Building A Safer Future For Every Horse
NZESI is a new independent industry initiative using science, data and practical horse knowledge to help prevent injury before it happens.
NZESI brings together international research, veterinary science, technology and industry experience to better understand how injury risk develops — and how it can be reduced.
The goal is to move racing from reacting after injury to making better decisions earlier.
It’s time to get ahead of injury, not just respond to it
The Old Model: Reacting After The Fact
The NZESI Model: Getting Ahead Together
One horse. One life.
One connected system.
Prevention only works when the whole picture is joined up. NZESI follows the horse across every stage of its life — so nothing falls through the gaps.
Foal Development
Getting the early years right, so more horses reach the track — and stay there longer.
Training and veterinary oversight
A shift from reacting to visible injury, to spotting early warning signs before it happens.
Racing and performance
During training and racing, data becomes real-time decisions — helping trainers and vets make the call before risk becomes injury.
Life after racing
Better information means safer transitions into second careers, and better lifetime welfare.
End-of-life review
Independent, transparent review that turns loss into learning — and treats every horse with dignity.
Science that can be used in the real world
Wearable sensors
Real-time data on gait and cardiac parameters during fast work, flagging subtle changes early.
Serum Biomarkers
A simple blood test that can help identify early bone changes — well before any clinical signs appear.
Standing CT
Advanced bone imaging without general anaesthetic — making detailed diagnostics safer and more accessible.
Longitudinal data
Every screening result feeds into a central record, building an individual profile for each horse in training over time.
Future technologies, as they emerge
NZESI is not a fixed, one-off project. As new research, technology and practical knowledge emerge, it can keep testing, adding and improving.
Led by world-class equine safety expertise
NZESI is guided by researchers and veterinarians who have spent careers working at the front line of equine health and safety — combining deep international experience with a genuine understanding of New Zealand racing.
Professor Wayne McIlwraith ONZM, BVSc, PhD
Professor Chris Rogers MAgSci, PhD
Professor Chris Kawcak DVM, PhD
Dr Douglas Black BVMS
Dr Paul Fraser BVSc
NZESI is being established as an independent body for the benefit of the whole thoroughbred industry. The long-term aim is for it to be supported and owned by the industry it serves.
Horse safety isn’t the responsibility of one organisation. It belongs to everyone connected to the horse — breeders, trainers, vets, jockeys, owners, and the wider industry alike.
Be part of building it
NZESI is only just getting started — and it’s being built with the industry, not handed down to it. Register your interest to stay connected as it takes shape.