The Unnatural Nature of a Horse Race
A horse race is a contest of speed between horses that are either pulled by jockeys or ridden by drivers. The goal is to win a prize, which is determined by the amount of money placed on each horse.
The first documented horse race was run in 1651 as the result of a wager between two noblemen. Racing became an official sport during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715) when rules and regulations were established for the safety of horses and the fairness of races. He instituted weight restrictions, requiring certificates of origin for horses and imposing additional weight on foreign horses. He also standardized races by establishing the King’s Plates for six-year-olds carrying 168 pounds in four-mile heats, with winners having to win both of their heats.
Despite claims from the racing industry that horse racing is “natural,” it is an unequivocally unnatural activity. Horses are not born to run and love competing in a game that forces them to push themselves past their limits on the back of a moving cart. A thoroughbred’s massive torso and spindly legs are poorly designed for the task. In addition, a horse doesn’t reach full maturity — that is, the bones in its spine and neck have fused — until around age 6.
Horses are subjected to intense training and then thrust into racing at an early age. They are then forced to run as often as possible, resulting in a high rate of injury and breakdowns. Dead racehorses have been found with shattered spines, broken limbs, and severed tendons. Their skin may be the only thing keeping them alive, and they frequently die from pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding out of their lungs) or blunt-force head trauma.
In addition, horse racehorses are subjected to the use of harsh equipment including tongue ties and spurs. Both of these are banned by the RSPCA because they restrict the movement of a horse’s tongue, causing pain and discomfort. Spurs are metal devices attached to the back of a riding boot and exert sharp pressure when the jockey squeezes or kicks the horse.
A growing awareness of these issues has brought about improvements in the treatment of racehorses, but more needs to be done. Read more about the key problems facing horse racing and what you can do to help protect the welfare of these magnificent animals.