So they just killed a horse at the Kentucky Derby

[matcom]

:cry:

cruel, CRUEL "sport"

[MonkeyFunk]

1. So sad...

Eight Belles, the only filly in the race, broke both ankles and was euthanized.

[Blue-Jay]

2. It's the "Sport of Kings"!

Henry VIII was a king.

[crimsonblue]

26. no, that's polo.

[mzmolly]

92. Indeed, Elizabeth Bathory was royalty as well.

Yich. :(

[Taverner]

123. Aw come on what's wrong with a virgin-blood bath every morning?

I do it myself :)

[reyd reid reed]

3. It's sad...no question

but would it have been more humane, if she broke both ankles, to allow her to suffer for months and ultimately have to be euthanized anyway? Look at how long and hard they tried to save Barbaro and, in the end, there wasn't anything they could do for him.

[matcom]

4. don't run them like that to begin with

i HATE the "Derby"

NOT good for the horses that survive let alone the ones that don't

[TZ]

9. why watch then?

They enjoy it, much like human atheletes enjoy their sport.
A horse simply galloping around in a field can break their legs too
Geezus
Judgemental much?

[matcom]

12. Judgemental a LOT

and fucking proud of it

[Critters2]

41. Well said. Sometimes judgments must be made.

This is one of those times. Thank you, matcom!

[Midlodemocrat]

88. As one who has seen this sport first hand and 'back stage', I totally agree.

It should be abolished. The animals that are destroyed for the 'sport' brings me to tears.

[LostinVA]

89. I think you need to put things in perspective

That poster thinks that lab animals can be loved by the people experimenting on them.

[LeftyMom]

103. I love you.

And I mean that in a totally non-sexual way, so there's no need for your wife to kick my ass. :P

[flvegan]

106. Way to ruin a fantasy.

Dammit.

[LeftyMom]

111. We all have a purpose in this life. Mine is to make you miserable.

Luckily for you, I'm normally quite bad at it. :D

[BrklynLiberal]

109. Kudos

[harmonicon]

100. humans love it!

You know those people who are bred for the amusement of others and raised with only one sport in mind, the sport itself simply being an excuse for gambling? Man, those people love that. To live as slaves. They can't get enough.

[BrklynLiberal]

108. How can we tell if they enjoy it?

[spoony]

11. I side with you on this one

Seems like this happens with distressing frequency, and at some point people have to decide whether it's really worth it. For me, the answer was just driven home, decidedly "no."

[TZ]

15. This doesn't happen as often as you think

There are many many many races per day. Yeah we've had TWO high profile injuries in the last three years but considering how many high profile races there are..A human collapsed and died of a heart issue in a Olympic trial recently..and several atheletes died of heart failures in the last few years. Should we cancel all sports/
I'm sick of people making snap judgements based on a few well publicized events when they have little experience in the industry.
And I've met many happy healthy retired race horses. One that lived past twenty.
Enough. I done with ignorance

[matcom]

"I done with ignorance"

INDEED

:eyes:

[harmonicon]

101. +1

[spoony]

18. Ignorance is comparing human athletes with animals

For one thing, humans choose to compete. They can also choose not to. Horses? Not so much. Also, yeah athletes sometimes drop dead, but I haven't heard of any that were euthanised for broken bones. Ignorance is claiming that horses are not far more likely to have lethal injuries in their "sport" than a human in any of ours.

[harmonicon]

102. Don't you know the story of Choppy McSwinger?

He was a 19th century boxer. In one bout, he dislocated a shoulder, broke a wrist, his nose, and sprained an ankle. Medics rushed out to see what was wrong, and when they saw that it was bad, they shot him dead. The betters still got their money though, because he did finish the fight.


Ok, I may have made that up to prove a point. Or it may be true - you be the judge!

[reyd reid reed]

39. Exactly. While it's sad that it happens at all,

it happens rarely. Since 1920, there have been under 400 (I counted but then forgot whether it was 289 or 389) deaths related to horse racing. Sounds like a lot, but that figure includes Seattle Slew and Secretariat...neither of whom died as a result of racetrack injuries -- one was 28 and the other was 18 or 19. I don't know how many more of those deaths were due to 'old age'.

Sounds like a lot...but during the same time frame, there have been over 900 boxers die as a result of injuries suffered in the ring.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:1920_racehorse_deaths

[flvegan]

42. That's misleading.

Horses bred into the industry that aren't true performers...what happens to them?

