Horse racing is a sport steeped in traditions. From the ceremonial pageantry of marquee events like Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby to the thrill of a bet, the sport attracts millions of fans around the world who are united in their love for horses and their excitement for the race. But behind the glitz and glamour, animal welfare is an issue that’s increasingly important for horse racing. From improving track conditions to advancing veterinary care, horse races are working to protect the stars of the show – the horses themselves.
Horses must learn to channel their energy effectively throughout a long race. This means they must be trained to change leads (running on the right side of their body during straightaways and the left in turns) while avoiding exhaustion. In addition, horses can be prone to injury during a race, as they are often forced into a fast start and must jump hurdles or fences at high speed.
While moving swiftly comes naturally to these prey animals, it’s not something they want to do. In the wild, they prefer to run as a herd and keep their distance from danger.
As a result, many of them are injured when they’re trained to run in races. The number of horses that die during a race can be staggering. In Britain alone, approximately 200 horses die on the course each year. Their heart rates can rise tenfold during a race, and overexertion causes them to collapse and die.
Despite these tragedies, horse racing remains a popular sport with a long tradition of elegance and spectacle. But if we’re truly going to have an honest conversation about horse racing, we must address the issue of animal welfare. Until then, we encourage you to boycott this exploitative industry that treats horses as disposable property instead of as willing athletes.
Horse racing is a sport that is often referred to as a “fancy hat event.” The attire at major events like the Kentucky Derby and Royal Ascot is a spectacle in itself, with spectators dressed in elaborate hats and elegant dresses. And while horse racing has made improvements in veterinary care and track conditions, it is still a dangerous sport for the animals who participate in it.
The majority of horse races are conducted on a flat surface and can take place over distances ranging from half a mile to two miles. A race’s distance is determined by the length of the track and whether it has one or more turns. In some races, a fixed weight must be carried by each horse for fairness. The scale of weights is based on factors such as age, race, and sex. Typically, shorter races are referred to as sprints while longer races are called routes in the United States and staying races in Europe. Regardless of the distance, both types of races require rapid acceleration and stamina to win.