A major new study is hoped to improve the safety and welfare of racehorses intraining. Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have launched the research project to provide evidence to help reduce theriskof musculoskeletal injury, one of the leading causes of mortality in racehorses.Despite significant advances in understanding ofinjuriesthat occur in horses on a racecourse, there is currently limited information oninjuriesthat happen duringtraining. By addressing this gap, the studyaims to identify modifiableriskfactorsand inform practical, evidence-based recommendations for trainers and equine vets. Funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Racing Foundation, and endorsed by the British Horseracing Authority, theTrainingInjury PreventionStudy will directly support the Horse Welfare BoardsBest Possible Safetystrategy, contributing to long-term improvements inracehorsewelfare and industry sustainability.Over a three-year period, theteam will conduct studies in flat and national hunt (jump) thoroughbreds intraining. The researchers will estimate the incidence of the most common types of musculoskeletalinjuriesin racehorses intraining, develop measures oftrainingworkload that can be used to monitortrainingover time andinvestigatehowtrainingregimes can be optimised to reduce theriskof exercise-induced injury. Additionally, thestudywill trial the use of wearable technology to establish its usefulness for large-scale application in measuring horsestrainingworkload.This large-scale study will fill key knowledge gaps on injury occurrence in racehorses in training, said Professor Kristien Verheyen, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Epidemiology at the RVC. Its findings will directly impact racehorse welfare by identifying opportunities for intervention based on best practice in current training regimens to reduce the likelihood of injury.Racehorsetrainers can register their interest in being involved in the studyhere.Related contentTop tips for introducing hacking to an ex-racehorseEssential hoof care advice for a long active life (and why newborn hooves are fascinating!)Equine vet explains common causes of swollen legs in horses and tips to manage itWhat to do if your horse goes lame on a hackThe post Racehorse study hoped to improve welfare for thoroughbreds appeared first on Your Horse.