Exactly.

LOTS of deaths that are a direct result of horse racing.

[Runcible Spoon]

54. ohh fucking bullshit! As having worked with rehabbed racehorses

and having to buy them from crooked breeders and middlemen, if I know one thing it is NOT to trust any injury statistics from the racetracks. What about the training injuries? What about the wholesale shipping of those who didn't make the cut to the auction yards where they are injured even more and then slaughtered? What about the MENTAL TRAUMA these animals go through? This is a barbaric sport! I say this as a lifelong rider, horse lover, and I am absolutely heartbroken!

[Midlodemocrat]

93. Those stats are very misleading.

It doesn't indicate the animals who are put down because their insurance liability is greater than they are. I've seen it. It's horrific.

[skygazer]

64. I'm well acquainted with the industry

And while I love the atmosphere and excitement of a racetrack, the horses are raced too hard too young. Especially in the "classics" like the Derby. Those horses are 3 year olds, and barely that. They haven't even finished growing and they're putting an incredible strain on their bodies. Unfortunately there is so much money at stake, there's no incentive to let them grow into themselves.

I've known plenty of retired racehorses too. Owned one of them. Big deal. That doesn't change the fact that its a wasteful industry. Just because horses are not put down every day doesn't mean they aren't injured every day. They are and a good many of them are running on painkillers.

[LostinVA]

90. Humans know the risks and choose to enter the sport

Horses that don't run well are often sold to Japan or France for food.

[Midlodemocrat]

91. I hate to tell you this, turtlensue, but you're wrong.

My best friend and I were regulars at both Hialeah and Saratoga for years. Saw the races, saw the 'breeding', saw the births. The damage to these animals is horrendous. Her dad had a horse farm in Ocala and some of the stuff we saw would curl your hair.

More than you will ever know about are put down because they don't hold up their 'end of the bargain' and the insurance money is worth more than they are.

It's beyond tragic. Their body structure alone would give any serious animal lover pause because of the thinness of their ankles and legs in proportion to the weight of their bodies.

[sammythecat]

125. It happens more than you think

"Around 800 racehorses die each year from fatal injuries suffered on US racetracks."
http://www.idausa.org/facts/racing.html

[TZ]

5. Sigh

Here we go. The horses want to run. You did see how well Barbaro was treated right? For a lot of people these animals are like pets.
I've been around race horses. They are actually treated well.
You think she should not have ended her suffering. And if you hate the damn sport so much, why are you even watching. God this shit should be in GD not here!
:banghead:

[matcom]

8. "they want to run"

and domestic cats NEED to be outside running "free"....

sigh

idiot

[TZ]

13. Have you ever been around them?

I have. Especially at that level they are wanting to run. Thats the nature of a herd beast anyway.

[Lorien]

53. Actually, having grown up with horses; yes, as a "prey" animal

they do indeed feel a huge need to run and run regularly because they evolved to do so to survive. If you keep a horse in a stall for a few days then let it out, it will gallop around the pasture like mad (especially if he or she is younger than about 12). If you ride a horse that been kept inside all day, then hold on tight! You'll probably be flying soon enough. If a horse doesn't run regularly (or get some form of regular exercise-they need much more than we do) it can develop heart problems and eventually will go lame. My sister had a 24 year old hunter/ jumper when we were kids. After a while she lost interest in him, but she refused to allow anyone else to ride him. He became so frustrated with having so little exercise that he would jump the fences as soon as he was let into the pasture. So he was put into a paddock where he could walk around, but didn't have room to jump. He was lame within a few months and had to be put down. :cry:

While some race horse owners likely do abuse their animals, most love them. Read "Seabiscuit"; many horses not only LOVE to run, they love to win, too. If you've ridden on trail rides where galloping is permitted you'll notice these horses right away. They can't STAND the idea of anyone else being ahead of them!

[Runcible Spoon]

57. ohh yes read Seabiscuit for an accurate portrayal of the racing industry. WTF.

:eyes: :sarcasm:

[Lorien]

61. He's an example of a horse that didn't need a whip to win

he loved to run. Where did I say that it was an accurate portrayal of the entire racing industry? I've known many horses who have loved to compete and to win. As another poster pointed out, this is how they establish their dominance and social standing in a herd (aside from fighting-and nobody encourages that). There will always be cruel bastards who mistreat their animals, but there are also many riders and trainers that know that you must have a good relationship with a horse for the horse to perform at it's best.

