World Animal Day: How Steeplechase Puts Horse Safety First
Every year on October 4, World Animal Day celebrates animals and the people who work to protect and care for them. At the Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus, there is no better time to recognize the incredible equine athletes at the heart of race day, and the many people working behind the scenes to help keep them safe.
From months of racetrack preparation to veterinary checks and specialized equine ambulances, horse safety is part of the plan long before the starting flag goes up.
It Starts with the Racetrack
A great day of racing starts with a great racetrack, and keeping ours in top condition is truly a team effort.
The volunteer members of the Stono Ferry HOA put in countless hours throughout the year caring for the 60-acre racetrack. Led by Stono Ferry Amenity Field Committee Chair Rick Grabowski, the six-member volunteer team begins its work months before race day.
Weed control starts as early as February, followed by weekly mowing, regular aeration and volunteer workdays throughout the warmer months. It is a lot of work, but it is also a labor of love. As Grabowski says, part of what keeps the group going is the camaraderie and “knowing we’re part of something special.”
As race day approaches, that preparation becomes even more detailed. Racetrack compaction and moisture are closely monitored to help ensure the horses have appropriate footing and thick, healthy turf beneath their hooves.
So, when you arrive in November and see that beautiful stretch of green racetrack, remember—it didn’t get that way overnight!
Every Horse Gets a Checkup
Before a horse takes to the racetrack, its health and readiness come first.
A veterinary panel evaluates the horses before racing to make sure they are fit to compete. These pre-race checks are another important layer of preparation and give the veterinary team an opportunity to identify any concerns before a horse heads onto the course.
It may not be the most visible part of race day, but it is one of the most important.
Safety at Every Jump
The jumps may provide some of the biggest thrills of steeplechase racing, but there is also a carefully coordinated safety team positioned around the course.
Paramedics are stationed at every jump, ready to respond if needed. The Steeplechase of Charleston also has two specialized equine ambulances on-site. These ambulances are designed specifically to help stabilize and safely transport a horse in the event of an injury.
Like so many of the safety measures in place on race day, we hope they are never needed, but having the right equipment and experienced people ready to respond is an important part of putting horse safety first.
Celebrating Our Equine Athletes
The horses are what make steeplechase racing so special. Their athleticism, speed and heart are the reason thousands of guests gather at the racetrack each year.
World Animal Day is a perfect reminder that behind every exciting race is months of preparation and a team of volunteers, veterinarians, officials and race professionals committed to caring for the equine athletes who make the day possible.
So when the horses thunder down the stretch at the Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus on November 15, take a moment to appreciate not only the excitement of the race, but also all the work that happens behind the scenes to help keep our four-legged stars safe.
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