At least 112 racehorses died on British racecourses in 6 months in 2024. Horse racing is abusive.

The news today in the sport section of The Times of Monday, November 2024 is as follows (verbatim – I hope that is okay).

Headline: “Three horses die during dark day at Cheltenham”. Racing: Abuffalosoldier, who won the staying handicap chase at Cheltenham yesterday, collapsed and died after the race. He was one of three horses to die on a dark day for the sport. Bangers and Cash died in the same race after being pulled up after halfway. Napper Tandy was fatally injured when falling in the Greatwood Hurdle. A British Horseracing Authority spokesman said: “As with all fatalities, we seek to understand the circumstances behind each incident as we strive to reduce avoidable risk in our sport.”

Comment: Whenever spokespersons are asked to comment to the news media about any incident, they always provide a stock answer that must have been typed out years ago on the advice of the organisation’s legal team. They are meaningless and never address the real issues.

The real issue is that horse racing is unnatural and arguably cruel to horses. Too many die racing and in-between races they are cooped up in stables which can also be stressful.

Here’s some more:

As of mid-2024, at least 112 racehorses have died on British racecourses between January and June, according to Animal Aid. These figures highlight the risks faced by racehorses during competitions, including falls, collisions, and injuries requiring euthanasia. Additional deaths likely occur in training and off-track incidents but are often underreported, obscuring the total fatality count​.

Sources:

• Race Horse Death Watch​
• Animal Aid​
• Race Horse Death Watch.

The question of whether horse racing is cruel is complex and depends on perspectives regarding animal welfare, industry practices, and the treatment of racehorses throughout their lives. Here are key points on both sides:

Arguments Supporting Cruelty Claims:

1. Physical Risks: Racehorses face significant physical dangers. Injuries such as broken legs, tendons, and fatal falls are common, and many horses are euthanized after sustaining injuries.
2. Training and Racing Practices: Critics argue that forcing young horses to compete under intense stress before their bones fully develop leads to long-term harm.
3. Treatment After Racing: Many horses face uncertain futures after their racing careers. Advocacy groups claim that many are sent to slaughterhouses or are neglected once they are no longer profitable.
4. Use of Whips and Equipment: Whip use and restrictive gear are seen by advocates as cruel methods that inflict pain and stress.

Counterarguments Defending the Sport:

1. Regulation and Care: The horse racing industry often emphasizes its regulations to ensure animal welfare, including veterinary care and guidelines for humane treatment.
2. Life Quality: Proponents argue that racehorses live in good conditions, receiving excellent diets, exercise, and medical attention compared to many other animals.
3. Economic and Cultural Value: Horse racing is a significant part of many cultures and economies, providing jobs and maintaining equine breeds.

Context and Reform:

While the industry has made efforts to improve animal welfare, such as reducing whip use and enhancing safety measures on tracks, critics believe these changes are insufficient. Advocacy groups continue to push for more transparency and stronger welfare laws, while some call for the abolition of horse racing altogether.

Ultimately, whether horse racing is considered cruel depends on personal values regarding animal rights versus human cultural and economic practices.

Question: “Is the stabling of race horses between races tough on them?” Yes, both the isolation and intense physical demands associated with horse racing are often considered unnatural for racehorses. Here’s an overview:

Isolation in Stables

• Social Animals: Horses are naturally social animals that thrive in herds, where they rely on social bonds for safety and well-being. Prolonged isolation in stables can lead to behavioral problems, including stereotypic behaviors such as crib-biting, weaving, and stall-walking, which are indicative of stress and frustration.
• Limited Freedom of Movement: Racehorses spend much of their day confined to stalls with limited turnout, restricting their ability to roam and graze, which are essential natural behaviors.

Racing and Physical Demands

• Unnatural Speeds and Distances: While horses are capable of running, the speeds and distances they are pushed to in races are not typical of their natural behavior. This can result in extreme physical strain, leading to injuries such as fractures and tendon damage.
• Young Age: Many horses begin training and racing at a young age, often before their skeletal systems are fully developed, increasing the risk of long-term health issues.

Welfare Concerns

Critics argue that the combination of isolation and sudden, intense physical exertion leads to both physical and mental stress. Industry proponents counter that horses are bred for racing and receive extensive care, but welfare advocates highlight that these conditions do not align with horses’ natural behaviors or needs.

Addressing these concerns would require significant changes in stable management and racing practices, including more opportunities for social interaction and natural movement, as well as reconsideration of training and racing schedules.

More: Horses

Note: most of this page was written by AI! That’s the way it is these days because it is not worth my time to write it myself.