DG's Equine World

Thoroughbred Welfare, is not some kind of charity work. It is a 'Legal Duty', and an 'Ethical Imperative'. It is the foundation of a sustainable Industry. The welfare of the Thoroughbred is no longer a peripheral concern, addressed only in moments of public scrutiny or crisis. It is now — rightly — recognised as a central legal, ethical, and commercial pillar of the breeding and racing industry. The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s Equine Welfare Guidelines 2025 reflect this shift with clarity and maturity. They do not simply describe good horsemanship; they articulate a framework of responsibility, accountability, and foresight that aligns closely with UK animal welfare law and modern expectations of governance. Welfare as a Legal Obligation, Not a Lifestyle Choice Equine welfare concerns remain the number one reason cited as a barrier to deepening interest in the sport. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, any person responsible for a horse owes a statut...

I am currently in England at the National Stud, training to become a skilled horsewoman. So far, I have gained practical experience in covering, foaling and weaning operations, and I am now focusing on the sales and marketing of some of the finest Thoroughbred bloodlines in the world. The programme is exceptionally well designed, offering a structured learning journey that brings us into close contact with some of the leading organisations and professionals within the remarkable British Thoroughbred industry. As part of this training, tomorrow I will be attending a full-day workshop as a delegate, where leading experts will be engaging with us directly. The agenda is to reflect on and discuss meaningful strategies for how the next generation in Britain can be reconnected with the nation’s rich traditions of breeding, raising, training and racing Thoroughbred horses. As someone actively involved in the business, and also an int...

 They are among the noblest of animals — symbols of grace, power, and loyalty. Yet across India, from the tourist trails of Jaipur and Mumbai to wedding processions and racetracks, horses often endure silent suffering under the weight of human neglect and exploitation. Despite their historic role in India’s culture and economy, the welfare of horses remains a neglected chapter in the country’s animal rights discourse. The grandeur we associate with horses hides a grim reality: overwork, malnutrition, inadequate shelter, and cruel training methods continue to define their existence in many parts of the country. The Many Faces of Abuse: In cities such as Delhi, Mysuru, and Pushkar, carriage horses are made to trot endlessly on blistering asphalt, pulling tourists or goods that far exceed their strength. Wedding and festival horses are painted, covered with heavy ornaments, and exposed to loud music and fireworks that cause immense stress and trauma. At racecourses, the image is more ...

  I had the good fortune of being present as an active participant, at the Mecca of thoroughbred racehorse sales, in the heart of Newmarket, England. Yes, I was at Tattersalls.   Tattersalls stands as the crème de la crème of thoroughbred sales arenas across globe — a place where rich history and tradition, extreme wealth, the greatest moguls of horse world from across the world, and preeminently outstanding equine excellence, collide in a spectacle, that is as much about prestige, as it is about pedigree.  It is a bloodstock auction house that facilitates the sales, acting as the intermediary for both the sellers (consignors) and the buyers (consignees).   For over 250 years, this iconic auction house has drawn a glittering international clientele: aristocrats in bespoke suits, global investors with deep pockets, and bloodstock agents whose reputations are built on spotting the next champion. Here, the stakes are monumental. Yearlings with blue-chip pedigr...