Animalweb is delighted to share that Dr David Marlin has been invited to speak at a major Irish equine welfare summit this week, hosted by the Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) in partnership with Connolly’s RED MILLS.
The two-day event, A Good Life – Well Lived, takes place at Gowran Park Racecourse, Co. Kilkenny, on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 August 2025, and will bring together breeders, trainers, owners, stable and stud staff, veterinary practitioners, product manufacturers, and service providers from across the Irish equine industry. Its central theme is built on the “Three F’s”: Friends, Forage, and Freedom, to ensure every horse experiences a good life from foaling to the end of life.
A progressive move for racing welfare
The summit is a clear sign that Irish racing is not only taking equine welfare seriously but also seeking out the world’s leading independent experts to help drive positive change. Dr David Marlin’s invitation is a testament to the growing recognition that evidence-based science, open discussion, and collaboration across the industry are the way forward.
It’s a refreshing and progressive approach, one that other national racing bodies could follow to ensure the highest standards of horse care and public trust in the sport’s commitment to welfare.
David’s role at the summit
Dr David Marlin will speak on both days of the event:
- Day One – Industry Town Hall (12 August): This open day focuses on welfare challenges and solutions across the thoroughbred sector, from nutrition and behaviour to health and safety in training and handling.
- Day Two – Veterinary Practitioners Day (13 August): In a dedicated CPD session for equine vets, Dr Marlin will deliver a talk on Managing Racehorses in the Heat – Optimising Performance & Welfare, addressing the science behind managing heat stress in performance horses and challenging common myths with data-driven recommendations.
Leading by example
By hosting this summit, the IEVA and Irish racing community are setting a positive precedent: bringing together everyone with a stake in horse welfare, from grassroots staff to top-level decision-makers, and creating an environment where the latest research can be applied to everyday practice.
Full programme details and timings are available at www.irisheva.ie.
