The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is accepting applications for new members to serve on its Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC) beginning in February 2026. The VAC consists of Regulatory and Attending Veterinarians from a broad range of professional backgrounds and geographic regions, ensuring representation of diverse perspectives within the veterinary community.
The VAC meets every other month to provide valuable input and feedback to HISA’s executive team and standing committees on matters impacting equine safety and welfare. Members help inform decision-making and contribute to continuous improvement of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program and Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. The inaugural membership of the VAC – available in full here – includes a wide range of veterinary specialties and expertise. Members serve staggered terms of 12 to 24 months to ensure continuity and fresh perspectives. As the initial 18-month term concludes, HISA is beginning the process of rotating members off to welcome new voices and ideas into the group.
Veterinarians who are deeply committed to equine welfare and shaping the future of safety and integrity in Thoroughbred racing are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should apply to Dr. Shari Silverman at shari.silverman@hisaus.org with the subject line “VAC Application” by Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
About the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority
When the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act was signed into federal law, it charged the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) with proposing and enforcing uniform safety and integrity rules in Thoroughbred racing in the United States. Overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HISA is implementing, for the first time, a uniform national set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack facility. HISA has two programs: the Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect on July 1, 2022, and the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which went into effect on May 22, 2023.
The Racetrack Safety Program includes operational safety rules and national racetrack accreditation standards that seek to enhance equine welfare and minimize equine and jockey injury. The Program expands veterinary oversight, imposes surface maintenance and testing requirements, enhances jockey safety, regulates riding crop use and implements voided claim rules, among other important measures.
The ADMC Program includes a centralized testing and results management process and applies uniform penalties for violations efficiently and consistently across the United States. These rules and enforcement mechanisms are initially administered by an independent body, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU), established by Drug Free Sport International (DFS). HIWU oversees testing, educates stakeholders on the Program, accredits laboratories, investigates potential ADMC violations and penalizes any such violations, subject to the FTC’s plenary review.
