The Dangers of Horse Racing
Horse racing has a long and distinguished history, and the sport continues to captivate millions of fans around the world. From the ceremonial pageantry of major events to the enduring appeal of a favorite horse, it is more than just a sport; it’s an industry that contributes billions of dollars to the economy and reflects a rich culture and traditions from across the globe.
The sport is a grueling test of strength and stamina for both horses and their human riders. The animals are whipped into a frenzy of activity that takes them round and round a race track, often in temperatures that soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The horses, which weigh more than 1,000 pounds, run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour while carrying humans on their backs. Injuries are common, and the equine athletes suffer from a range of medical issues that can include pulmonary hemorrhage and cardiac arrest.
While racing has evolved to improve the safety and well-being of its participants, the sport remains a dangerous one for the horses. Aside from the risk of injury, horses are subjected to a variety of cruel training methods including the use of whips and tongue-ties that cause pain and discomfort, as well as illegal electric shock devices known as jiggers. These tools are used to coerce the horses into running faster, even when they are injured.
In addition, trainers regularly inject their horses with drugs to help them perform at top speed and power through injuries. The most widely-used drug is furosemide, more commonly known as Lasix, a performance-enhancing drug that helps the horses bleed less.
Whether or not they are betting on the winner of a specific race, most people who attend horse races cheer for a particular horse. The public identification of the horses, which often includes their names, gives fans a sense of connection to the animal they are supporting. This feeling of connection is heightened during major races such as the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
As a result of this human identification with horses, people feel passionate about the welfare of these magnificent creatures. This is why racing authorities have taken steps to protect the animals, including improved track conditions, advances in veterinary care and improved animal handling regulations.
Despite these improvements, many advocates believe that the horse racing industry needs to go further to ensure that the sport remains both safe and ethical. The soaring popularity of the sport, as well as its global economic importance, has created a need for more scrutiny of the industry. The enduring appeal of the sport can be used as a lever to encourage greater reform, from improving track conditions to banning sexing and doping in the equine industry.
