International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2009)
Reporting Period: 2009
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Horse Welfare
- Governance
- Economic Sustainability of Racing
Social Achievements
- Creation of the Horse Welfare Committee (to be officially set up in 2010)
- Increased representation of developing countries in the Executive Council (two rotating members)
Governance Achievements
- Structural reform and amendments to the By-Laws based on a 2008 member needs survey
- Creation of two new committees: Committee for Harmonisation of Raceday Rules and the Horse Welfare Committee
- Implementation of a new fee structure reflecting the size of domestic racing activities and financial resources
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Negative impact of the 2008-2009 financial crisis on all aspects of racing, especially breeding and wagering
- Financial hardships for most racing authorities due to sharp decline in betting turnover
- Differences in racing policies and rules creating challenges for international harmonization
- Varying social reactions to horse welfare issues across countries
Mitigation Strategies
- Structural reform of the IFHA to focus more on regulatory matters
- Creation of the Committee for Harmonisation of Raceday Rules to address differences in racing policies and rules
- Creation of the Horse Welfare Committee to address welfare issues in a coordinated manner
- Increased representation of developing countries in the Executive Council
- Implementation of a new fee structure to reduce financial burdens on developing countries
- Initiatives to support smaller racing nations (mentoring, establishment of European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation, etc.)