Challenges for equine veterinary practice in India: a multidimensional analysis amidst sporting aspirations

In a nation of 1.42 billion, India’s equine sector, once pivotal, now faces a series of challenges. Recent statistics show a sharp 46% decline in the equine population, dwindling to just 340,000 by 2019. This decline, set against India’s rapid economic ascent, underscores deeper complexities for equine veterinarians.(https:// pib.gov.in)

Historically, the thoroughbred racing industry, with roots going back 250 years in India, was a primary patron of veterinary services. However, shifts in the political landscape, particularly the introduction of a 28% GST on betting wagers, has notably impacted this sphere. With 3500 thoroughbred racehorses and an additional 1314 mares and 70 stallions at stud, spread out across 62 stud farms and nine race tracks, many now grapple with limited access to specialist veterinary attention.(NHBSI)

Concurrently, India is witnessing a surge in equestrian sport aspirations. The past decade has seen a 65% increase in participation at national equestrian championships. Moreover, India’s participation in global events like the Asian Games has spiked interest levels, resulting in the import of over 500 elite warmbloods within just a few years and a surge in investments towards breeding indigenous warmbloods.

The Equestrian Federation of India, birthed in 1967, now boasts 4,220 members, with a roster of 3,700 horses engaged in diverse sporting events, from dressage to showjumping. Polo, too, has been ascendant, with 33 registered clubs nationwide and an ever-growing spectator base.(efinf.org)

Despite this optimism, the diagnostic infrastructure, or lack thereof, remains a chronic concern. While India produces over 600 veterinary graduates yearly from its 54 registered colleges, the dearth of advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI, CT, and scintigraphy machines critically hampers their ability to offer worldclass care. This situation is intensified by societal and legislative challenges that inhibit ultrasound usage, primarily due to concerns around female foeticide.

Culturally, there’s renewed interest in indigenous breeds like the Marwari and Kathiawari, championed by entities like the Indigenous Horse Society. However, the nuanced care these breeds require calls for more specialized veterinary knowledge.

Most alarmingly, only about 200 veterinarians are dedicated to exclusive equine practices in the vast expanse of India. The predominant number are mixed animal veterinarians, which, given the burgeoning equine sectors and sporting aspirations, amplifies the gap in specialized care. This deficit has forced many horse enthusiasts to rely on international veterinarians and farriers.

To encapsulate, the equine landscape in India is a complex tapestry of challenges and opportunities. The way forward demands rejuvenated veterinary education, amplified infrastructure investment, and fostering global collaborations. As equestrian sporting aspirations rise, there is an urgent need for India to elevate its equine veterinary sector to global standards, ensuring the health and prosperity of its revered equines in a dynamically shifting socio-economic backdrop.

Dr Phiroz Khambatta BVSc ,MVSc, PG Cert.SAS,.

Dr Phiroz Khambatta graduated Nagpur Veterinary college in 1985 and completed his masters in Veterinary Science, Surgery , in 1987. He has been a practicing veterinarian at the Mumbai race track from 1987 to date, and has a Surgical and diagnostic facility there. He also runs a multi species veterinary hospital, the Raintree Veterinary clinic , in Pune , India. In addition to being on the board of WEVA , he is Vice president of the Indian Association of Equine practitioners, and on the board of many animal welfare organisations in India.