Interesting that you had NO comments on the rest of my post. Tell me, do you own horses?

[skygazer]

65. He's also an example of a horse that was almost ruined by over-racing

Early in his career.

That's the problem with horse racing - that fact that too many horses are raced too hard too early. The Derby is a race for 3-year-olds. A 3 year old should barely have begun having someone on its back, let alone work that hard.

And yes, I've owned, ridden and trained horses all my life.

[Runcible Spoon]

87. I've addressed what I want to address in this thread.

and yes, I've had horses, including rehabbed TBs, my entire life. And your posting pretty pics of horsies galloping in a field DOESN'T lend any creedence to your arguments. So what if horses "naturally want to run"? A thoroughbred racehorse shouldn't be put in false analogies with a wild state of being any more than a daschshund should be.

[IronLionZion]

117. read online blogs for an accurate portrayal of condescending judgemental elitism

from people who don't know shit about shit. Only YOUR interests are pure. Everything else is tainted. What YOU do is cool. What everyone else does is shit. Isn't it great?

:puke:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elitism

[havocmom]

73. My favorite documentary was about Secretariat in retirement...

The big red horse on one side of a fence bisecting a huge pasture. Another retired Derby winner (can't remember which) on the other side. Both boys WELL over their racing weight, and in idyllic retirement: stud and pasture, sweet grass, shade trees, rest.

So what did they do each morning? They met at the fence. Nodded to each other, then turned till they were both parallel to that white fence. Then, they were off.... racing each other. No rider, no trainer, no crop laid to them, no roses or press at the end of the run. They just met in the morning, nodded, and raced.

Cleaning the concession kitchen for the Lions Club at the fairgrounds... looking out the window as a thunderstorm was brewing off to the west, horses in the pasture past the track were racing 'round and 'round. The ground just thundered from them. Then, just before the rain hit, they stopped and turned to face the storms. Perfectly still, about 50 of them.... perfectly still and in two lines, facing the coming rain.

Next day... same drill. Nobody there to make them move, they just ran and you could see the joy.

The blood. Horses run. Some run and become champions. But the running came first.

[Midlodemocrat]

94. I completely disagree. Most thoroughbred owners don't think of the animal

as anything more than an investment. Not the same thing as those who raise horses because they love them.

[LynneSin]

105. yes, outside free killing songbirds

:evilgrin:

[DS1]

10. yes that's right Rarau aaauuaaauggh!

sometimes the lounge isn't all crap photos and life's little diversions


:banghead:

[havocmom]

17. Looked like she had a lot of heart. She was not about to give up to Big Brown

She went down doing what thoroughbreds do, run with all their heart.

Sorry she had to be put down. Glad she was loved enough that the decision was fast to end her pain.

That kind of spirit... it runs.

[Runcible Spoon]

55. blah blah blah

if they want to run put them out in a fucking field or wait until their bones have fully developed before you run them that hard. A racehorse is only treated as well as the people around it treats it. There are people who treat their animals kindly and unfortunately there are people who want to get the job of breaking horses done as quickly as possible. If you think all or even most racehorses live some sort of charmed life I suggest you accompany me to a livestock auction where those who didn;t quite come up to snuff are sent.

You should be ashamed of yourself to even defend this shit. Compassion and all being a liberal/progressive value, as long as it doesn't interfere with your precious bloodsport.

COWARDLY. HYPOCRITICAL. DISENGENUOUS. SELFISH. CRUEL.

[Genevieve]

78. .....

:applause:

[harmonicon]

104. So why not let them run?

Let some horses go free, and see if they organize themselves to make it to the track and race each other. I like to to do a lot of things, but I'd rather not be forced to do them with the threat of death if I fucked up while doing them. Doesn't sound like fun to me.

[DS1]

6. lovely

:eyes:

[lost-in-nj]

7. I am so glad I didn't watch.....

:cry: :cry:

poor little girl.......


:(


lost

[begin_within]

14. I was enjoying it up until that.

The horses certainly looked healthy and in good spirits - they didn't appear to be suffering, and there was a good vibe there. Now that's all gone.

[sasquatch]

16. Don't worry, they're going to use it to make stew later

:hide:

[GOPisEvil]

19. I can set my fucking watch by this place.

[matcom]

21. set it and forget it

:P

keep this up and I won't let you ride bitch on my new bike

[GOPisEvil]

22. I knew this was going to be here. I should have left the computer off.

This is an argument that will never be won.

