Racing NSW would like to draw your attention to the June 2026 edition of Board Talk, in which the Veterinary Practitioners Board highlights key responsibilities for veterinarians when supplying sedatives, whether for husbandry procedures or for use during ridden exercise.
Racing NSW wishes to emphasise the following points for clarity and compliance:
Responsibilities When Supplying Sedatives:
- Direct Care: Sedatives may only be supplied for animals the veterinarian has physically examined or has under their direct care.
- Restricted Substances: Sedatives are restricted substances and must only be supplied for appropriate therapeutic purposes.
- Veterinarian Responsibility: The veterinarian is responsible for assessing each animal prior to sedation, ensuring analgesia where required, explaining use and safety, following up after administration, and documenting all supply and procedures.
- Risks: Supplying sedatives to non‑owners or failing to ensure proper care may result in findings of unsatisfactory professional conduct or misconduct.
- Welfare: The veterinarian must ensure that sedation does not compromise the animal’s health or welfare.
Use of Sedatives During Ridden Exercise:
- The Board does not endorse the use of sedatives or tranquillisers during routine ridden exercise due to safety and welfare concerns, and requires clinical justification for dispensing.
- Risks: Sedation may impair coordination, increase risk to horse and rider, and mask underlying behavioural or management issues.
- Clinical Justification: Sedation during ridden exercise should only occur in specific, clinically justified circumstances, with clear documentation and monitoring.
- Veterinarian’s Role: The prescribing veterinarian must provide an evidence‑based rationale, written instructions, and keep full documentation on record. Trainers must be informed of their responsibility to disclose sedation to riders.
- Off‑label Use: Use of acepromazine or similar drugs for ridden exercise is considered off‑label, and veterinarians are responsible for any adverse outcomes.
- Recommendation: Veterinarians are strongly encouraged to seek legal advice before supplying sedatives for use in ridden horses.
It has also been noted when investigating equine fatalities and welfare incidents, that veterinary medical records often do not meet NSW Legislative requirements.
Record Keeping:
- Legal Requirement: Records of consultations, procedures, and treatments must be completed as soon as practicable, be legible, and contain sufficient detail for another veterinarian to continue care.
- Retention: Records must be kept for a minimum of 3 years.
- Content: Records should include diagnostic results, analyses, treatments, and any alterations, which must be clearly identified.
- Transfer: With client consent, records must be provided to another veterinarian assuming care.
- Professional Conduct: Failure to document significant clinical findings (e.g., heritable conditions) is considered a professional conduct issue.
- Transcription: If consultations are recorded (e.g., audio), they must be transcribed to meet legislative requirements.
Racing NSW appreciates the ongoing commitment to high standards of veterinary care and regulatory compliance.