Thoroughbreds to Be Saved From Slaughter

Spot on, Ashley. If the money and the betting were taken out of the equation, and horses raced for the stakes only, a great deal of misery and mistreatment would be eradicated. It's a contradiction in terms for someone to profess a love of horses and also be involved in the filthy racing game. I just adore horses and have ridden some beauties, mostly ex-racehorses, in my younger years. They're so willing, so keen to please their rider. They deserve respect at least for what they do.

I have been in the racing industry as a breeder and prepared horses in a respectful way. My husband was a racehorse Vet and what I saw on the studs and the racing techniches of training the horses made me sick to my stomach and I decided to get out of the disgusting industry. They do not care about the horses at all. It is all about money and they are just merely pawns to serve their purpose of greed and power.

My 2 cents worth: This is only a small first step (not necessarily a commitment) and it remains to be seen how well this program will be funded and managed, with oversight sufficient to insure that these retired horses don't merely fall from one mercilessly cruel end to another. We shouldn't take anything for granted/assume too much. We are dealing with an industry whose sole purpose is the cruel mistreatment of animals for profit. Still, it is reason for hope and it is something at least, until such time that positive change arrives, to protect these horses from the lifetimes of misery they endure, LONG BEFORE their retirements. Horse racing a disgusting, brutal, warped industry and I've no respect for anyone participating in it on any level. And "love"? Let's call a spade a spade here. What these folks love is the money. Remember Barbaro? That beautiful creature was used as nothing more than a PR campaign to try to convince the public that these horses are "loved and well cared for". His suffering continued until the day he died, regardless of the outpouring of sympathy and caring from a duped public. How easily we swallow the pablum the industry puts out, when it is advantageous to them to do so. Anyone with some understanding of the delicate bone structure of todays race horses (due entirely to breeding practices) would know that Barbaro would never live pain free or be well again, after such a catastrophic injury. His ultimate passing was only delayed and made worse by the repeated surgeries/pain foisted upon him. Our animals have no voice and they have no choice, except our. So, let us have hope in the statement issued by the Jockey Club, but maintain caution, until we see concrete evidence that they mean what they espouse.

I cannot watch the video, it is too heart-wrenching. There is so much gambling money associated with racing that it is doubtful it will ever end. Some will do anything for a buck. It it is not realistic to think we can put an end to it although I would love to see that happen. Of course greyhound racing was put to an end in Massachusetts but we can only hope. I agree with a previous writer, we should at least provide the animals with as much comfort as possible.

This is great news but please don't forget all those horses that are discarded from harness racing as well.