Four more horses die in the name of ‘sport’

foxie48

Actually a bigger problem generally is that too many horses are overfed and under worked, hence there's a huge welfare problem because horses and ponies are obese. Obesity in horses causes laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome as well as causing issues with lameness. Add to that the number of riders who are obese and far too heavy for their riders and it's easy to see the problem, often literally!

That last part is a real bugbear of mine. I would love to be able to carry on riding, but I gave it up several years ago because of my weight. I frequently see horses with riders who are far too heavy for them - especially abroad, which often makes it worse because of the heat.

Agree ViceVersa, the idea of these obese tourists expecting donkeys to carry them up steps because they’re too unfit to make the climb themselves makes me so angry

Iam64

Agree ViceVersa, the idea of these obese tourists expecting donkeys to carry them up steps because they’re too unfit to make the climb themselves makes me so angry

That really makes me angry 🤬🤬🤬

Lathyrus3

That’s not my argument. I’ve said from the start that I’m not in favour of breeding horses for racing.

What I’m asking for is honesty in accepting what a ban on horse racing will entail.

For posters, who think that the horses can be turned out to pasture to live simple horse lives, to accept that won’t be possible, both in terms of resources needed and in terms of what a horse needs to live a healthy life. That to do that would be another form of animal cruelty. Perhaps just to say Oh I didn’t know. I thought that was what we could do.

To acknowledge that a ban will inevitably mean death for many horses, but that they would still go forward with a ban because they believe the long term gains would be worth that. To take that responsibility.

For them not to wilfully deceive themselves because the consequences do not fit their comfortable vision of horses set free.

I’d also like to think that those who present themselves as champions of horses and are so concerned about their welfare would make a donation to an equine charity right here, right now.

Otherwise it’s just puffed up words really isn’t it?

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

BlueBelle

I think it’s being a bit of a cop out to say it’s ‘puffed up words’

Let me understand you are you saying we have to carry on racing these animals because there’s nothing else can be done they can’t lead a normal life so we have to carry on …

I don’t think anyone it’s expecting an overnight ban ….all racing must stop all race horses slaughtered of course not…. it would need phasing out over a number of years, planned properly.
First it needs the breeding of race horses to STOP that can happen immediately and not effect any race horses already here.
Second it needs much tighter control over the whip and the height and difficulty of jumps etc etc while this winding down process takes place.
It would take some years to stop completely but they can start by removing and banning the Grand National and then gradually removing the more (exciting to some) dangerous races bit by bit. People would not be interested in the more mundane, none dangerous races so it would automatically die a death
Dog racing could stop over night most retired greyhounds fit in well to family life.
Fox hunting should be banned immediately not this half hearted government intervention
Bird shooting should also be banned immediately
Ok that’s my thoughts, now you can shoot them down

The use of the whip changed some time ago and so did the height of the fences.
Fox hunting was stopped also some years ago.

First it needs the breeding of race horses to STOP that can happen immediately and not effect any race horses already here.

Whilst I concur with some of your sentiments re cruelty, it’s simplistic to say it wouldn’t affect any race horses here.
Revenue from breeding horses in stables that raise race horses helps to pay for the upkeep of horses in existence.

www.britishhorseracing.com/regulation/the-whip-2-2-2/

Anyone who doesn't understand the use of the racing whip, should read the above link.

Unfortunately, fox hunting still happens in the UK, despite the ban. It is disguised as 'trail hunting'.

I probably should have mentioned the whip was designed in conjunction with the RSPCA.

Maremia

Unfortunately, fox hunting still happens in the UK, despite the ban. It is disguised as 'trail hunting'.

There were 23 confirmed kills in the 2022-2023 trail hunting season.

Compare that to the estimated 15,000 sheep and farm animals killed by out of control dogs in 2025 estimated to cost farmers £1.95 million.

foxie48

I probably should have mentioned the whip was designed in conjunction with the RSPCA.

We always had to carry a whip when riding our Arab mare on the road as she had a tendency to side step with her rear towards the cars.

merlotgran

^And when did you last see a working donkey in the UK?^

I think the donkeys at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, demonstrating how to draw water from a well by working a treadmill, might be a bit put out by that comment. 😂😂

I doubt that they are 'worked to death'

I don't suppose seaside donkeys (if any still exist) would be pleased, either...

But mostly donkeys are kept as pets or horse companions.

The members of the equine race I feel really sorry for are trekking ponies. Plodding around with non-rider holiday making lumps on their backs, hanging onto their mouths when they trot and wobbling all over the place...

I don't think non riders and horses should mix, except in a proper riding school where they will learn how to ride properly

Sheep worrying is a huge issue.

Totally agree MaizieD

People signing up for trekking holidays should have to declare their weight beforehand and undergo a riding test before taking part.

Maremia

Sheep worrying is a huge issue.

I've never known them to be worried by horses...the ones that get into my fields seem perfectly unbothered...

( are you on the right thread?)

Sorry Maizie, it was a response to GG13.
The subject came up when we were discussing fox hunting upthread.

