OUR INDUSTRY
YOUR QUESTIONS
Demystifying common questions about horse racing using science, data, research and expert experience.
COMMON QUESTIONS
By using current scientific research and expert vet advice to give accurate answers to frequently asked questions and worries, we aim to enhance people’s comprehension of horse racing while fostering discussions about how to make welfare practices better.
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Horses, as flight animals, have evolved to run for survival, and racing taps into this natural inclination. Through insights into their behaviour, early conditioning, and evolutionary adaptations, this article highlights how racing aligns with horses' innate abilities and tendencies.
This article discusses the complex world of racehorse aftercare, detailing how retired racehorses are retrained, rehomed, and integrated into therapeutic programs through the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, ensuring these equine athletes lead meaningful lives after racing.
The global trend of horse fatalities from racing is showing a promising decline, thanks to comprehensive data collection and rigorous safety measures, however, a series of high-profile deaths has cast a spotlight on the issue, heightening public concern. Despite the progress indicated by the Equine Injury Database, there is a critical need for the industry to intensify its efforts around racehorse safety.
When horses sustain a broken leg, the decision to euthanize them is complex and based on humane considerations backed by veterinary expertise. Despite advancements in veterinary medicine, not all fractures can be successfully repaired, necessitating difficult decisions regarding euthanasia.
In a challenge to the notion that juvenile racing is harmful, groundbreaking research shows that horses who begin training at two years old can, in fact, be stronger and more durable in the long term. This article explains how horse growth in relation to human development reveals significant differences, particularly in how quickly foals become active and mature compared to human infants and adolescents.
Galloping is a trait honed by millions of years of evolution to ensure horse survival in the wild. This evolutionary fitness, while sometimes misconstrued as a 'flight or fright' response in racing, actually showcases their intelligence and willingness to engage in athletic activities. The racing industry, acknowledging the need for objective measures of equine well-being, is exploring innovative methods and research to assess and enhance the care of horses.
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