The Abuse of Living Like Kings
Jul 2nd, 2008 by Carolyn Resnick Method
Recently I heard of the unfortunate tragic end of the life and career of Eight Belles. I was struck by the comments of several people interviewed about the event and I realized that I felt absolute outrage at some of these comments.
First, I remember the reporter asking a gentleman about the race and the ethics of horse racing. He said that horses “love racing” and “she (Eight Belles) especially would have given her life to be able to race”. He went on to say that the horses at the track were “treated like Kings and had a great life thanks to the racing industry.”
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Thanks to Liz for her comments and additional infomation regarding the life of race horses. This is definitly an issue that needs attention and action.
Here is a web address for those of you that are interested in learning more about what can be done to protect and help race horses that are not wanted. It was sent to me by Jan Snodgrass.
http://www.alexbrownracing.com
Carolyn
Horse racing is business, and not of horses. It is a business of betting and gambling. If you go to the track most people don’t even watch the horses run. They watch the monitors inside the clubhouse near the betting windows. Sure, some of the grooms, trainers and other back-stretch people do indeed care about the horses as a living thing, but most of tthe racing public and those in the racing business have little to do with the horses or any love for them. There are exceptions of course but I do not believe that a large number of owners and industry officials really care about the horse. They care about their reputations and industry image to some extent and that is where I think anyone wanting to help the horses has to focus their attention.
I like your bullet points Carolyn. These are great goals.
If you have not heard there is a congressional committee investigating the racing industry as a result of the Triple Crown incidences. Personally, as I read all the detailed reports( all over the sports pages of major newspapers and on AOL and other big news websites) about Big Brown’s hoof problems as he was being prepared for the Belmont, I thought what a bunch of idiots—No matter what a shoer told me, I would not race or even ride a horse with hooves in that condition.
There is just too much pressure due to money for people to look at the obvious.
Here is a recent article:
(http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2008/06/059.shtml)
Congressional committee to probe racing
June 13, 2008
A congressional sub-committee with primary jurisdiction over the commercial practices of sports and gambling is lining up the racing industry for investigation.
The subcommittee, an offshoot of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, has written to key industry players and equine experts seeking answers to questions including the durability of thoroughbreds and the use of drugs in the sport.
The use of anabolic steroids remains legal in a majority of racing states in the US.
The Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Sub-Committee, chaired by Bobby Rush, seeks answers to questions, including:
What registration requirements, if any, are imposed on a horse to promote durability and soundness.
What influences on breeding practices are in place, especially in respect of durability and soundness.
How the US position on the use of performance-enhancing drugs compares with other racing jurisdictions.
What progress there has been towards a comprehensive tracking system for thoroughbred injuries.
It is understood the hearing is scheduled for later next week.
Included on the list of witnesses is New Zealand-born veterinarian Dr Wayne McIlwraith, of Colorado State University, who is an expert on equine joints.
I completely agree – this is becoming a “hot button” issue that really should be addressed. Bryant Gumble recently did a piece on the slaugher of race horses that is just apalling to watch. The inhumanity of humans.
The racing industry makes billions of dollars each year. Some of that money should be put aside for the horses welfare – a retirement fund or a sanctuary set up.
And mandates from the racing industry should be enforced – no drugs, racing only mature and well formed horses, and the owners should be forced to hage total accountability for the rehabilitation as well as the other points Carolyn makes.
We should all write letters to our local politicians asking them to put pressure on the racing industry.
Bravo Carolyn!!! Very well put! Hopefully with the knowledge and respect you’ve earned over the years, the racing industry might actually take notice of your opinion and change some of their barbaric practices. Thank you for speaking up!
yes – using others (in this case the horse) to win prices, fame and fortune yourself – can not possibly bring any pure happiness.
It usually brings alot of sadness to the one being used.
Most race horses have their own “cell” where they can walk in their own toilet, iron nailed to their feet, iron on their gums and doping and drugs are other well know methods to score the big prices. Nice prices you can put on your wall and show your friend when they visit. How wonderful is that?
I am still to find “ethical” horse racing and i have looked in quite a few corners of the world.
Stina
Well spoken, and AMEN! to everything you said. At the barn where I board my horse Shiloh, one of the race horses was saved and literally, at the last minute, taken from the trailer that was going to haul him to Canada for the kill. If you’re interested in reading Classic Maverick’s story, it begins at http://talk2theanimals.net/?p=323.
Thanks, Carolyn, for being a spokesperson for the horses.
Harmony,
Janet Roper
Hi Carolyn, Well stated, but how are we, the little and not so rich people, going to stop this abuse????? On another note this article on the plight of the wild horses was sent to me today.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/144279?GT1=43002
…another depressing situation. I don’t have access to your book Naked Liberty at the moment but is Deanne Stillman the advocate you mention in your booK? She is quoted in this article.
I am enjoying your knowledge. Thank you for sharing it!
Janeen
it eats at me that so many people are so mis-educated about their horses. it just hurts so much it’s hard to think about…
I am one of the people who have ended up with an ex racehorse unknowlingly at the time of purchase. He was sold as a young 4 year old ready to bring on. Within 3 weeks of owning Mitch he started to rear on me, bite, attack the other horses, you name it he did it. He was always ready for a retaliation, his eyes changed as if he was challenging me (really scary). That was 3 year ago, I still have Mitch although at times it is really trying especially when he bullies the other horses and I have the owners screaming at me or hitting Mitch if he comes anywhere near them.
I have had animal communicators working with him and the stories would bring tears to your eyes, from being pinned in a stable to being hit with whips and kicked in the stomach until he is winded. This is supposed to be a life of Kings. You decide but in my book these people want prosecuting for their cruelty and the mental scars my horse has is nobodies business.
One good thing is he is responding slowly to Carolyn’s methods it is a long upward hill to climb but I will persevere because despite his faults, I love him.
Bloody well said!