How Racing Has Affected the Care of Horses

Animal rights protestors have disrupted horseracing events, including the most prestigious ones like the Grand National and Epsom Derby, by occupying the racetracks or courses. While the industry’s regulator, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has largely disagreed in the past with the notion that the horses are mistreated or that their policies condone mistreatment, it has more recently acknowledged that they could be doing better.

The Treatment of Race Horses

Organisations like Animal Aid have researched the treatment of horses throughout history and have pinpointed a few aspects they deem concerning. The BHA has responded to these concerns by referring to their passionate team of caretakers and the wide availability of vets and nurses at their disposal, highlighting their care and dedication to the animals and their strategy to do better. Let’s take a look at a few relevant areas of concern.

Breeding

There are 14,000 horses in training as part of the BHA, and every year, 7,500 enter and retire from racing in Britain. These numbers mean that efficient breeding of healthy horses is essential to keep the industry operating. When it comes to breeding, certain techniques are used to protect animals while also prioritising reproduction, and these techniques are criticised for the strain they place on stallions and mares.

Stallions are often highly prized and highly insured, and in the name of protecting their physical well-being and value, they’re primarily kept in isolation and in small pens to reduce potential injuries. As a result, Animal Aid is concerned about their quality of life.

Mares, who have an 11-month pregnancy, are typically impregnated yearly. The frequency of these pregnancies is more demanding on their bodies than their natural breeding cycles, which would typically see them birthing a foal every two years.

Horse Jumping (AKA National Hunt Racing) and Flat Races

National Hunt Racing, or horse jumping, is a popular event type that challenges jockeys and horses to complete a series of jumps over fences and ditches. As such events require awe-inspiring skill, they are known to challenge the agility and speed of horses.

However, they can also be incredibly dangerous for horses. Races of this style have resulted in many horse fatalities, particularly the Grand National and Cheltenham, which have experienced nearly 100 horse fatalities since 2000.

The BHA has conducted reviews of jump racing courses, including the Cheltenham, and has taken action. As part of a larger horse welfare initiative, it has also been working to strengthen the Jump Racing Risk Model (JRRM).

Flat races are all about speed, and while it seems they pose fewer risks to horses than courses requiring jumping, they have also caused fatalities, resulting in the loss of approximately 50 horses annually. Addressing these fatalities has also been incorporated into the BHA’s welfare initiatives.

Whipping

The use of whips in racing, including those deemed welfare-friendly, has been controversial. Some studies suggest that whip use does not enhance a horse’s performance, while others state that whips help ensure the horses’ safety by preventing potentially dangerous mistakes during a race.

The BHA does allow the whipping of racehorses, though with restrictions. When it comes to whether they’re wholly good or bad, the BHA and Animal Aid have differing opinions — though both agree that they’re used too frequently.