The Killing of Horses in the Horseracing Industry: A Hidden Crisis
Wherever there is any form of horseracing, be it jump races or flat races, professional or amateur, popular or rare, horses die or are killed.?
These racehorses, which can weigh more than 1,000 pounds, are built with powerful bodies that allow them to run at incredible speeds. However, their legs, which are supported by ankles no larger than a human's, are not designed to withstand the tremendous stress placed on them. Despite their physical limitations, these majestic creatures are forced to race at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour, often while carrying jockeys on their backs. They are subjected to grueling training, harsh conditions, and the pressure to perform, all in the pursuit of monetary gain in an industry valued in the billions. Unfortunately, these horses often fall victim to a system rife with systemic issues, including widespread drug abuse, injuries, and race-fixing scandals. As a result, many horses see their careers come to a tragic end, not in retirement or peaceful rest, but in slaughterhouses where their lives are abruptly taken. The lives of these animals, who are exploited for entertainment, ultimately reflect the darker, often ignored side of the racing world.
The Transient Lives of Racehorses on the Road
Racehorses live lives defined by constant travel, moving from one racetrack to another, often crossing state lines and even international borders. Their journey is relentless, with few opportunities to settle in one place and call it "home." The majority of these horses don’t find themselves in the spotlight of well-publicized, high-profile races, but instead, they are frequently transported by truck, plane, or ship to countless lesser-known races that take place across the country year-round. These horses are shipped off to various locations, sometimes traveling long distances, without the chance to form lasting bonds with a single environment. Each race is another stop on a never-ending circuit, filled with grueling schedules and constant pressure to perform. This constant movement takes a heavy toll on their physical and emotional well-being, as they are pushed to their limits in a fast-paced and demanding industry. The transient nature of their lives highlights the hidden struggles that many racehorses face, far removed from the glamorous races that capture the public’s attention.
Injury, Exploitation, and the Fate of Young Horses
In the horse racing industry, many horses begin their training or racing careers while their bones are still growing, making them highly susceptible to injuries from the intense physical demands of running at high speeds on hard tracks. Despite advancements in veterinary care, approximately 700 to 800 racehorses suffer injuries or die each year, with an average of two breakdowns occurring for every 1,000 starts. Injuries such as strained tendons or hairline fractures can often go unnoticed until they worsen, leading to more serious, irreversible damage. Surgery is particularly risky for horses, as they tend to react poorly to anesthesia and may cause additional harm by resisting casts or slings. As a result, many horses are euthanized to spare owners the cost of continued treatment for animals that can no longer race.
Additionally, the industry pressures young horses to run at speeds beyond their capability during "breezes"—exercises where two-year-old horses are pushed to run at faster paces than they would in actual races. These exercises, often driven by the desire to sell the horses to buyers, increase the risk of injury.
Drugs and Deception
In the high-stakes world of horse racing, many racehorses are subjected to dangerous and unethical practices, including the regular use of drugs, as trainers and veterinarians try to keep horses performing at peak levels despite their injuries or fatigue. These drugs are often administered to help horses push through pain or to enhance their performance, even when the animals should be given rest. The pressure to win races and the enormous financial rewards associated with victory drive many in the industry to take extreme measures.
For many horses, this means becoming addicted to substances that mask pain, dull their senses, or artificially improve their speed. The drugs can include painkillers, stimulants, and other substances that not only violate the integrity of the sport but also endanger the health and well-being of the horses. This practice is rampant across the racing world, with a disturbing number of trainers and veterinarians providing substances that are either harmful or illegal to keep horses running, even when they should be resting and recovering.
“There are trainers pumping horses full of illegal drugs every day,” says a former public relations director for Churchill Downs. “With so much money on the line, people will do anything to make their horses run faster.” This stark reality highlights the immense pressure placed on horses, who are often treated more like commodities than living beings, valued only for their ability to win races. The prevalence of drug abuse in the industry is not only a breach of ethical standards but also a risk to the horses’ long-term health, as the consequences of these drugs can lead to chronic conditions, permanent injuries, and even death.
Beyond the physical toll on the horses, these drugs also raise serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of the sport itself. The use of performance-enhancing drugs creates an uneven playing field, where victory is not determined solely by the horse’s natural ability or the skill of the jockey, but by the manipulative use of substances that give certain horses an unfair advantage. This not only undermines the credibility of horse racing but also contributes to the ongoing abuse and exploitation of these animals.
In the pursuit of fame, fortune, and victory, the use of drugs has become a norm rather than an exception in the horse racing industry. As a result, racehorses are often pushed beyond their physical limits, leading to a cycle of addiction, injury, and premature death, all for the sake of profit and glory.
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The Dark Reality of Horse Slaughter and Exportation
In the United States, while there are currently no equine slaughterhouses in operation, legislative actions have made it possible for horse slaughter to resume if the right facilities open. This decision could potentially bring back horse slaughter in the U.S., a practice that had previously been halted.
South Korea has emerged as a major player in the international horse racing scene, aggressively importing and breeding American racehorses in an effort to improve the quality of its own races. South Korea’s horse racing industry is massive, with South Koreans betting approximately $8 billion annually on races.
Although more than 1,600 horses are "retired" annually from Korean racing, only about 3% of them find a new life at other equestrian facilities. The remaining horses are often sent directly to slaughterhouses, primarily the Nonghyup abattoir on Jeju Island, where horsemeat restaurants are common.
The journey for horses sent to slaughter is harrowing. These animals endure grueling, often inhumane transportation to slaughterhouses, typically enduring days in overcrowded, unsanitary trailers with little to no access to food or water. Injuries are frequent due to the cramped conditions. Once at the slaughterhouses, horses are subjected to the same methods of slaughter as cattle. However, horses, unlike cattle, are not accustomed to being herded or confined in such settings. As a result, they tend to panic, thrashing violently to avoid the pneumatic gun designed to render them unconscious before they are slaughtered. This frantic struggle often leads to unnecessary suffering, highlighting the inherent cruelty of the entire process.
The treatment of horses in the racing and meat industries is a tragic example of the exploitation and abuse these animals face. While the desire for entertainment and profit fuels the racing industry, it is the horses who bear the brunt of this system, often leading lives of suffering, injury, and, ultimately, premature death. The exportation of horses for slaughter is a grim reality that continues to plague the industry, with little regard for the well-being of the animals involved.
Horseracing should be abolished everywhere in the world.
What You Can Do
Take action to end the cruelty in the horse racing industry by advocating for the reform and enforcement of racing regulations. Stand against the creation of new racetracks and promote policies that prioritize the welfare of racehorses. You can also help raise awareness by educating your friends, family, and community about the harsh realities that racehorses face, from the risks they endure on the track to their often tragic fate after their racing careers end. Supporting organizations that fight for the rights of these animals and encouraging others to do the same can make a difference in ending the exploitation and abuse in this industry.