicated research fund.
The team also had the opportunity to attend racing during the conference week, strengthening links between research and industry practice.
Leading the translation of welfare science into practice
The strong Hartpury presence underlined the university’s position at the forefront of applied equine welfare research, often carried out by students undertaking PhD and postgraduate studies.
Professor Williams added: “With new international collaborations established and multiple funding streams engaged, Hartpury University’s work is set to continue shaping the future of racehorse and wider equine welfare research.”
