ALEX Atock, one of the pioneers of modern international equine welfare regulation, has died at the age of 93.

Mr Atock, who lived in Ross-on-Wye, was a distinguished Irish veterinarian whose career helped transform equine welfare from a matter of professional discretion into a system of formal international regulation and oversight.

Born in Dublin in 1932, he studied at the Veterinary College of Ireland and following his graduation in 1958, he worked in England before becoming the Chief Veterinary Officer of the then Turf Club, now the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board in the 1970s.

He later accepted the role of head of the Veterinary Department of the Fédération Équestre Internationale in Switzerland, where he introduced reforms that fundamentally changed the protection of horses in international competition.

Under his leadership, formal veterinary horse inspections were established at major events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.

These inspections empowered veterinarians to exclude horses that were lame, injured, exhausted, or otherwise.

Mr Atock was also a strong advocate of harmonised anti-doping policies across racing and equestrian disciplines, he established the FEI Medication Control Unit so horses could compete free from substances that might enhance performance, mask injury, or compromise welfare.

Many of the health certification, transport, and disease-management systems used internationally today reflect the welfare-centred approach he championed throughout his career.

While acting as a consultant to the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and later to World Horse Welfare, Mr Atock’s interests broadened beyond elite sport to encompass the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules in developing countries.

Through education and training initiatives, he promoted practical improvements benefiting both animals and the communities that relied upon them.

As General Secretary of the World Equine Veterinary Association, he played a key role in its evolution into an independent international educational charity supporting veterinary development around the world.

Throughout his career, he consistently argued that horses are sentient animals whose welfare must be actively protected by veterinarians, regulators, owners, riders, and governing bodies.

In 2018, he published his memoir, ‘My Friend the Horse’, reflecting on a remarkable life in veterinary medicine, racing, and equestrian sport.

His legacy lies in the welfare principles that now underpin equine regulation worldwide.

Despite the many contentious issues he encountered during a distinguished career, Mr Atock never lost his characteristic charm and diplomacy. Impeccably dressed, gracious in manner, always kind and generous in spirit, he remained a gentleman to his fingertips.

Alex Atock passed away peacefully at his home in Ross, surrounded by his loving family.

Dr Desmond Leadon