Comments on: PETA wants jockey of euthanized horse suspended, horse racing to be safer

By: Sports Business Digest | Toe Nail Fungus

Sports Business Digest | Toe Nail Fungus — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:59:45 +0000

[...] Sports Business Digest Posted by root 19 minutes ago (http://sportsbusinessdigest.com) Andrea comment is the second one i have read this evening from a supporter of as a horse lover and owner i have to admit that 8 bell death on the track struck me powered by wordpress designed by woo themes Discuss | Bury | News | Sports Business Digest [...]

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:45:57 +0000

As a horse lover and owner I have to admit that 8 Bell’s death on the track struck me harder than most. One of my show horses is a mare and we enjoy taking the fight to the boys and beating them at their own game. Taking a more proactive approach my wife and I went to a kill-lot and bought a broken down race horse slated to be sent to Mexico the next day to be ground into dog food. He loaded into the trailer like an old pro and got off just as easy. He appeared so well adjusted that we saddled him up and took him on a trail ride with our championship winning show horses. Rock solid, and sound he held his own against seasoned vets. He’ll back-up and even turn right so he’s received more than the standard training. He’s about 150 pounds under weight, and in less than a week’s time he’s looking like a whole new horse. The sheen has returned to his coat, and there is a warm glow in his eye. I would like to think that perhaps the spirit of 8 bells lives in his renewed soul. There needs to be more support for horse rescues, and those that support these athletes that have given their all.

By: emmettjones

emmettjones — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:33:30 +0000

Great comments everyone. Andrea’s comment about horses running at a later age is something that seems like it should be implemented…horses that are older with stronger bodies would seemingly prevent some of these injuries. I can’t help but agree with SA’s comments as well. I’m not really sure why horse racing exists at all, especially when it seems to be waning in popularity and the horses at times are put at unnecessary risk. Finally, Callie’s comment is great. I was initially worried that all PETA supporters had “gone off the deep end on this one”. Going after the jockey was not the right move, as he did nothing that was out of the ordinary for the sport. Checking with the trainer and the owner and doctors to make sure there was no neglect…PETA should be focusing their energies on that cause.

By: Callie

Callie — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:59:18 +0000

I agree with both comments. I am an avid animal lover, member of PETA and understand the opinion that horse racing is “bad”. However, I am concerned with the public’s reaction and blame of the jockey. He whipped his mare, but no harder than normal for the industry. I would be more interested to find out if her trainer, owner or veteranarian were aware of any injuries that should have prevented her from running. That she broke both front legs is so unusual it can’t be a fluke and is certainly not from being whipped to go faster, but rather very likely the result of negligence from behind the scenes. It is tragic, I can’t even bring myself to watch it, however…I am not a supporter of the racing industry, I can’t bear to see the animals get hurt. But we should not point fingers at jockeys(in most cases) or call for the end of the sport. Instead, we need to focus on more rigid health and soundness standards for horses and older racing ages.

By: sportsattitude

sportsattitude — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:52:04 +0000

Andrea’s comment is the second one I have read this evening from a supporter of horse racing who obviously is an animal lover as well. I have to admit I have been pretty solid in my lack of support for horse racing and have always been surprised there have not been more calls to not just make it safer, but abolish it. After the situation this weekend, combined with Barbaro’s suffering, I think horse racing is at a real crossroads here. I still would prefer it didn’t exist, but when I read comments like Andrea’s I do try to find a way to justify it continuing in a radically modified manner. I guess I just don’t buy the theory these horses want to do this or are born to do this. But it is nice to hear from those who care for animals, regardless of how I feel about this industry.

By: Andrea Michna

Andrea Michna — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:03:59 +0000

I have been a fan of horse racing for over 40 years and have bought many retired thoroughbreds. The racehorse is treated like a king or queen. They get the best care, the best food, people who love them and when they retire after a short racing career, they usually go to loving homes. Unfortunately, there is a risk in every sport, whether it be basketball, hockey, football or horse racing. However, I would like to see some changes made in the sport. Less whipping, waiting to run horses at a later stage in their career when their bones are more settled. Man O’ War, one of the greatest racehorses of all time, was not run in the Derby because his trainer felt it was too early in the year for him. And he was built much stronger than today’s thoroughbred. I would also like to see some stronger blood introduced into the thoroughbred line but I think it would be difficult to do that seeing their lineage goes back hundreds of years. But things could be changed. Many people may not have noted that Michael Matz’s horse (Barbaro’s trainer) broke down on the track on Friday from the same injury that Barbaro suffered. I do not know if he was euthanized. So the best I can hope is that the sport of horse racing goes through some changes for the benefit of the horse. These horses truly do love to run as they have so much heart.