I have long believed that the only way we will ever see an end to the tragedies like the ones which happened to Barbaro, Ruffian, etc., is to completely restructure the sport of racing and the breeding industry that supports it. I would like to know what others think on this subject.
2007-03-22 06:34:20 · 6 answers · asked by Starlight 1 7 in Sports ➔ Horse Racing
The industry didn't have anything to do with Barbaro or Ruffian's death.
I wish there were more caring owners out there. I think the main problem with the sport is so many people are only out there for the money. So many don't care about the horses, they are just a way to make money. They don't realize that they are living, breathing animals with "feelings". That is the part that is flawed in the industry.
I heard or read about Barbaro's owners, and that they were going to continue on as long as he wasn't suffering, regardless of whether he could breed or not. I think there should be more owners like that. It would be a completely different sport!
I also hate the excessive use of whips, and that the horses are just so young! In any other sport, like jumping, the horses aren't fully trained until they are like 7 years old! Part of this is that they aren't fully developed until over 5, their bones haven't fully matured yet. But yet, 2 year olds are racing, putting all that stress on their bones and joints, it's a wonder not more horses break down like Barbaro or Ruffian.
I also think there should be more agencies that take the off track Thoroughbreds and get them good homes where they are with experienced riders and will be loved for the rest of their lives. I hate the whole auction scene. There are too many bad people out there. I know if I had the time, I would get a ex-racer.
I don't think very many racehorse owners/trainers/jockeys can really call themselves horse lovers. It's sad. I feel the competitor's in other sports like three day eventing actually care about their horses, and although money is involved, their true passion is the horses.
2007-03-22 07:03:04 · answer #1 · answered by jeepgirl0385 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think for us to really see ANY results we need to start in the breeding sheds. Breeders need to get over the "need for speed" and back to the basics! STAMINA AND SOUNDNESS. I shudder when I look at some pedigrees these days... it's all speed speed and more speed. Well, to get that speed our horses are smaller and finer boned... hence a lot more injuries.
I do like the fact that a lot of tracks are going to Polytrack or Tapeta. Look at the ages of the top Turf horses, they all tend to stay around a lot longer than strictly dirt horses.
2007-03-22 09:31:28 · answer #2 · answered by go4gin1994 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not as much as the Tennessee Walking Horse industry needs it. Read up on "soring" and you'll see why. Some deny that the abuse is happening, but I have personally witnessed it take place, and the problem is widespread throughout the industry.
2007-03-22 08:27:57 · answer #3 · answered by Souris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will never be changed that horses run a strenuous 3 year old schedule thru the 'classic' triple crown series... and if you think youre going to get breeding to turn from speed to stamina youre pretty much nuts...horses break down,it happens, always has, always will...
2007-03-22 15:37:29 · answer #4 · answered by doingitright44 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the industry is fine..
The industry had nothing to do with Barbaro's accident...
2007-03-22 06:43:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't like horse racing at all really. but if they redid it right it might be ok.
peace
2007-03-22 06:45:26 · answer #6 · answered by Shadow Lark 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