A horse race is a sporting event in which horses are competing against one another over a fixed course. The horse that crosses the finish line first wins the race. The sport of horse racing has long been popular throughout the world. It is a highly regulated activity, and there are many rules in place to ensure the safety of the horses as well as the integrity of the sport. Despite these regulations, horse races remain a fascinating spectacle that continues to draw millions of fans each year to watch the races and wager on the outcome of the events.
Horse races are usually held on a circular track, and the starting gate is electrically operated. A team of stewards and patrol judges monitor the horses to ensure there are no rule violations. Once the start signal is given, the horses begin running over a timed course. The length of the course varies by country. For example, a classic race such as the Royal Ascot Gold Cup is run over a 21/2-mile (4-kilometer) course. The majority of American races are shorter, with some as short as 1/4 mile (0.6 kilometers). In both cases, the distance of a race is determined by custom and tradition rather than by the physical ability of a horse.
The horse race is a popular pastime and has been part of human culture since ancient times, appearing in such literary works as Homer’s Iliad and the Code of Hammurabi. It is a social activity that brings together people from all walks of life to participate in the sport, whether as spectators or competitors. It is also a common feature of many festivals, including fairs and celebrations. The sport is also a major source of entertainment for many people and has a significant economic impact on the world.
In the wild, horses love to move fast, and there are places in the world where you can still see them running freely. However, they are prey animals that prefer to move as a group and stay safe. Winning a horse race is a human construct, and horses do not want to be separated from their herd and made into single competitors.
The aim of the research reported here was to explore the impacts of thoroughbred horse racing on the welfare of the horse. The interviews were semi-structured and included both conventional verbal questions and photo-elicitation. The themes emerging from all the informants’ responses are synthesised and discussed in this article: naturalising, normalising and downplaying racing practices; the notion of the horse as an eager participant; the impact of the bit, throat tie and tongue-tie on the horse; the horse-human interface. The paper also discusses the importance of embracing these issues in order to maintain the appeal of horse racing to all stakeholders.