18 ICRAV 2026 The concept of a social license to operate (SLO) is increasingly vital across industries, especially those involving animals, public trust, or ethical scrutiny. SLO refers to the informal, non-legally binding approval granted by society for an organization or activity to continue. It’s based on public trust, ethical standards, and perceived legitimacy. Unlike legal licenses, SLO is rooted in public perception, not government regulation. SLO is dynamic and can change rapidly with societal values, media influence-especially social media, and cultural norms. US racing had had incidents in the past that caused public fare-ups that quiet down after a short time such as Go For Wand in the 1990 Breeder’s Cup Distaff, Barbaro in the 2006 Preakness, and Eight Belles in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, but public scrutiny and threat to the SLO for horse racing from the rash of fatalities at Santa Anita in late 2018 through the spring of 2019 has never really quieted down despite major regulatory and cultural changes in horseracing over the last half dozen years. Legislation establishing federal oversight of racing through the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act passed through the US Congress in 2020 only after the safety component was added following Santa Anita’s disastrous 2018-2019 year. ABSTRACT Rick Arthur received his DVM (’76) from the University of California at Davis. He practiced equine medicine and surgery in the southern California thoroughbred racing circuit from 1976 until he became Equine Medical Director (EMD) in 2006. The EMD is a position in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine assigned to the California Horse Racing Board to provide veterinary expertise on medication and drug testing, the practice of veterinary medicine, and the health and safety of racehorses. Dr. Arthur stepped down as EMD in 2021 and has remained active in horse racing regulation. He is an active member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) where he was president in 1997. Dr. Arthur serves on the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) Advisory Council on Prohibited Substances and Practices, Welfare Committee, & Gene Doping sub-committee. Dr. Arthur has participated in numerous equine medicine and surgery meetings and has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles on diverse topics pertaining to horse racing. He is president of the Oak Tree Racing Association and a member of the Jockey Club (US). Dr Rick M Arthur Rick M Arthur DVM & Assoc, Sierra Madre, CALIFORNIA, United States Maintaining Social Licence to operate: The USA Perspective
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