What is Horse Racing?
Horse racing is a sport in which humans place bets on the outcome of races between horses. The practice dates back to the early domestication of horses by nomadic tribesmen, and horse racing became an established public sport during the 12th century when English knights returned from the Crusades with Arab horses and began breeding them with European mares. This created the Thoroughbred, a powerful breed with speed and endurance that was suitable for racing. Initially, the nobility placed wagers on horse races; later common people joined in.
Horses are often whipped, tethered with tongue-ties and spurred on by the use of metal devices known as jiggers. These implements can cause pain and long-term distress and are considered illegal by animal welfare laws. Despite these prohibitions, some trainers and jockeys continue to employ these devices as part of their training methods. Other techniques are also used, such as the use of a whip which is designed to break the ankles of a horse or a bridle which causes a great deal of discomfort and pressure on the shoulders of a horse.
Many of the world’s best racehorses have been injured or killed in the course of their careers. The 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Eight Belles died after being pulled from a race, but the true number of horses who die in races or while they are in training is unknown due to a lack of industry transparency and record keeping. Many of the horses who are killed never even make it to a race track and instead end up in the slaughterhouse or are sold into an uncertain future in which they may face extreme conditions and brutality.
Flat racing is the more prevalent form of the sport, and it occurs on tracks that are usually oval in shape. The surface of the track can vary, but it is most often made of turf or dirt, although some tracks are synthetic. There are also a number of jump races in which a horse must negotiate obstacles such as fences. Jump races are popular in Europe and the United States.
The Grand National is the most prestigious jump race in Britain and is one of the most difficult to win, as horses must negotiate 30 fences over a distance of four miles and 1 1/2 furlongs. The race was dominated by the legendary Red Rum during his career, winning the Grand National three times between 1973 and 1977.
The sport of horse racing has a long history and is a popular pastime for both men and women. Although some people like to bet on the results of a race, most just enjoy watching the horses and cheering for their favorite. While the popularity of horse racing is declining, some individuals are trying to improve the quality of life for the horses involved in the sport. Hopefully, someday the industry will evolve its business model and put the best interests of the horses at the forefront.
Horse racing is a sport in which humans place bets on the outcome of races between horses. The practice dates back to the early domestication of horses by nomadic tribesmen, and horse racing became an established public sport during the 12th century when English knights returned from the Crusades with Arab horses and began breeding them with European mares. This created the Thoroughbred, a powerful breed with speed and endurance that was suitable for racing. Initially, the nobility placed wagers on horse races; later common people joined in. Horses are often whipped, tethered with tongue-ties and spurred on by the use of metal devices known as jiggers. These implements can cause pain and long-term distress and are considered illegal by animal welfare laws. Despite these prohibitions, some trainers and jockeys continue to employ these devices as part of their training methods. Other techniques are also used, such as the use of a whip which is designed to break the ankles of a horse or a bridle which causes a great deal of discomfort and pressure on the shoulders of a horse. Many of the world’s best racehorses have been injured or killed in the course of their careers. The 2008 Kentucky Derby winner Eight Belles died after being pulled from a race, but the true number of horses who die in races or while they are in training is unknown due to a lack of industry transparency and record keeping. Many of the horses who are killed never even make it to a race track and instead end up in the slaughterhouse or are sold into an uncertain future in which they may face extreme conditions and brutality. Flat racing is the more prevalent form of the sport, and it occurs on tracks that are usually oval in shape. The surface of the track can vary, but it is most often made of turf or dirt, although some tracks are synthetic. There are also a number of jump races in which a horse must negotiate obstacles such as fences. Jump races are popular in Europe and the United States. The Grand National is the most prestigious jump race in Britain and is one of the most difficult to win, as horses must negotiate 30 fences over a distance of four miles and 1 1/2 furlongs. The race was dominated by the legendary Red Rum during his career, winning the Grand National three times between 1973 and 1977. The sport of horse racing has a long history and is a popular pastime for both men and women. Although some people like to bet on the results of a race, most just enjoy watching the horses and cheering for their favorite. While the popularity of horse racing is declining, some individuals are trying to improve the quality of life for the horses involved in the sport. Hopefully, someday the industry will evolve its business model and put the best interests of the horses at the forefront.