A horse race is a competition in which a number of horses run over a fixed course, jumping every hurdle (if present). The first three finishers are awarded prize money, ranging from a small amount to thousands of dollars. The sport of horse racing has been around for centuries and has made a deep impression on our culture and history. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or not, it is hard to deny that horse races are an exciting and engaging experience.
The most popular horse breeds used for racing are Thoroughbreds, which are genetically engineered to run fast and have great endurance. They are also known for their beauty and temperament, which makes them well suited to the sports of racing and jumping. Thoroughbreds can weigh up to twelve hundred pounds and are prone to a variety of injuries, including fractures and dislocations. Because of the physical demands of the sport, horse trainers use a variety of tools and techniques to keep their horses healthy. These include veterinary care, proper diet, exercise, and rest. The trainers may also use supplements, such as vitamins, to enhance the performance of their horses.
In addition to these physical requirements, horse racing is a highly competitive sport. Many horses are injured and killed in the course of a single race, and those that do make it to the finish line often suffer from a variety of ailments. One of the most notorious examples is Eight Belles, who was fatally injured in a 2008 Kentucky Derby race. Eight Belles was a beautiful filly with a promising career ahead of her, but she succumbed to the enormous stress and trauma of what she was born to do. She was not alone, and countless other horses have died from the strain of this cruel and outdated form of entertainment.
A race is governed by a set of rules, which differ between national organizations. However, most of the rules are based on the original rulebook established by the British Horseracing Authority. These rules govern everything from the starting gate to the photo finish. During the race, stewards and patrol judges watch the horses for rule violations. A photograph of the finish is taken with a special camera and examined by stewards to determine who crossed the finish line first. If no decision can be made, a dead heat is declared.
A video released by PETA last month has revealed alleged instances of cruelty at two world-class thoroughbred race tracks in America. PETA is accusing trainers Steve Asmussen and Scott Blasi of using painful training methods on their horses. The images are shocking, but they are not surprising to anyone who has followed the sport of horse racing for any length of time. The abuse of these equine athletes is both systemic and baked into the business model of the sport. But this doesn’t mean that horse racing can’t change. The truth is that the change needs to start with the people in charge of the industry.
