Day: July 10, 2024

A horse race is a contest of speed between horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and their drivers. It is a form of entertainment that has fascinated mankind for thousands of years and has become an integral part of many cultures. A race can be held on a flat or jump course, and is governed by strict rules and regulations to ensure safety and fairness. It is not uncommon to have a race with 100 or more runners. Horse races are often referred to as “the greatest spectacle in sport,” but they also represent an enormously cruel and abusive industry for the animals that are forced to participate. Despite their unnatural training, confined spaces and constant exercise, racehorses can suffer terribly. They may be subjected to a number of injuries and ailments including fractures, ripped muscles, broken bones and lacerations, as well as mental distress. The suffering can also manifest in compulsive behavior such as cribbing, pacing, biting, and self-harm. The suffering that racehorses endure is unrelenting, and many die from cardiovascular collapse or other causes while still in their adolescence. While some horse racing is regulated and has safeguards in place to protect the health of its animals, the vast majority of the sport is not. The National Steeplechase, for example, requires a horse to run four and a quarter miles, which is an extraordinarily long distance for any animal, and even more so for a horse that has never been tested at this level. These races are not only dangerous for the equines, but also for the jockeys who try to ride them. The AVMA has condemned these unsanctioned, informal horse races as a threat to animal welfare. Moreover, they can be dangerous to spectators as well, since these unregulated tracks often do not have proper fencing and are often located in or near areas where illegal drugs and abuse occur. The AVMA has long advocated for the development of safer, more humane racing, such as a standardized racetrack and the introduction of padded shoes to reduce the force of impact. It has also supported efforts to eliminate the use of whips, a practice that is known to cause severe and permanent damage to horses. In addition, the AVMA has supported efforts to end the practice of allowing jockeys to use illegal drugs, which are known to be toxic and dangerous for horses. The AVMA also supports the establishment of a national registry to prevent horsemen from selling or trading horses that have been convicted of criminal violations. These enforceable standards will help to ensure the continued health and welfare of the nation’s equines.