What doDog Enthusiasts think of Horse Racing.?
I’m sorry, I know this is a bit off-topic for the dog’s section. But after refusing to watch horse racing for the last five years, I finally decided to sit down with my husband for the Kentucky Derby this evening.
I immediately picked out Eight Bells, the only filly, and rooted her on, standing and cheering ‘the girl’ as she finished second behind the favorite (Big Brown).
Seconds later, Eight Bells was down, and minutes later, she was dead.
THIS is why I don’t watch racing. I can’t stand to see these beautiful but fragile animals pushed to these limits. What happened today is just too frequent an occurance. I was angry at mysefl for watching, and deeply saddened (crying) for the filly. I had to poor myself a drink.
I will never, ever, watch or support horse racing in any way, shape, or form again.
I’d just like to know what you other dog enthusiasts feel about the sport. ?.
Add: I don’t want this to be about whether the horses are properly cared for or not. I’m sure that just like dog owners, some give better care than others, and yes some are abusive/neglectful.
But that’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about the SPORT which runs such a high risk of CATASTROPHIC injury.
I have working dogs and yes, there is always a risk of injury…..but RARE is the injury a trip to the vet and a few weeks R&R won’t fix.
I personally have to much emotion vested in my animals, and just can’t imagine risking their lives for sport.
I won’t continue…as I know this is off topic for the dogs section.
I just know a lot of dog people are ‘horse people’ too, and wanted to know what they think.
Thanks for your comments.
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July 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
I am a show jumper and I watch the Big horse races for the sheer beauty of the animals, it’s no better than dog racing when they don’t win they end up half starved waiting in a holding area to go to slaughter or if their lucky some one will buy them, we got some wonderful horses off the track that were great jumpers when they got to the right age, they race these horses way to young, then if they win they will have a nice long life of breeding and more money, a horses bones are fragile until they are fully matured around seven or eight, you will not see a great show horse at the age these horses race, my horse, off the track could take a 5 ft fence without touching it at 17 yrs, she could probably do better, but I couldn’t. What happens to these magnificent animals is racing’s dirty little secret, just like the greyhound, but they have been exposed and we have the Greyhound Adoption Programs I’m a proud member of th NGAP and have adopted 2 greys, that I love to death along with my adopted Lab. I’m with you, but big money will win, and there is Big money involved, and even if a horse dies from an unknown illness the owner is well compensated, they are insured & sorry to say also in the jumping area, there was a big expose’ a number of years ago, with some very respected show jumpers involved, only time a rider was ever booed at the Devon horse show
July 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Animals do what they are trained to do by their owners. When it comes to pain they go and go until they can’t anymore because it’s what they are taught and it’s what makes their owners happy, ignoring how they feel untill they know or feel they have made the owner proud. Horse racing just like dog fighting should be against the law!! People go to those things to bet….god damn….you need money that bad get a J O B!! Don’t put an animals life on the line for your sick version of entertainment!!
July 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
I have no problems with it. I’ve grown up with horseracing. I do know that the owners take great care of the animals and they love to run. However, accidents do happen. Just like how women are more prone to knee injuries due to how our bodies are constructed, so are these horses.
I also used to watch and support dog racing, but since I found out what they sometimes do "behind the scenes" I can’t really favor it anymore.
ADDITION: Again, accidents do happen. Just like how women are more prone to knee injuries due to how our bodies are constructed, so are these horses.
It’s unfortunate, but it is not common (it doesn’t happen every day every race). Horses get worn out, and their bodies are constructed in such a way that they are prone to these types of injuries. They have a lot of weight put on very thin and small ankles and legs. It’s just a defect in the way they are built and constructed.
July 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
I’m indifferent, really.
Most of these animals are very well taken-care-of.
BUT– there are some snakes in the grass that are cruel; same with dog shows, dog racing, etc.
PeTA makes EVERYTHING look bad! They want complete animal liberation; that means no pets. At all. They also want to outlaw dog shows! WTF!? I absolutely HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE PeTA, with a big fat VENGEANCE!
July 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
I have no problem with horse racing. I have problems with the grime that comes with it. Putting the animals on steroids and pain killers to push them .3 seconds faster. Horses run, they’re designed to run. Have you ever seen a healthy horse in pasture fall over dead after running? I visited a friend in Colorado who had wild horses on his property, I personally saw them sprint for what was at least 4 or 5 miles in flat open ground, youngsters and all. None of them fell out. I think all of them are on performance enhancing drugs and pain killers, that I don’t like.
-edit- Also I don’t like how horses who don’t cut the grade are treated, same as dog racing. They should all be adopted out, not put down. And what’s with whipping the horses? Never liked that…
July 6th, 2010 at 9:35 am
I enjoy it ! I don’t care for someone giving a lame or sore horse bute so they can possibly pick up a check. Race horses in general get the best of everything… vet care, feed, ect. Anytime a horse is raced injuries can & sometime occur. I’m in avid barrel racer, also taking the chance of injuring my horses & myself everytime I run. A few of my horse are 2nd career race horses.