Meant to say thank you Iam64, for your information about the rescue donkey.

Oreo if you believe fox hunting has ceased you are less knowledgable than I thought. That happened in name only and fox hunting under a new name is still happening , the dogs are often treated badly as well as the poor fox.
The use of the whip ….after seeing that video of the woman whipping her dressage horse I would have absolutely no believe that the RSPCA have made any difference to the rules at all.

So very very sad and about time they rethought the whole thing. Shorter races with no hurdles maybe? Not sure of the answer but they poor animals get no choice. Money, money, money!

"The use of the whip ….after seeing that video of the woman whipping her dressage horse I would have absolutely no believe that the RSPCA have made any difference to the rules at all."

Different sport, different whip and the woman was banned for a year. the RSPCA was not in any way involved with the design of that whip. If you want to argue a case it really is worth knowing the facts. fwiw every horse owner I know wants horses treated with kindness and care. As someone who has ridden for a number of years, I know how to use a lunge whip, a schooling whip and a jumping whip, all different with different purposes, none are supposed to be used to punish, injure or hurt the horse. Sadly there's an awful lot of rubbish written by people who have never sat on a horse and have absolutely no idea what the various pieces of tack are for. Sadly there's also a lot of poorly trained riders who don't know either so my concern for horse welfare is focused on them because in the main, if there is abuse, it's one of ignorance not intention.

The horse that holds the record for the greatest number of Grand National fences jumped, living happily in retirement at the ago of 17, has just died of colic. If there is a God that created things he must have said to horses I’ll make you the most beautiful creature on the planet, strong and fast. But there will be a sting in the tail as you will be prone to colic. Anywhere, any age, any time. The very word makes my heart sink and my stomach turn.

Does anyone remember the horses electrocuted in the
parade ring at Newbury?
Sadly, two collapsed and died, one raced, one was taken
out of the ring.
Steel shoes, loose underground electricity cable, awful.

BlueBelle

‘How would you suggest they could be accommodated?’

MaizieD I don’t think anyone is imagining horse racing would stop over night. It would have to be phased out over a number of years until it was gone and the race horses, if not being bred would automatically decline. It doesn’t mean no one could own a horse, or have stables or children have riding lessons etc. just the awful racing …..and…. after seeing that woman whip her horse in dressage training, that should go as well.
Horses should be wild, or domesticated and living in stables, or on farms, or in private ownership but not being USED and ABUSED

Well said!

Perhaps racing is cruel and dangerous, for horses
and riders.

However
horses love to run, sometimes hard to hold back,
in their eagerness, then released with a whoop!
whether
flat out on the beach at the tideline,
an open fallow field after plodding through
woodland or bridle path,
up on the gallops which they seem to know
instinctively
is where they can rush, unfettered,
sheer joy and exhilaration unmatched.

Aveline

Yes it's all about money. Current horses could be put out to grass. Lots of genuine animal lovers out there who would happily help financially and physically to look after these horses into a dignified and kind old age.

These retired racers could be 4 year olds, turned out to grass for another 10 years possibly 20? not sold on for riding? this
is unrealistic.
Horses need care and attention, grooming, worming, hooves,
exercise, fields need to be kept clear of manure and ragwort, vets bills, dreaded colic, shelter and security. These horses are warmbloods, not native shaggy ponies to turn out in all weather.

Racing is speed stamina endurance courage.

Consider the knock on effect which isn’t ONLY about the money - these horses are not only well looked after but
pampered, they have a wonderful life.

Anyone observing race horses in training, on sand
or turf, would see how excited they are to be running,
exercised by Working Grooms who have a relationship
with their charge.

Banning racing would affect a dedicated industry of employees, owners, trainers, grooms, stablehands,
drivers, blacksmiths, equine vets,
equine drug manufacturers,
saddlers, manufacturers, suppliers of bandages,
blankets, rugs, linaments,

clothing manufacturers of jockeys silks,
boots, caps,
the weighing room, those scales would go

before we move to stabling,
stabling and loose box manufacturers, suppliers, builders
bedding /straw /hay suppliers,
lighting and alarm fitters,
feed suppliers,
tack room fitters, all cleaning/polishing equipment,
brushes, buckets, soaps, tools,
boot room, ditto
Horse box /trailer manufacturers, HGV drivers,

before we consider the racecourses themselves,
the revenue from which is considerable, now
sold for housing, roads named after prominent breeders,
from Goodwood to Dubai Furlongs.

caterers, stewards, carpenters, painters, bar staff,
security staff, car park attendants, greenkeepers,
grass cutting equipment manufacturers/suppliers/
maintenance/repairers, printers, badge suppliers,
cup and trophy suppliers, PA system suppliers,
photographers, milliners, bookies, coach companies
field glasses/binoculars suppliers, all racing
aficionardo accoutrements, advertising revenue,
on and on, the ripples widen.

This is a UK viewpoint.

To ban horse racing altogether, I believe you would
first need to advise Sheikh Maktoum.