What are you saying? I'll ALWAYS be your bitch...

Wait, that didn't sound right...

[matcom]

24. that is the fun of it

the argument will NEVER be won which means I can make it over and over and over and over and over...

hell, I can get mileage out of this one for YEARS!

VICTORY IS MINE!

:bounce:

[GOPisEvil]

25. In matcomworld - sure!

You have learned well from GD-P.

[Fox Mulder]

20. What?

Really?

[LeftyMom]

23. Happens more than people realize. 2-300 horses die racing a year just in California.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/delmarraces/20060727-9999-1n27delmar.html

[SOteric]

27. I realise it probably *seems* cruel,

but you have to understand that in the wild, racing is how horses compet for dominance, sex, power and position. Sure, on some rare occasions they rear up and buck at one another, but most disputes and contests are settled by running. (Unlike the whole cats going out of doors thing which has little to do with how they compete for territory or dominance).

It is in their nature to run and it's not humane to restrain them. They are some of god's most beautiful animals, but one of god's poorest designs. At least racing them on a well maintained track reduces the unkindest injuries to incredibly few. In the wild, they still break their legs on rocks and uneven ground, but there's no one there to help them ease their suffering.

[spoony]

29. Just because something happens in nature

doesn't mean it's right or humane to co-opt it for monetary gain or enjoyment. Dogs fight, too, but setting up dog fights is barbaric.

[SOteric]

34. I think it's seriously flawed logic to compare this in anyway to a dog fight,

or cock fighting for that matter, -or even frog jumping.

I suspect we'll have to agree to disagree about this issue. I don't see the sport the way that you do, many don't. That doesn't make either of particularly right or wrong, it makes us different. Viva la difference!

[spoony]

35. Cheers to that!

Have a great weekend :)

[LeftyMom]

31. But they breed them for speed at the expense of what little hardiness they have.

Unfortunately, this is the predictable consequence. :(

[SOteric]

36. They breed them for strength AND speed.

It makes little difference to be the fastest if they can't run the full furlongs.

It doesn't stop me thinking this quite a heartbreaking turn of events. :(

[LeftyMom]

44. But we all know which wins out. The trait that might make somebody rich.

:(

[flvegan]

38. Then, there's the steroids.

So much for the "sport" in this. Baseball is shit because of it, horse racing is glorified because of them. :shrug:

At least Iowa has a ban on them. Last I heard, it was the only state with such a rule in place.

[Lorien]

63. Other states ALLOW steroids?

That's sick. When did that crap start up?

[BrklynLiberal]

110. Very sad, but also very true.

This is from March of this year...

http://opinions.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44131

....
Now compare this result with that of the congressional examination of drug use in horse racing. Congress first addressed drug use in the sport 27 years ago. U.S. Senator Mac Mathias and other leaders in Congress spearheaded efforts to enact legislation that would have banned a number of drugs from horse racing and established a clear, uniform rule to govern the sport in the United States.

State racing commissioners and industry leaders, however, quickly descended to thwart the senator’s efforts. They claimed federal intervention was unnecessary and pledged to crack down on the use of drugs.

Today, drug use in horse racing is worse than ever, and racing remains the only professional sport in the country without a ban on steroids. There is no uniform national drug policy, and the U.S. lags behind other countries in its policies—or lack thereof.

Europe, Japan, South Africa, Dubai, Australia, and other major racing jurisdictions have banned the use of drugs still commonplace in America. England, for example, banned steroids more than 30 years ago. It is sad that throughout the world the U.S. is viewed as a place where racing is about drugs.

Horse racing has a rich tradition in the U.S. and has attracted a loyal fan base. The industry impact on the economy is tens of billions of dollars. By failing to enact an effective, uniform drug policy to regulate horse racing, we jeopardize the integrity of the sport, endanger the riders and horses, and risk the fans’ loyalty.

Drug use endangers the health and safety of the horses and the jockeys. Steroids contribute to clotting disorders, liver damage, heart attacks, strokes, and weakened tendons, while other drugs can mask fatigue and other ailments. Although the industry does not provide concrete statistics about accidents and fatalities during races, it is estimated that more than 3,000 horses die on the track every year.

