On the central matter of “casualties” and “catastrophic breakdowns,” while drugs, pre-existing injuries, track conditions, etc. are all certainly relevant, the simple truth is that the maiming and destruction of racehorses is inherent to the industry. Death at the track is, always has been, and always will be an inevitable part of racing.
And here’s why:
First, the anatomy. The typical horse does not reach full maturity – his bones are not done growing, plates not done fusing – till around six. And the higher up the body, the slower the process, so that the bones in the spine and neck, of all places, are the last to finish. The typical racehorse is thrust into “training” at around 18 months – and raced at two. On the maturation chart, a 2-year-old horse is the rough equivalent of a 6-year-old child. Imagine that. And this is something that will not change, for waiting till six to train and race horses would be cost prohibitive. It’s never going to happen.
Second, the horserace itself is an unequivocally unnatural act. “Born to run, love to compete” is a lie, at least in how the industry means it. Horses running and playing in an open field bears no resemblance to what happens at a racetrack. There, perched humans compel their charges to a breakneck speed – with a whip. There is no choice, no free will, no autonomy for naturally autonomous beings. Furthermore, in nature, horses understand self-preservation. So if injured, they know to stop, rest, and if possible, heal. At the track, not only are many of the injured “urged on” by their whip-wielding mates, but in a cruel twist, often try desperately to stay with their artificial herds. Again, no change is forthcoming, for the horserace can only exist by force.
Third, the economic realities of the business. The racing people are fond of saying, “since our success depends on healthy, happy horses, why would we do anything to compromise that?” Well, first, happy is more than mere sustenance and shelter; healthy is more than a mere ability to run. But beyond that, it’s crucial that the public understands how this industry works: The vast majority of racehorses are bought and sold multiple times over the course of their so-called careers, careers that generally don’t last long to begin with. So, the earning window for the current connections is almost always short-term – could be a few races, maybe a few months, perhaps a year or two – but the bottom line is that as a rule, the long-term well-being of the horse is of no concern. It’s maximize profits now, by all means – legal or otherwise – available.
And because most horses are worth less than a decent used car, and because most purses are artificially jacked with casino cash – cash that also allows many tracks to pay first through last – the horseman’s breakdown-risk to earnings-reward ratio is quite attractive. And because there’s always ample, affordable inventory, when problems do arise, they can always dump off to the next guy and acquire anew.
This leads to my final and most important point: The fundamental relationship itself – that of owner-owned – guarantees bad things will happen. Guarantees. By definition, a piece of property, a commodity, a resource, a means – all of which undeniably describe the racehorse – can have no meaningful protection under the law. In fact, it’s absurd to argue otherwise. Truth is, a horseman, if he so chooses, can run his horse into the ground – yes, even to death – with virtual impunity. There is no real accountability because this core relationship precludes real accountability. Neither the industry nor our society will ever, could ever, seriously punish a property owner for crimes against his property. Again, to say differently is pure folly.
Moreover, as it is with all animal-exploitation businesses, the law, as represented by anti-cruelty statutes, invariably defers to “common industry practice”; for 150 years of American horseracing, broken and dead bodies have been seen and treated as an unfortunate cost of doing business. In short, no one is watching; no one cares. In truth, to the racing industry, to government, to our society at large, a racehorse’s life does not matter. Alive or dead, it just doesn’t matter. So because of all this, I’m here to argue that short of shuttering the betting windows altogether, there is nothing they can do to stop the carnage. Nothing. And what’s more, they know it.
– Patrick Battuello
Thank you for writing the truth! May God have mercy on the horses and for our ignorance!
Thank you for writing the truth! May God have mercy on the horses and for our ignorance!
I wonder how many horses are sent to the slaughterhouse when they are young. They are expensive to raise, I imagine that those that make it through their racing days live happy lives in a recreational setting. Does anyone know of a study of how old horses are when they are slaughtered, or even how many end up there? Also, what percent of the total horse population is killed as a result of racing? I read an article about horses in Australia but couldn’t find anything about the US.
I wonder how many horses are sent to the slaughterhouse when they are young. They are expensive to raise, I imagine that those that make it through their racing days live happy lives in a recreational setting. Does anyone know of a study of how old horses are when they are slaughtered, or even how many end up there? Also, what percent of the total horse population is killed as a result of racing? I read an article about horses in Australia but couldn’t find anything about the US.
