Can horse racing be considered a cruel sport?

Not all horse racing enthusiasts are bad people, there are many who work hard to encourage changes so these magnificent athletes can be as safe as possible. While there are more than a few, I'll mention the ones that mean the most to me- There needs to be a ban on the exportation of horses to Japan and Europe where horses are often get slaughtered and used as dog food or a delicacy for human consumption. While, some will disagree with me..so be it.

The fact is it upsets me and many. I, also, think they need to treat each horse as an individual, with changes in training methods a must, some to most need to be raced older. Owners are retiring horses to stud is way too young with most who haven’t had a chance to mature.

Not all thoroughbreds can be raced young, other than a few exceptions. Most horses need a little more time to develop, the proof is in injuries, which are too numerous these days with 2 and 3 year olds being most vulnerable. Injuries isn't simply bad luck, they are the result of bad practices by some who breed, train and race for other reasons than the best interest of the horse.

So, bottom line the industry needs implement strict regulations or testing on which horses at a young age should be allowed to race. They need to ban the use of certain drugs in racing and limit the number of horses that are bred for racing and sent to auctions. The problem is compounded by the fact that many of those precocious horses who break down are quickly sent to the breeding shed, where they pass along genetic infirmities to their progeny.

With the above said, slowly changes do occur, and the changes that have occurred should not go unnoticed either.. and the ones that haven't we need to voice our opinions in an outcry. What I find is the industry needs help, by showing there is positive change and it is possible is encouraging and it helps, it shows forward movement. Only with our help the Industry will continue to improve safety etc.,showing negativity only turns people a way, its easy to rant, what we need is to be the change we want to see by stepping up, and that means encouragement from those who care, not put downs.

Working together is the only way to make it happen. :) Hope I didn't offend anyone! There's good and bad and changes to be had.

:) Absolutely, a governing body is needed to implement these regulations.

I would limit the number of starters in the Kentucky Derby to 12. The best horse does not always win from lack of Racing room,Force to go wide,Collisions and other hindrances. I also believe that is why we have not had a triple Crown Winner in the past 34 Years.

@ Starlight 1..I think The question was: If there was one thing you could change about the sport of horse racing, what would it be? I simply gave you my Answer. I don't recall asking you if you agree or disagree.

I think that is what the Best Answer button is all about!

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.