We all recognize that horse caretakers must have the authority to treat sick and injured animals as they see fit. Certain drugs, when used appropriately, can help rehabilitate an injured horse and ease the pain an animal may experience. But if a horse is injured or is not healthy enough to run without the use of drugs, then it should not be running.

Former CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, D.G. Van Clief Jr., recently admitted that “we have endeavored to adopt uniform rules governing the use of medications for years without success, despite the clear need to do so.”

Currently, horse racing is regulated by states. While the industry has developed model medication rules and penalties, which include a ban on anabolic steroids, states are not required to enact these measures. Numerous states have failed to adopt many—if any at all—of the model rules. Furthermore, countless jurisdictions added their own interpretations and modified the model rules after they were passed.

Eight years ago, Congress amended the Interstate Horseracing Act to give states the right to broadcast races across a variety of mediums at the same time. This simulcast right, as it is commonly called, permits patrons to bet on these broadcast races. This has proven to be an incredibly profitable venture for the industry.

Two weeks ago, I questioned NTRA CEO Alex Waldrop at a Congressional hearing that examined drug use in professional sports. I asked if he thought it would be unreasonable for Congress to rescind these simulcast rights if a state fails to adopt the industry’s model rules and penalties. He responded, “No.”

For nearly 30 years the industry has neglected to regulate drug use to the detriment of the horses, jockeys, fans, and the very integrity of American horse racing. The time has come for Congress to take the reins and find a way to eliminate drugs from horse racing.

[Critters2]

45. So, in the wild, they run with men on their backs, whipping them?

Fascinating. Nature never ceases to amaze.

:eyes:

[SOteric]

51. No. In the wild they have no men or women

on their backs to guide them away from collision, or steer them from a variety of dangers. And the 'whips' you refer to don't actually hurt the horse, even if they come in contact with them. Which usually, they don't In fact, they are employed to make a hooflike noise near the back of the horse, leaving the animal with the illusion that another horse is gaining on it. Their natural instinct is to run faster.

Thank you for your input. I can roll my eyes, too. But usually I'm able to articulate and discuss, and so am better behaved than that.

[Critters2]

67. "And the 'whips' you refer to don't actually hurt the horse"

Statements like this always make me laugh out loud! Unless you're a horse, and you've been whipped, you can't possibly know this. And I've been to races, I know they do hit the horses with them. Their natural instinct is to run because they're frightened. I don't find any "sport" in terrorizing animals.

And as far as your behavior, you're advocating abusing animals. That's all I need to know about your behavior.

[SOteric]

69. I'm advocating no such thing.

We see this quite differently. It seems there's no point in discussing this further with you. You've settled on a point of view wherein there can be no reason, grey area or middle ground.

Peace. Good day.

[Critters2]

71. It's true. I see no middle ground when it comes to the abuse of animals.

I call it "compassion", and I hope I'm never talked out of it.

[DS1]

75. I assure you that SOteric isn't trying to talk you into a middle ground of animal abuse

She has information which is telling her one thing, and you have information telling you another. SOteric is a kind and generous person towards animals, and treats them all with respect. It's true that there's a tiny middle ground when it comes to the treatment of animals becoming the abuse of animals, you are both on the same side.

[flvegan]

77. And from what I've seen, I will agree with you.

Just checking in from the REALLY far-out whackjob side of the animal welfare/rights spectrum.

[Midlodemocrat]

97. I will say with utmost vehemence that SOteric would NEVER condone the abuse

of animals. Ever. She is one of the kindest, most compassionate people on this site and doesn't deserve your comments.

[likesmountains 52]

122. I'm curious about this...the whip ripping through the air sounds like hoof beats? Isn't there

enough real sound of hoof beats going on? Not trying to be a smartass...just have never heard of this before. Thanks

[Runcible Spoon]

60. yeah well in the WILD horses aren't selectively bred for ultra fine bone structure

or forced to run on a regular basis at top speeds before their skeletons are fully grown. Honestly people who try to defend this shit and compare it as a horse's "natural" instinct just reveal their ignorance and that, above all, is what really makes me feel horribly sad for these animals.

[SOteric]

70. Thoroughbred race horses aren't bred

for an ultra fine bone structure. They're bred for strength and speed. Horses have always had large, strong torsos and thin, fine legs. Unlike the American turkey, this is not a genetics experiment.

