To all trainers and equine veterinarians 

The NHA has adopted new Rules and amended others, relating to IFHA Prohibited Practices in line with its commitment to international harmonisation of the rules of racing and in the best interests of horse welfare. 

Effective 1 March 2024, no person shall: 

• Withdraw, manipulate and re-infuse homologous, heterologous, or autologous blood products or blood cells from a horse into the circulatory system of the same horse, or another horse, at any time, with the exception of those procedures performed for life-saving purposes or in the use of veterinary regenerative therapies for the treatment of musculoskeletal injury or disease. 

• Withhold water to the detriment of the health, welfare or safety of the horse. 

• Withdraw blood from a horse for any purpose other than for diagnostic/laboratory testing procedures, or as permitted by Rule 72.1.22. 

• Make use of chemical castration or immunocastration of a horse.

A complete list of all the prohibited practices can be found within the Rules of the NHA and on our website under Welfare Guidelines.