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Horse Racing

Racing

Types

“Flat” racing has been around since horses were domesticated. Harness or chariot races soon followed

Was popular in Greece and Rome and then became “the sport of kings” in Britain.

Now an Olympic sport including Dressage, Jumping - Steeplechase, Cross Country, and Show Jumping

Western events include Barrel Racing, Cross Country, “bronc riding”, and carting.

Career

Don’t saddle until after 2 but not finished growing until age 6

Training starts around 3

Most horses start racing and peak around 4-5

Depending on injuries can race 4-6 years

Oldest 19 years

“Low use” horses/Pasture Pets can live well into their 30’s

Horses

Breeds

Mostly Thoroughbreds which is due to British aristocracy

Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, and Arabians are also used for “flat racing”

Other types of racing use anything from ponies to mustangs

Horse Anatomy

Breeding Damage

Owners want “lighter” horses

Facial features are now causing brain damage

Legs too weak and brittle

Most is now done through AI

Jockey Club does not allow AI or Embryo Transfer to protect studs

Injuries

Can we fix them?

All accredited race tracks have veterinary staff

There is a lot of research being done to save these injured horses - to date only one has been successful

Laminitis is usually the deciding factor

Quality of life

“Retirement”

Successful racehorses are put to stud/breed

Euthanized horses cannot go to slaughter

Second careers

Slaughtered for meat

Horse is not a USDA/FDA approved meat in the US due to medications and vaccinations given during their lifetime

Rescues