Our allies in Australia, Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses, published the following letter, jointly signed by 12 prominent veterinarians, on “tongue ties” (here is one of our own posts on this awful device).
“If ever the ethics of Australian horse racing and blind conformity were on world display, it was during the 2025 3,200 metres Melbourne Cup. The winning horse was struck repetitively whilst already trying his best, his tongue was tied tightly around the bottom jaw, the bottom lip appeared swollen, he displayed anxiety with mouth bleeding.
“It was a spectacle of absolute heroism on the horse’s behalf and shame on those who caused this animal pain and suffering. Racing Victoria veterinarians simply reported the bloodied mouth due to only a minor laceration requiring no medication; however, photos and video tend to show otherwise (below).
“The system itself exposed tainted practices of physical and mental abuse of ‘Half Yours’ and the dubious integrity of Racing Victoria.
“We, the undersigned veterinary surgeons understand ‘tongue ties’ are applied with the intention to prevent dorsal displacement of the soft palate and/or to prevent the tongue displacing over the bit. We also understand this adverse animal welfare practice can cause severe physical and mental harm [emphasis mine] and has no place in contemporary equestrian sport.
“This is not a personal crusade but a legitimate pursuit for the welfare of horses and riders. Debate on the aforementioned issues will not fade soon.”
Absolutely, Cynthia. Thank you.
Tongue ties must be outlawed- they are brutal. And in fact. Horse racing is is sick and horrible abuse of these majestic defenseless animals. Ban it all!
Those pictures are so revealing! It’s hard to see what’s really going on when the horse is running past you at 40mph.
I’m thinking that most racetrack veterinarians are not real veterinarians, but rather imposters.
The same is true of the people who literally abuse horses and call themselves “horsemen” because they are also imposters.
Their actions speak louder than words!
Cruel, barbaric,inhumane all words associated with the use of tongue ties! Upon our learning that we were required here In Oregon to demonstrate their use for taking & passing a race trainers test we passed on the test. We were qualified as had participated in racing for 1/4 century. The use of tongue ties should be BANNED world wide! In Sept. 2004 we left the racing industry never to return despite our working our way through a 4 year degree at Oregon State University. Literally galloping & teaching horses to be ridden at Pleasure Acres farm just outside Corvallis , Oregon. We argued that horses also should be ridden bit-less & without the use of ring bits too. The stewards of the track can`t be persuaded to adopt more scientific methods of handling horses unfortunately in racing!