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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