Make No Mistake: The National HBPA Advocates for Horsemen, and We Are Here to be Guardians of Equine Welfare

Eric Hamelback (Photo by Denis Blake)

Following is National HBPA CEO Eric Hamelback’s letter from the latest issue of The Horsemen’s Journal:

Welcome to our first edition of The Horsemen’s Journal for 2024. I am excited for what the new year holds for all of us, and I am ready for our membership to lead into the future. I want this letter to remind everyone of what the National HBPA is focused on and how HBPA affiliates continually strive for improvements to equine welfare. We are here for the sport, but our job is to help show the way for an industry.

It is my job to lead with vision, fortitude and dedication to make sure the National HBPA is at the forefront of the racing industry. I am proud that we play a pivotal role in championing the rights of horsemen and horsewomen as well as safeguarding our racehorses.

We must continue to fight for the rights of racehorse owners and trainers, providing a powerful voice for horsemen across the United States and Canada. I believe that, in 2024, through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we will be able to address many of the concerns and challenges facing racing today. My plans this year include further engaging with our affiliates, industry stakeholders, racing commissions, federal representatives, racetrack operators and the HISA corporation to make clear that the HBPA stands for policies that promote fairness, transparency and sustainability within the racing community.

As you will see in this issue from our article on solving the regulatory problem of trace-level environmental exposures, the National HBPA and our affiliates remain staunch advocates for equine health and welfare.

We must uphold the highest standards of equine care and promote responsible horsemanship practices. I will continue to push for educational programs, veterinary initiatives and welfare policies that safeguard our horses, even after their racing careers are done.

Our industry depends on us winning the commonsense discussion.

It is vital that we continue to call for the implementation of strict but science-based medication protocols that do not demonize therapeutic medications and will allow attending veterinarians to properly and safely treat our equine athletes.

As we see under HISA, our industry will not survive if we continue to drive owners from the sport through inadvertent transfer positives that have no effect on the racehorse. Screening limits and the establishment of no‑effect thresholds must continue to be a top priority for the National HBPA, as are injury prevention and embracing new technology that can help our racehorses stay safer and sounder.

Last but certainly not the least important, our affiliates must remain supportive of our retirement programs. As our mission statement suggests, the HBPA seeks to ensure that racehorses are treated with dignity, respect and compassion at all stages of their lives.

As we navigate through 2024, rest assured the National HBPA will seek out innovative strategies that address all aspects of racing. By working together, our leadership will help advance solutions that develop a stronger industry so generations to come can enjoy the great sport of Thoroughbred racing.

Let’s remind everyone in 2024 that the National HBPA will continue its tireless efforts on behalf of horsemen and racehorses alike. I will never waiver from my commitment to represent and protect the interests and well-being of horsemen and horsewomen—and our racehorses—at every level. I believe that, in 2024, the HBPA will define how the industry moves forward and our impact will begin to resonate far beyond the racetrack. We will start to shape the essence of Thoroughbred horse racing. Make no mistake.