Save the horses! Animals rights activist need to advocate and stop races. Sad and cruel to be forced to run until the horse heart stops.
Save the horses! Animals rights activist need to advocate and stop races. Sad and cruel to be forced to run until the horse heart stops.
[…] kills horses. Always has. Always will. And that’s all you need to […]
[…] kills horses. Always has. Always will. And that’s all you need to […]
Neglected Abused Horses – Dr. Drip was sold, resold, resold again – each Seller was ignorant, knew nothing nor cared about to WHOM they sold Dr. Drip – each Owner was neglectful, depravedly indifferent, unconscionably cruel – each Owner could’ve contacted SOMEONE- who in turn would’ve contacted a reputable Horse Rescue – instead, they did NOTHING – NO FOOD – NO SHELTER- NO MEDICAL – my heart breaks for Dr. Drip.
Neglected Abused Horses – Dr. Drip was sold, resold, resold again – each Seller was ignorant, knew nothing nor cared about to WHOM they sold Dr. Drip – each Owner was neglectful, depravedly indifferent, unconscionably cruel – each Owner could’ve contacted SOMEONE- who in turn would’ve contacted a reputable Horse Rescue – instead, they did NOTHING – NO FOOD – NO SHELTER- NO MEDICAL – my heart breaks for Dr. Drip.
So I leave a post correcting SOME of the assertions that I know to be wrong, I don’t call names, don’t insult, just give some facts, and I’m not saying all the posts here are wrong, they’re not, but my post is deleted? That’s honest discussion? I remember the day when you and I could have different opinions, we discuss them and at the end we either agree or agree to disagree, way back like 5 years ago, today if someone disagrees with you they’re just shut down, that’ll help changes get made, not
Greg, you are pro-racing – indeed, in the industry; we are unequivocally calling for an end. There is no “honest discussion” to be had. Your beloved “sport” is, from these eyes, wrong from the start.
We may disagree on whether or not the sport should continue, and your opinion is no more right or wrong than mine, to you, however that doesn’t mean the discussion can’t be factual and many points (not all) being posted are just flat out wrong. If that’s what everyone here who’s of the same opinion as you wants to read that’s like the Dems watching a left leaning TV station and vice versa, just reinforcing your beliefs, but nobody learns anything or is forced to think at all
Leave politics out of it. Get a conscience and leave this sick industry.
So I leave a post correcting SOME of the assertions that I know to be wrong, I don’t call names, don’t insult, just give some facts, and I’m not saying all the posts here are wrong, they’re not, but my post is deleted? That’s honest discussion? I remember the day when you and I could have different opinions, we discuss them and at the end we either agree or agree to disagree, way back like 5 years ago, today if someone disagrees with you they’re just shut down, that’ll help changes get made, not
Greg, you are pro-racing – indeed, in the industry; we are unequivocally calling for an end. There is no “honest discussion” to be had. Your beloved “sport” is, from these eyes, wrong from the start.
We may disagree on whether or not the sport should continue, and your opinion is no more right or wrong than mine, to you, however that doesn’t mean the discussion can’t be factual and many points (not all) being posted are just flat out wrong. If that’s what everyone here who’s of the same opinion as you wants to read that’s like the Dems watching a left leaning TV station and vice versa, just reinforcing your beliefs, but nobody learns anything or is forced to think at all
Leave politics out of it. Get a conscience and leave this sick industry.
BTW Patrick, did you get my email or note on the deleted post, I really would appreciate for you to show me how to get the form(s) necessary to request documents, maybe a link? Thanks in advance
BTW Patrick, did you get my email or note on the deleted post, I really would appreciate for you to show me how to get the form(s) necessary to request documents, maybe a link? Thanks in advance
OK I GET IT……IT IS AN INHUMANE SPORT
AND HORSE RACING SHOULD BE AT ITS END, JUST LIKE BULL RING FIGHTS, PIT BULL FIGHTS…ETC. ALL GONE!!!!
