Each year, Triple Crown horse racing captures a segment of the casual horse racing fan. The rareness of the feat, the 5-week long narrative, the historical and cultural significance all come together to create an unparalleled event in horse racing. The Triple Crown Races also serve to draw in people who are not necessarily horse racing fans but are, nonetheless, drawn to the natural beauty of horses in general.
From Kentucky on the first weekend in May to Maryland in the third weekend of May and New York three weeks after that in June, Triple Crown horses will travel a great deal during this period, no matter how the trainer manages the horse or sets its travel schedule. Even these multi-million dollar animals must play by the same rules and maintain a valid Coggins Test and health certificate.
Moreover, equine infectious anemia is a very real threat to a horse’s ability to participate in a racing event. In 2012, for example, Danedream was prohibited from defending her title at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe due to an outbreak of EIA at the racing yard where the filly was training.
Maximize Your Chances for Uneventful Travel
Likewise, long-distance travel can be somewhat stressful and tiring for a horse, just like a person. Less hassle, less drama, and fewer unexpected delays make for a more restful and more easily acclimated horse. You don’t want to have to deal with running afoul of interstate equine travel requirements and end up with some combination of travel delays and fines. And this is true whether you’re traveling for world-class thoroughbred horse racing, rodeo show, commercial ranching, local equestrian event, therapy and tourism animals, or personal use. There’s good reason the rules are so strict. The I in EIA stands for infectious, after all.
Remember Equine Health this Triple Crown Season As you watch the Triple Crown races this year and think about how much fun it would be to go horseback riding or visit the local neighborhood stable, don’t forget how precious a resource horses continue to be to the U.S. domestic GDP, national identity, and local communities throughout the country.