As far as I can remember, I have always been strongly drawn to horses, just like a moth to a flame. It seems that this deep passion can be found directly in my blood. Maybe I have inherited some kind of a genomic proclivity toward the equine species. As a future veterinarian, it’s indisputable that my love and respect of horses and all living creatures, explain my revulsion and hatred toward animal cruelty, whether it be neglect or intentional. It is a dishonour that millions of animals, placed at high risk of injury, suffering or distress, are used merely for our own entertainment. Horse racing, one of the world’s oldest sport, was once rightfully designated as the “sport of kings”. It once showcased the majestic beauty, supreme power and
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From athletic potential to bloodlines and conformation to temperament, there are various aspects on which breeders can influence. It is needless to say that Thoroughbred horses are born to race and built for speed. Based on this evidence, there a common belief that acute injuries and death are rare among the horse racing industry. However, it is a myth. The truth is that the thousand pound Thoroughbreds are powerful, yet fragile. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), it is estimated that in North America, at least three Thoroughbreds die every day because of disastrous injuries only during races. Indeed, Thoroughbreds that participate in high stake races such as the Triple Crown, start racing when they are only two years old. At this point, as stated by the animal rights organization, theses yearlings are still considered physically immature since their skeletal and muscle systems are not yet fully developed. As a result, their bodies are not prepared to endure and withstand the physical pressure of racing at high speeds. Even in other disciplines, such as show jumping, warmbloods are not even ridden until they are a least five years old. As stated by PETA, Racing at such a young age therefore increases the chances of ligament damage, fractures of the pelvis, the neck or the back, bowed tendons, EIPH (Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhaging) or spinal injuries that often lead to death. Strains or even some types of fractures can be quite difficult to diagnose by veterinarians, which means that injuries once considered minor can become irreversible after another race or training session. Since during races the animals are pushed at the maximum of their capacity, even the older horses who were trained for a longer period of time are placed at high risk of
From athletic potential to bloodlines and conformation to temperament, there are various aspects on which breeders can influence. It is needless to say that Thoroughbred horses are born to race and built for speed. Based on this evidence, there a common belief that acute injuries and death are rare among the horse racing industry. However, it is a myth. The truth is that the thousand pound Thoroughbreds are powerful, yet fragile. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), it is estimated that in North America, at least three Thoroughbreds die every day because of disastrous injuries only during races. Indeed, Thoroughbreds that participate in high stake races such as the Triple Crown, start racing when they are only two years old. At this point, as stated by the animal rights organization, theses yearlings are still considered physically immature since their skeletal and muscle systems are not yet fully developed. As a result, their bodies are not prepared to endure and withstand the physical pressure of racing at high speeds. Even in other disciplines, such as show jumping, warmbloods are not even ridden until they are a least five years old. As stated by PETA, Racing at such a young age therefore increases the chances of ligament damage, fractures of the pelvis, the neck or the back, bowed tendons, EIPH (Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhaging) or spinal injuries that often lead to death. Strains or even some types of fractures can be quite difficult to diagnose by veterinarians, which means that injuries once considered minor can become irreversible after another race or training session. Since during races the animals are pushed at the maximum of their capacity, even the older horses who were trained for a longer period of time are placed at high risk of