Horse racing is an ancient sport that has evolved from a primitive contest of speed and stamina between two horses into a complex spectacle involving large fields of runners, sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment, and enormous sums of money. Yet its basic concept remains the same: A horse and rider must cross a finish line first to win.
In the past decade, growing awareness of the dark side of horse racing has fueled improvements to conditions at tracks and in stables. But while racing aficionados often dismiss the concerns of animal rights activists and larger public, these efforts have not yet resulted in an industry-wide shift that prioritizes the best interests of horses.
Until that happens, it’s essential for journalists to continue reporting on the race for transparency and accountability. This can help voters make the best choice when they’re choosing a presidential candidate, by clarifying where candidates stand on issues that are of crucial concern to them.
The following is a collection of stories that shine light on the dark side of the horse-racing industry, including its abusive training practices for young horses, drug use, gruesome breakdowns, and slaughter.
A jockey is the person who rides and helps train a horse for competition. They are a vital part of the team that prepares a horse for a race. During the actual race, they guide the horse through the course by using their whip to encourage the horse to go faster. The whip is a weapon that can cause pain and discomfort to the horse, but it is legal in most races.
Many horse breeds are used for racing, but the most common are Thoroughbreds. These are large, fast horses that have been bred and trained to compete in a variety of events. They are the most popular type of racehorse because they have been bred and raised for the purpose of winning races.
After a horse is finished competing in a race, it is usually sent to be sold or retired from racing. This may be due to injury or because the horse has reached its peak performance and cannot perform as well as it once did. The horse may be sold to a stud farm where it will be bred and have its foals, or it might be sold to a trainer who can use the horse for his or her own racing stable.
The most important thing for people to remember is that no matter what they see in the media, there are still many things that can be done to improve the lives of racehorses. The only way to do that is through continued education and advocacy by those who care about the welfare of the animals we share our world with. Please continue to support our efforts by donating today!