Beyond the Racetrack: Behaviour and Welfare Across Equine Sectors
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. 
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
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
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