Horse racing: Is it humane?

The whips are felt, they are not for show. Go by a tack store and try one out. Why use it if it is not felt?

I don't particularly like horse racing, but I don't have big issues with it. I would guess there is a fair amount of cheating as in any sport. I would think there is more abuse going on in the horse industry in our own backyard than in the racing world, but I might be wrong.

I completely disagree with fighting animals of any kinds. I consider it uncivilized and irresponsible.

As to whether or not the jockey felt Eight Belles's injury, I don't see how he could just stop on the track without risking injury to the other racers. From what I saw she didn't appear to be in distress until she fell. I don't understand what happened. Hopefully an investigation will shed more light on it.

There is an element in fighting that's different from racing.

(Think track versus "Fight Club".)

When any beings (human or not,athlete or not) are pushed beyond the limits of their health for the amusement of others,it's a return to the era of bread and circuses.

Taking those same beings' natural gifts and honing them with care and training that *improves* their bodies and enhances their God-given abilities is another matter.

Accidents and unforeseen maladies can claim anyone at any time.

That's an unfortunate part of life.

But when the student athelete is destroyed by steroids,a horse is crippled by soring,the greyhound is slain when it can no longer race and the stock car driver gets more attention for going into the wall than for engineering a safer,more efficient car,then we are indulging in bloodsports as unprincipled as cock-fighting,bear-baiting,etc. even without the added seasoning of hate and violence.

I'd even add the fashion shows that require anorexia and the "reality" shows and tabloid programs that feed off of people's tragedies and abasement.

Any time someone else is "thinged" so we can get our kicks is a sin.

Most times,it is also a crime.

It is especially shameful when the ones who suffer most have no choice.

Put it all on a continuum with theft,rape,murder or any other act that puts one person's gratification ahead of another's welfare.

We can have sports that emphasize health,teamwork,and personal excellence and celebrate those who perform.

Anything less doesn't become appropriate when one adds fancy apparel,corporate sponsors or catered parties.

How are chicken and dog-fighting different from horse exhibitions where the horse is abused?

At least,the people who force one beast to slay another figure they need to conceal their behavior from those who object to selfishness and cruelty.

ok after reading these comments again including mine I hope you guys realize I left out the word "Don't" which means it should have read I don't care for horse racing :>( sorry :>(

I could sure go off on a rant about this subject, but I will try to keep it brief.

In my opinion horse racing and most types of horse showing is not humane. My opinion has to do with the age that they begin to use horses to compete. In the show/racing world horses at the age of 2 or at the most 3 are being competed with as if they are finished growing, which they are not. The result is these horses are worn out by the age of 10 and usually much younger than that. A horse will usually have a lifespan of 25-40 years depending on breed and care given.

The above mentioned opinion does not even include the abusive practices used to train or increase performance in show/race horses. How any person could think this is humane is beyond me, but I own my own horses, I start riding them lightly at 4 and slowly build up, do not show or compete and I pretty much go by this saying concerning these matters: "You ride your horse and I'll ride mine".

JMHO,

William