Siena veterinarians conduct health checks for July Palio horses

Veterinarians from the Dipartimento di Prevenzione of the Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est are overseeing sanitary and welfare inspections for the horses slated to run in Siena's July Palio. The monitoring began in March with preliminary health assessments for admission to the 2026 Equine Protocol and continued through training sessions.

A municipal veterinary commission performed detailed biometric examinations at the Il Ceppo clinic in Monteriggioni on 22‑24 June, verifying that each horse meets the required parameters and confirming identity and documentation. Starting 27 June and up to the race on 2 July, the ASL team will carry out further checks covering all phases of the event—including regulated trials, the Tratta, the historic parade, and the final race—to ensure compliance with health regulations and animal‑welfare standards.