Veterinary Department of Maroñas Racetrack established a global benchmark by becoming the first veterinary department worldwide to certify a Quality Management System under ISO 9001:2015. This pioneering achievement reflects a strategic commitment to excellence, operational transparency, and continuous improvement within the context of equine healthcare in the horseracing industry.
The certified system has been maintained and successfully recertified for nearly nine consecutive years, supported by a multidisciplinary team and an organizational culture centered on quality.
Over nearly a decade of working under this quality framework, we have gained valuable experience and insights. The sustained implementation of ISO 9001:2015 has brought numerous benefits, including greater efficiency in operations in the face of unforeseen circumstances, improved stakeholder confidence (particularly in legal proceedings or when facing challenges from owners, trainers, or regulators), and enhanced institutional credibility at both regional and international levels.
However, we also encountered operational challenges — especially those related to maintaining certification, such as the ongoing need for staff training, investment in equipment, and the necessity of strong leadership commitment, given the costs associated with upholding certification standards. High staff turnover has been a key issue, requiring continuous and timely training to ensure new personnel are fully equipped to operate within the system.
After the second recertification, we made a strategic decision to model our internal processes on those used in other industries and adapt them specifically to our Veterinary Service. This cross-sectoral approach has become one of our most significant contributions to the horseracing industry.
This case study aims to share the various phases of our journey from initial development and implementation to practical application, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. We want to discuss the possibility of expanding certification to include a specific focus on the welfare of sport horses, as exists for other animals.