NO MORE ELEPHANTS BEING BEATEN WITH BASEBALK BATS IN ORDER TO LEARN HOW TO PERFORM IN A CIRCLE AND SIT UP ON ITS HIND LEGS!@! HOW CRUEL AND INHUMANE MUST WE BE TO MERCILESS NO FREE WILL ANIMALS BEING ASSAULTED AND ABUSED RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!!!! WHIPPED TO RUN , OR PERFORM…HOW ABOUT. WE REBUILD A COLLESEUM HERE IN THE US .AND LET GLADIATORS
FIGHT ALL THEY WANT.. AND PEOPLE CAN BET ON THEM..JUST LIKE IN BOXING RINGS.. AT LEAST THEY DO IT IF THEIR OWN ACCORD..THEY CAN EVEN SIGN WAIVERS…SOMETHING ANIMALS CANNOT DO!!! HSUS AND PETA ARE NOW INVOLVED.. .IT IS A PROCESS, JUST LIKE NO MORE BULL FIGHTS,, NO MORE CIRCUS ELEPHANTS, NO MORE CAPTURING KILLER WHALES AND HAVING THEM PERFORM AND LIVE IN A TINY TANK (WHEN THEY NORMALLY COVER MILES OF DAILY TRAVEL IN THE OPEN OCEAN.. SO HORSE RACING IS AT ITS END AND WILL BE STOPPED….DONATE TO PETA AND HSUS ON BEHALF OF OUR BEAUTIFUL ABUSED, MAGNIFICENT RACE HORSES AND THE FIGHT THAT PETA IS NOW ENGAGED IN… AND INCLUDING ONE OF OUR SENATOR, DIANE FEINSTEIN IS NOW CALLING TO CLOSE DOWN
SANTA ANITA, ETC. ETC.ETC., ETC.ETC. ETC.ETC. ETC. AND IN THE FUTURE, I INVISION, SIGNS POSTED AT CLOSED RACETRACKS SIMPLY STATING” TRACK CLOSED DOWN DUE TO HUMANS INHUMANITY”.
HSUS, VOLUNTEER MEMBER
OK I GET IT……IT IS AN INHUMANE SPORT
AND HORSE RACING SHOULD BE AT ITS END, JUST LIKE BULL RING FIGHTS, PIT BULL FIGHTS…ETC. ALL GONE!!!!
NO MORE ELEPHANTS BEING BEATEN WITH BASEBALK BATS IN ORDER TO LEARN HOW TO PERFORM IN A CIRCLE AND SIT UP ON ITS HIND LEGS!@! HOW CRUEL AND INHUMANE MUST WE BE TO MERCILESS NO FREE WILL ANIMALS BEING ASSAULTED AND ABUSED RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!!!! WHIPPED TO RUN , OR PERFORM…HOW ABOUT. WE REBUILD A COLLESEUM HERE IN THE US .AND LET GLADIATORS
FIGHT ALL THEY WANT.. AND PEOPLE CAN BET ON THEM..JUST LIKE IN BOXING RINGS.. AT LEAST THEY DO IT IF THEIR OWN ACCORD..THEY CAN EVEN SIGN WAIVERS…SOMETHING ANIMALS CANNOT DO!!! HSUS AND PETA ARE NOW INVOLVED.. .IT IS A PROCESS, JUST LIKE NO MORE BULL FIGHTS,, NO MORE CIRCUS ELEPHANTS, NO MORE CAPTURING KILLER WHALES AND HAVING THEM PERFORM AND LIVE IN A TINY TANK (WHEN THEY NORMALLY COVER MILES OF DAILY TRAVEL IN THE OPEN OCEAN.. SO HORSE RACING IS AT ITS END AND WILL BE STOPPED….DONATE TO PETA AND HSUS ON BEHALF OF OUR BEAUTIFUL ABUSED, MAGNIFICENT RACE HORSES AND THE FIGHT THAT PETA IS NOW ENGAGED IN… AND INCLUDING ONE OF OUR SENATOR, DIANE FEINSTEIN IS NOW CALLING TO CLOSE DOWN
SANTA ANITA, ETC. ETC.ETC., ETC.ETC. ETC.ETC. ETC. AND IN THE FUTURE, I INVISION, SIGNS POSTED AT CLOSED RACETRACKS SIMPLY STATING” TRACK CLOSED DOWN DUE TO HUMANS INHUMANITY”.
