The NJ Racing Commission regulates the racing industry in New Jersey. The veterinarians that work for the racing commission are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of the horses participating in the races at Meadowlands Racetrack (Standardbred racing) and Monmouth Park (Thoroughbred racing). This includes pre-race examinations ensuring horse soundness, attending emergencies/injuries during the races on the racetrack, observing the entrants at different points of the racing experience (paddock, warm-up, starting gate and returning after the races) to ensure soundness and assess injuries. Horses are also examined out-of-competition for soundness post race day. Horses are also watched training in the morning for soundness issues.
The student will shadow the veterinarians and observe them at all times during their race day. Reasons for scratching a horse will be discussed and also anatomy will be covered while horses are examined. The student will learn about the risks of racing and the risk factors that the veterinarians take into account when examining a horse and making a decision about soundness. The student will also learn about the racing industry.
The student will also have the ability to be at Parx Racetrack during this time to see how different jurisdictions are the same and how they are different and learning many of the same things as in NJ.
There will be ten live racing days when the student can shadow the veterinarians and learn about racing soundness, gaits, anatomy and injuries that occur that prevent a horse from competing and situations when they do not. The student can also come on non-race days and watch morning training and learn about some of the work that goes into preparing for a race day.
175 Oceanport Ave.
Oceanport, NJ 07757
United States