IFAR – International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses

The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) is an independent forum established to advocate for the lifetime care of retired racehorses, to increase awareness within the international racing community of this important responsibility and to increase awareness in the sport horse world regarding the versatility of the thoroughbred horse.

IFAR provides leadership, support and expert advice on a range of aftercare issues, and facilitates a forum for jurisdictions to relate their experiences and to share best practice.

The eighth IFAR conference will be held in conjunction with the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC), which is scheduled to take place 27 August – 1 September 2024, in Sapporo, Japan. The 40th ARC is presented by the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and the Japan Racing Association (JRA), which is the host of this conference. The IFAR conference will take place on Tuesday, 27 August, and it will facilitate an aftercare facility visit as well as host a variety of panels with speakers from around the world. Follow our news section HERE for detailed information.

Promoting equine welfare before, during and after a horse’s racing career is vital in ensuring the public’s confidence in the sport is maintained and is integral to the future health of horseracing

– Jim Gagliano, The Jockey Club

UPCOMING EVENTS

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

IFAR was formalised in October 2016, following symposiums instigated and supported by Godolphin in Kentucky in October 2015 and Newmarket in July 2016.  The symposiums were attended by racing’s leading regulators and aftercare providers from around the world, who resolved to establish an entity which would advocate for thoroughbred aftercare. At the time, while some racing countries had aftercare initiatives in place, there were no formal networks or forums for sharing best practice.

The forums have been successful in bringing aftercare responsibilities to the top of the racing world’s consciousness. The events have also generated and shared expert content, stimulated media interest and fostered a constructive dialogue on challenging welfare and aftercare topics.

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

The forum is led by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives who work with and alongside the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The Committee comprises leading racing administrators, expert veterinary advisors, dedicated aftercare professionals and a representative from the world’s leading breeding and racing operation, Godolphin.

The Committee seeks to build a community of enlightened equine professionals who responsibly and constructively engage and contribute towards thoroughbred aftercare goals.

You can find out more about the Steering Committee here.