Horse racing

Horse racing is an equestrian sporting activity which has been practiced over the centuries; the chariot races of Roman times were an early example, as was the contest of the steeds of the god Odin and the giant Hrungnir in Norse mythology. It is often inextricably associated with the activity of wagering on the outcome of a race, gambling.

Controversy

During races some jockeys use a crop to hit the horse in the rump to direct their effort and possibly run faster. Based on the most detailed statistical study of whipping ever carried out, critics state that it is actually counterproductive and slows the horse down; becoming distracted and dangerously veer off course. In a sport that is not only highly competitive but relies on high-stakes gambling to sustain itself, some people feel it is unlikely that a practice shown to be a disadvantage would continue. In Norway use of the whip is banned, except for in emergencies. It is also heavily restricted in India, where jockeys are not allowed to use a whip until they have proven they are capable of winning without it. The British Jockey Club responds to criticism of the whip by acknowledging that 'the Jockey Club has long advised riders that more races are lost rather than won through use of the whip'.

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Some 375 in-racing horses die every year in the UK alone. They may die on the course itself, from injuries received in training or be killed by their owners - considered no longer commercially viable. The UK industry breeds three times more horses than enter racing. Many of these horses are used in breeding, sold to hunters who ride horseback, for point-to-pointing (another horse sport), and general recreational riding. Animal Aid, a UK animal rights organization, contends that some of these 'lost' horses are killed to be fed to hunting hounds, used for pet food, or exported for human consumption.

Related Topics:
Point-to-pointing - Animal Aid - Animal rights

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