A horse race is a contest of speed among horses, usually ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies and driven by drivers. The sport is popular worldwide, but the United States has historically led the way in popularity and earnings. In recent years, however, rising awareness of the cruel treatment of horses has caused the industry to lose fans and revenue and to see an overall decline in race days and entries. Animal rights activists continue to press for reform and even the outright ban of horse racing.
The first modern race was a one-mile dash, in which each competitor tried to outrun his or her opponents. A few yards at a time became crucial, and it was up to the rider to coax extra speed from the mount. Most of the modern breeds were developed for racing, and they are often bred to run fast enough to outrun their rivals by a nose or two. Injuries are not uncommon, and one of every 22 races ends in a fatal injury. Those who are not killed by broken bones or heart failure, may suffer from the traumatic head trauma that can lead to pulmonary hemorrhage (bleeding out of the lungs), fractured bones, shattered legs, or ripped spinal ligaments.
In order to maximize their chances of winning, race horses are frequently pumped full of cocktails of legal and illegal drugs. These substances mask injuries and artificially enhance performance. Most horses are pushed far beyond their limits, and this causes them to bleed from the lungs, a condition known as exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). This is the main cause of death for many racehorses, and it can be easily prevented by using a medication called Lasix.
Besides these medications, most racehorses are fed an array of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in order to boost their health and stamina. Acupuncture is also used, a technique that involves placing needles in specific points on the body in an attempt to realign energy. The ancient practice of moxibustion, which involves applying heat to certain areas, is also sometimes employed.
Despite these efforts, the fact remains that most of the breeds are born to run and are unable to live peacefully without the stress and danger of competition. As the public becomes more aware of this dark side, horse racing is losing fans and revenue, and will continue to see its numbers shrink. This has not gone unnoticed by the government, which has taken steps to regulate and control the industry. Until the day when horses can race in peace, and not be subjected to a system of abuse that includes breeding to be a racehorse, drugging and starving them to push them to the limit and then destroying them at the end, this cruel sport will continue to lose followers. And with that, the livelihood of the people who depend on it will be in jeopardy as well.