[Runcible Spoon]

85. bullshit.

so you're telling me thoroughbreds weren't bred for light, long, fast bone structure the same way Clydesdales weren't bred for dense, thick bone structure? :eyes: Quarter horses are built for burst speed; tehy have thicker shorter bones where chunkier muscles attach. TB's are longer and leaner, for endurance above burst speed.

It's not a genetics experiment? Considering that the throroughbred is REQUIRED to have live cover breeding to guarantee purity of breeding and many billions of dollars are spent breeding them just so, I would call thoroughbred breeding a quite PROFITABLE genetics experiment. I suggest if you're going to argue something you should at least acquaint yourself with basic facts.

[XemaSab]

62. In the wild there isn't someone whipping them

to make them run.

[SOteric]

72. They aren't

usually whipped in racing, either. The horsewhip is more like a noise maker. See the above post.

[Critters2]

115. Bullshit.

Please stop advocating, and/or downplaying the whipping of animals. They are whipped, the jockeys refer to it as "spankng", and they do make contact.

[Midlodemocrat]

96. The problem with thorougbreds is the inbreeding.

They develop all kinds of issues because of the sire and the dam and they aren't like, say the wild ponies here off Chincoteague.

And, I hated the way that the owners felt the animal was an 'investment' and not a creature worthy of great care.

[THUNDER HANDS]

28. ask anyone who knows racing

they would tell you that horse should never have been in the Derby to begin with. Sure she finished second, and that's wonderful, but she had no business being in that race. she was pushed too hard and too fast and it cost her her life.

Greedy owners, that's what it's about.

[flvegan]

30. Any time animals are used to make money for people

especially for entertainment like horse racing, dog racing, etc, cruelty will be inherent.

[Fleshdancer]

52. you summed it up perfectly flvegan. eom

[sammythecat]

56. Absolutely right.

Hell, we have a million laws just to try and protect people from abuse by employers.

I believe that whenever a person takes control of an animal, for whatever reason, that person then has the moral responsibility to make that animal's welfare the highest priority. A little imagination applied to the golden rule should be enough of a guideline. If something's at odds with that, then don't do it.

[Midlodemocrat]

98. Dude. you are so right. I saw it all first hand and it was sickening.

These beautiful majestic animals are treated as an investment. Beyond the cruelty of the damage that was often incurred during racing, the auctions were something to see. Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars based on a 'possibility' that a yearling would be a big winner.

That kind of an investment is also very well insured and if something goes wrong, the horse is put down. I saw it more times than I can count.

[stuntcat]

99. right!??

People are like idiot cavemen, no matter how "classy" they act doing it, it is sick.

[Robeson]

113. Bottom line.

[bigwillq]

32. How very sad.

:( :cry:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

33. and now you see the other side

of the "sport"
sad,very.sad.

[Mojambo]

37. So you're saying invest in glue futures?

Yeah, I know. I'm an a-hole for joking about it.

[malta blue]

40. I did not see it but just read about it in the NYT -

how tragic.

:cry:

[lost-in-nj]

43. I have so many mixed feelings about this

as a horse owner

i know how intelligent and loving these creatures can be....
(mine gives hugs)

and respect, after a year he and I have full mutual respect for each other....
It's an actual feeling and you can see it in the horse to
but he still tries to get away with some crap, sort of test me and as soon as I don't let him...
he is fine...

What i guess i am asking is
how do you feel about owning and enjoying riding a horse for pleasure??


just curious

:hi:

thanks

lost

[flvegan]

46. To me

nothing wrong with having a horse any more than there's something wrong with having a dog/cat/hamster. Just lots more work.

[lost-in-nj]

49. yup

lots more work

and the poop is bigger


:hi: :)



lost

[Critters2]

47. Me, not a huge fan of riding animals. nt

[lost-in-nj]

50. because

you think its not right or your afraid...

either way I respect your beliefs


:hi:


lost

[Critters2]

68. I think it's not right.

I have ridden, when I was a kid. I've been around horses quite a bit, too. Worked on two rescues of neglected horses when I was involved with the Humane Society. So, no, not afraid. Just deeply respectful of amazing creatures who shouldn't be treated like objects.


:hi:

[lost-in-nj]

80. understand

but I love Doc

don't know what I would or could think
if he wasn't there for me

and me for him....


