A horse race is a competitive event for Thoroughbred horses, typically consisting of several laps around a track and one or more hurdles (if present). The winner is the first person to cross the finish line on his or her horse. There is usually an amount of prize money to be split amongst the first, second and third place finishers. Horses have always been a huge part of our culture and history, and even today, many people enjoy watching a horse race on television or at the local track. However, many people don’t realize that horse racing is an exploitative and dangerous sport for animals, and that bettors who place money on horse races are contributing to the mistreatment of these sensitive and intelligent creatures.
A thoroughbred horse race is a terrifying and unnatural event. Contrary to what the horse racing industry claims, horses are not born to run and love to compete. Instead, they are bred to be fast and to win at all costs. These abused animals are subjected to horrific accidents, heartbreaking breakdowns and crippling injuries, often ending up in slaughterhouses.
The vast majority of horses die at the tracks due to unnatural, high-stress training regimens that cause them to become mentally and physically exhausted. The intense physical activity and pressure put on the animal’s slender front legs can also lead to bone fractures, dislocations and lacerations. In addition, a horse’s heartbeat can jump up to ten times its normal rate during a race, which can lead to total exhaustion and collapse.
Breeding 1,000-pound thoroughbreds with massive torsos and spindly legs is a recipe for disaster. They don’t reach full maturity, or the point at which their bones stop growing and fuse together, until they are about 6. When these young animals are rushed into intensive training, it is like forcing a child to go through first grade at age 4. The physical stress of being confined in a small space, with an inexperienced rider on top of them, can trigger all kinds of stereotypical behaviours such as crib-biting and weaving.
A horse’s natural, free-ranging lifestyle is interrupted by a race, which causes them to be forced to run at high speeds, which can cause them to suffer severe pulmonary hemorrhage or even heart failure. Other common problems include abrasions and broken legs. Horses can also be seriously injured by other runners or the fences at a track.
The best way to help end the suffering of racehorses is to boycott this cruel and unnecessary industry. Instead of betting on a race, bet your money on a soccer game or another sport that does not require these highly-stressed, mistreated animals to perform a meaningless and largely pointless task. Also, if you do gamble on races, don’t do so with your own money. Instead, donate it to an organization that supports animal welfare in the racing industry, such as PETA. Then, encourage your friends and family to do the same.