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We all are accustomed to the adrenaline rush of horse racing. The intense action on a racing track, horses overtaking each other, jockeys letting equines loose to propel above everyone else. All of this is what the horse community loves. However, there is another side of the story as well, equally beautiful, and equally worth noticing. It’s the kind and ‘kids’ like nature of horses.

While a racing horse is a sight to behold, the sweet and kind nature of equines is equally heart-touching as well. They are a source of joy, and an accomplished vet from Hong Kong believes the same as she reflects on the life of stallions, and health care techniques.

HKJC vet highlights candid equine nature

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Charmaine Tam is a renowned equine vet, working as a surgeon with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Department of Veterinary Clinical Services. She has been an animal lover since childhood and eventually chose to render her services to the beautiful creatures. In a latest interview, Tam reflected on her journey, and the lesser known, kinder side of horses.

World Horse Racing uploaded a clip of her interview on X, introducing the star vet to the world. “I really like horses because I think they are like kids”, Tam expressed, highlighting the joyous nature of horses. Earlier, she also revealed her family owned cats and dogs in childhood and she grew up and fell in love with them. The Australian veterinarian also explained some interesting techniques used to determine illnesses in equines.

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Vet reflects on health techniques in horse racing

With the rise in equine deaths, the need for better equine healthcare increases significantly and Tam has revealed some basic techniques to identify the health problems. Explaining the need to be patient, she said, “You have to coax them slowly in a lot of situations”.

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A lot of the time they can’t tell where they are uncomfortable. We rely on touch to see where they are swollen, where they are hurting. We look at their behavior, sometimes we can tell from their expression too just like cats and dogs“, she added. Additionally, she also highlighted the need for modern equipment, which is highly precise and accurate in identifying any kind of illnesses in racing horses.

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