HSUS, VOLUNTEER MEMBER
And again the almighty dollar and the rich TB owners are to blame for so many deaths, STOP
And again the almighty dollar and the rich TB owners are to blame for so many deaths, STOP
The more I learn about racing and the business of breeding Thoroughbreds, the more I agree with all that you have said. It is nothing but exploitation and the rich men at the top are the ones raking in the most money. They have no problem sending these sensitive, willing young horses to their sure, early deaths. They are starting to sell them to South Korea for racing, then quick slaughter to end up in the supermarket in a plastic package. It is actually morally worse than breeding cows or pigs for meat. With horses there is a pretense of them having a “job” and being respected as athletes but in the end they are treated like any other cow or pig. They don’t deserve this treatment, not after all they have done for us as a species.
I used to agree that horse’s don’t deserve slaughter and the other animals do, but thankfully, that led me down the long road to becoming vegan. No animal deserves to be transported and end up at a slaughter house. Why love one and eat another. I did work in the racehorse industry for over 10 years and I agree with this site 100%.
The more I learn about racing and the business of breeding Thoroughbreds, the more I agree with all that you have said. It is nothing but exploitation and the rich men at the top are the ones raking in the most money. They have no problem sending these sensitive, willing young horses to their sure, early deaths. They are starting to sell them to South Korea for racing, then quick slaughter to end up in the supermarket in a plastic package. It is actually morally worse than breeding cows or pigs for meat. With horses there is a pretense of them having a “job” and being respected as athletes but in the end they are treated like any other cow or pig. They don’t deserve this treatment, not after all they have done for us as a species.
I used to agree that horse’s don’t deserve slaughter and the other animals do, but thankfully, that led me down the long road to becoming vegan. No animal deserves to be transported and end up at a slaughter house. Why love one and eat another. I did work in the racehorse industry for over 10 years and I agree with this site 100%.
The horseracing industry is nothing short than greed for money
&
Literally atrocious cruelty beyond speakable.
Shameful to treat a living, gorgeous animal with any less than kindness and love.
It needs to end.
Animals need to be treated like any other living being.
Please rethink your practices.
It’s imperative not only to horses, but to everyone involved.
The horseracing industry is nothing short than greed for money
&
Literally atrocious cruelty beyond speakable.
Shameful to treat a living, gorgeous animal with any less than kindness and love.
It needs to end.
Animals need to be treated like any other living being.
Please rethink your practices.
It’s imperative not only to horses, but to everyone involved.
Have we gotten no better than say a decade ago? I thought we had if only an inch or so. But your right they start them too young and see them only as commodities.
Thank you for the article however blunt it was, it was very truthful
Have we gotten no better than say a decade ago? I thought we had if only an inch or so. But your right they start them too young and see them only as commodities.
Thank you for the article however blunt it was, it was very truthful
Change the triple crowns races to 4 year olds would help.
Change the triple crowns races to 4 year olds would help.
Roughly 90% of the horses sent to slaughter are commercially and purposefully bred young healthy ‘sport horses’ produced by a business model that considers horses disposable products that should be replaced when they are three years old to maximize profits. In this model, money is made from stud fees, mare and foal care, and prepping young horses. Purses and prices peak at three-year old futurities. When there is no significant money to be made competing and drugs can no longer disguise their physical and mental injuries, these horses and any ‘excess’ stock are ‘discarded’, meaning sent to slaughter, and the cycle starts over.
Roughly 90% of the horses sent to slaughter are commercially and purposefully bred young healthy ‘sport horses’ produced by a business model that considers horses disposable products that should be replaced when they are three years old to maximize profits. In this model, money is made from stud fees, mare and foal care, and prepping young horses. Purses and prices peak at three-year old futurities. When there is no significant money to be made competing and drugs can no longer disguise their physical and mental injuries, these horses and any ‘excess’ stock are ‘discarded’, meaning sent to slaughter, and the cycle starts over.
Well I like horseracing but it could use some changes. However if you think that horseracing is bad you should go and watch western pleasure show. I believe that that is way more painful and horrible for a horse than horseracing. Agree or not it is my opinion.
I have never seen a western pleasure horse snap both front legs off
Well I like horseracing but it could use some changes. However if you think that horseracing is bad you should go and watch western pleasure show. I believe that that is way more painful and horrible for a horse than horseracing. Agree or not it is my opinion.
I have never seen a western pleasure horse snap both front legs off