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Beyond the Racetrack: Behaviour and Welfare Across Equine Sectors

Wed, 22 April, 2026 01:00 pm - 03:30 pm (Your Local Time Zone)

Species

Equine

Contact Hours

2.5 Hours - RACE Approval Pending

Language

English

Discipline

Behaviour

Growth Partners

North America
Europe

Veterinary Partners

Global
North America
Europe
Middle East & Africa
Asia-Pacific

Time: London 6PM / Paris 7PM / New York 1PM / Sydney 3:00AM (+1)

Part of the Clinical Equine Behaviour - Science, Welfare & Behavioural Medicine Online Lecture Series

CONTENT DESCRIPTION

This module explores the behavioural and welfare dynamics within the horse sport industries, examining how breeding, training, and management practices shape equine wellbeing. It highlights the role of the veterinarian in relation to horses, owners, riders, jockeys, trainers and governance bodies. The session aims to promote evidence-based approaches to enhance horse welfare industry-wide and to explore areas like horse welfare science in a veterinary context. By bridging science, ethics, and practical management, the discussion envisions a more compassionate, informed and sustainable future for equine welfare.

  • Ethical Perspectives on Horse Sport in a Veterinary Context: Who Am I?
    Reflecting on the veterinarian’s professional identity and ethical responsibilities within the competitive world of horse sport.
     
  • Evaluating Contemporary Standards Across Horse Sport Sectors
    Examining welfare and ethical considerations in breeding, racing, competition, training, and management practices.
     
  • Welfare and Performance: The Veterinarian’s Role
    Exploring how veterinarians can safeguard equine welfare while supporting the sustainability and integrity of horse sport.
     
  • The Slippery Slope of Compliance: Standing Firm Under Pressure
    Discussing ethical challenges and professional pressures faced by veterinarians, and strategies for maintaining moral and professional integrity.
     
  • From Principles to Policy: Translating Ethics into Regulation
    Considering how ethical frameworks can be effectively integrated into industry rules, governance, and veterinary decision-making.
     

Camie Heleski received her Ph.D. in Animal Science with an emphasis in equine behavior and welfare (from Michigan State University); her M.S. was also in Animal Science, with an emphasis in equine nutrition and exercise physiology. She worked at Michigan State University for 25 years as Coordinator of their Horse Management Program. In 2016, she began teaching at the University of Kentucky in the Equine Science and Management program, where she teaches Equine Industry Issues, co-teaches the Equine Senior Capstone course, and also teaches the multi-species Animal Behavior & Welfare class. Her applied research interests revolve around equine behavior and welfare, horse-human interactions, sport horse welfare issues and working equids in developing regions of the world. She has been actively involved with the International Society for Equitation Science as a Council member and Honorary Fellow. One of her recent publications was a co-authored piece in the journal of Sustainability: Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare through the Lens of ‘Social License to Operate—With an Emphasis on a U.S. Perspective. Dr. Heleski was fortunate to grow up on an Arabian horse farm where she helped her family with training, showing, breeding and managing horses. She is currently serving a role on the FEI’s Commission for Equine Ethics and Wellbeing, which is largely related to social license to operate.

More Info

Graduated in 2001 from Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen
Certified in Equine Diseases
Int. Cert. Chiropractor, IVCA

Vejle Equine Practice, Partner since 2004

FOCUS AREAS:
Orthopaedics
Biomechanics
Diagnosis and prevention of traumatic lesions and wear in Sport Horses
Systematic training and build-up of the Equine Athlete
PPE
Dressage
Showjumping
Eventing
Icelandic Horses

ADVISOR
Veterinary Consultant Danish Equestrian Federation
National Head Veterinarian, FEI, Denmark

BOARD AND DELEGATE

President of FEEVA

Chair of FEEVA European PPE Committee

Member of Counsil for Equine Hoofcare & Shoeing, Denmark

APPOINTMENTS
Appointed as Expert Adviser to the District Court in Denmark

More Info
Qualified Vet

Webinar

USD 180.00

Intern/Resident/PhD (Requires proof of status)

Webinar

USD 135.00

Vet Nurse/Vet Tech (Requires proof of status)

Webinar

USD 135.00

Physiotherapist / Physical Therapist

Webinar

USD 135.00

Farrier

Webinar

USD 135.00

Non-veterinary Attendee

Webinar

USD 135.00

Veterinary Student (Requires proof of status)

Webinar

USD 35.00

If the options you are looking for are unavailable, please contact us.

No tax will be added unless you are a UK taxpayer

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