Horse Racing: Why There Should Be Reforms
Horse racing has come under intense criticism. When Barbaro succumbed to leg injuries on the racetrack and had to be euthanized two years later, many began to question the ethics of the sport. When Eight Belles had to be euthanized on the racetrack for a condylar fracture, more intense criticism ensued. While we, enthusiasts of the "Sport of Kings" try to convince critics that these are not a reflection of the typical day at the races, it is time that we consider reforms to improve the quality of the sport:
First off, the use of drugs or any form of performance-enhancing medication ought to be reviewed carefully and stopped. Using diuretics to prevent Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH), which is a common condition among Thoroughbreds due to the strenuous nature of horse racing, ought to be regulated such that these are banned on the race day itself and perhaps up to a month before the actual event. Other racetracks in the world banned medication and their horses are racing very well. It is about time American Thoroughbred racing follows suit.
Closely related to the first one is the use of anti-inflammatory medication like Bute to mask the pain an injured horse feels so it can still run at the races. When a horse is injured or is otherwise unfit to race, it should be allowed to rest and recover.
With the banning of medications, we are ultimately paving the way for the breeding of sturdier racehorses. The industry's dependence on these drugs have kept on producing fast but less sturdy racehorses whose careers span less than ten years.
Another area of reform that should be studied is the banning of whips in racehorses. Steps have been taken in England, another country where horse racing is extremely popular, to implement this. While studies have to be done on the alternatives for whips or if racing can be done successfully without it, it's definitely going to be a step worth taking. This way, the real ability of horses are showcased, even if they are not ridded too hard with whips.
|