:hug:

I will respect your feelings....
you deserve it

:hi:

lost

[sammythecat]

66. No problem with me. It's the exploitation that leads to the inevitable abuse.

I do believe, however, that when anyone seeks and acquires any animal it should be a lifelong affair. If something unforeseen happens and that is no longer possible, I believe the owner has an obligation to see to it that any subsequent owners are caring and responsible. I could never take an animal to a pound or an auction.

I just think that whenever we domesticate an animal, that animal becomes totally dependent on us and it's fate is then entirely in our hands. We have an obligation to be fair and good to that animal.

[sammythecat]

48. Well, yeah... but we like to watch them race. It's fun

and it gives us a thrill, and for the owners who provide the entertainment, there's a lot of money to be made. So, there you go. The cruelty isn't obvious and the deaths are infrequent enough (about 800/year) not to spoil the party.

Plus, after just a few years they retire and then spend an idyllic life being pampered on a beautiful horse farm, right?

No, I agree with you, the byproduct of horse racing is cruelty, abuse, and early death in the slaughterhouse where death is mercy.

I'd like to see the people who promote this run a 1 1/4 mile race in their suits and fancy hats. I think it would be a very exciting and spirited race too. They'd know better than any the consequences of not winning.

[mitchum]

58. They should also have Al Pacino or one of the Red Hot Chili Peppers riding...

on their back and wielding a whip

[trof]

59. And they kill NASCAR drivers.

And the horses burn no fuel as they race around the track.
:shrug:

[triguy46]

74. People who only watch one horse race a year don't realize how often this happens.

Often enough where every track has the trucks, vans and curtains to afford some privacy as they put a horse down. I've seen it at big tracks, small tracks. Sad but true.

[BlueJazz]

76. After reading all the posts (So Far) , I'm pretty much confused about the whole sport.

Seems like there's good and bad about the whole thing.
I'm usually fairly decisive about subjects but this one has me baffled. :)

[Runcible Spoon]

95. I don't see any good beyond some measure of local Kentucky culture and beautiful horses.

Underneath the whole glittery exterior there is the ugliness of the horses' miserable life, the health/eating disorders of teh jockeys as well as their financial struggles, and the desperation of the betting junkies and basically everyone else who doesn't "make it". The whole racing world is like a magical journey if you're on top, but there isn't much middle ground and those at the bottom scrape around for a pretty miserable existence.

[BlueJazz]

112. Your Words are pretty convincing ....DU Sister

:)

[IronLionZion]

119. All you need to know is...

that you don't have the right to do what YOU want to do. ConservativesLiberals know what's best for you.

Yeah, that sums up the attitude of many DUers.

[supernova]

79. Very sad.

I didn't watch the Derby, but it's sad that horses are bred now for such spindly legs.

[madinmaryland]

81. jeebus! can we take this crap over to gd:pffth!

:hide:

[Blue Diadem]

82. Just got home and saw that..

:cry:

[Danger Mouse]

83. delete.

nevermind.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

84. Actually, isn't it crueler to let the poor thing suffer?

[Critters2]

116. The cruelty is in running to death an animal too young

and too fragilely bred to take such abuse. Yes, racing caused such bad injuries that the humane thing to do was to euthanize.

The more humane thing to do would have been to never run her in the first place.

[Midlodemocrat]

86. Many years ago, a friend and I were in Saratoga, the summer of 1980.

Her dad raised horses and we were on the backstretch when a horrific collision took place. I think at least two horses were put down. It was horrible to see.

And, seeing one of these beautiful, majestic creatures break its leg will absolutely bring you to tears.

[BrklynLiberal]

107. Another magnificent creature sacrificed at the altar of human entertainment....

and profit, too, of course.

Time for some undercover investigating, perhaps

[AlCzervik]

114. i don't understand the appeal of horse racing or dog racing for that matter.

i also don't understand the appeal of boxing but at least the boxer has a say, the animal doesn't.

[IronLionZion]

118. Save a horse, ride a cowboy.

:evilgrin:

[madinmaryland]

120. Seems to me that we've beaten this dead horse to death.

Oops.



:hide:

[mokawanis]

121. maybe they can make a documentary

about what a great horse it was and how it simply loved to race and what great people all the trainers and owners are. I hate the goddamn "sport" of horse-racing.

[Shakespeare]

124. What offended me most was watching the crowd continue to whoop it up after the horse was down.

Even football fans have the courtesy to shut the fuck up when a player is down. Show some fucking respect for this animal that just paid with its life so you could have your absurd social spectacle.