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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be dreading the grand national on Saturday?

292 replies

annabanana84 · 03/04/2013 15:41

once again the grand national has come around, and to say I despise it is an understatement. The fact that people race these poor horses for entertainment and money really defies belief. The way those poor horses get whipped, exhausted and there is not a year goes by that we hear of deaths or the animals having to be put to sleep because of them breaking their necks, backs, or other injuries. I so dread it. You can't even get away from hearing about the deaths because it's broadcast on every news programme.

OP posts:
jennywren45 · 03/04/2013 20:20

I agree with you Catgirl.
My horses love to jump, gallop and do cross country. They love it.
McNewpants - can you elaborate anysport?

midori1999 · 03/04/2013 20:21

Having been around horses all of my life, worked in the racing industry and been heavily involved in show horses, I'd say your dread is misplaced. Horses do die racing but there are far crueler practices going on in the showing world, however, it's not publicised, it's behind closed doors, Horse Of The Year Show in nowhere near as well know or publicised as the Grand National, so no one gives a shit.

zukiecat · 03/04/2013 20:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

jennywren45 · 03/04/2013 20:24

I see far greater cruelty when ignorant people buy ponies for children who can't ride, cab't meet their needs, over use the stick and then get bored and neglect it. And this happens to thousands of ponies every year.Sad

McNewPants2013 · 03/04/2013 20:25

Any sport that involves animals being hit to make them go faster and preform faster.

I am under no illusion that horse don't like running and jumping ect, but what I don't like is exploiting these animals for money.

meditrina · 03/04/2013 20:25

I think that horses that race in the top level races must enjoy it - I just don't see how they can be forced to run.

But I do wonder why this race is more lethal now than it was in the 1960s.

jennywren45 · 03/04/2013 20:27

Have you seen a jockey whip. mcNewpant? They are made of sponge . It is the movement caught in the eye of the whip that spurs a horse on more than being hit, trust me. I never need to hit my horses EVER but I always carry a whip.

nkf · 03/04/2013 20:28

Oh darn it. I will have to name change after this. But I love love love the Grand National. Will there be a pick the winner thread tomorrow?

McNewPants2013 · 03/04/2013 20:30

No I haven't

DENMAN03 · 03/04/2013 20:31

Meditrina.. The reason it's more dangerous now is because the fences have been made smaller. A horse will naturally 'back off' a big fence meaning it won't jump as exuberantly. The fences are also narrower to allow a run off past the fence. This encourages bunching where as before they could spread out and allow the horse to see the fence.

catgirl1976 · 03/04/2013 20:35

Have they still banned whips at Towcester?

I hate overuse of the whip and think it should be punished much more severely. (possibly with a whipping Angry )

I also carry a whip with my horse but never use it to hit him with. It's useful for steering etc.

jennywren45 · 03/04/2013 20:36

Backs up the leg, is all Grin

DENMAN03 · 03/04/2013 20:40

Lucyellensmum, I agree but do you know any owners? The ones I know are passionate about their horses. One friend of mine has 13 in training. When they finish racing he ensures they go to knowledgeable homes and continues to pay for them until they die. Equally the owner of Kauto star has sent him to a top event rider to enjoy low level dressage. Horses at this level are not suited to a field aged just 12.

catgirl1976 · 03/04/2013 20:48

Denman is an interesting user name to have on this thread :) Any connection to that gorgeous horse?

FrankellyMyDearIDontGiveADamn · 03/04/2013 20:49

For those that want to know more about the welfare aspects of racing, an industry I work in and love, here are some useful links:

Welfare

Science & Welfare

Injury & Fatality statistics

The horse comes first

I do not expect everyone to agree with my opinions on racing, and I confess that I have struggled with the Grand National - it is not representative of the racing industry. It is a glorified handicap! - but I do expect people to look at the facts objectively and not throw accusations of people in racing not caring about their horses around.

meditrina · 03/04/2013 20:52

Thanks DENMAN03.

IAmLouisWalsh · 03/04/2013 20:54

I'm also going against the grain here - I like to watch horse racing, I like to have a bet and I love animals. It is horrible when horses die in the race, I agree - but most of the public only ever watch this and maybe the Derby or the Gold Cup, and have a slightly skewed view of racing.

FrankellyMyDearIDontGiveADamn · 03/04/2013 20:56

Can you spot who I am ?!

Shakey1500 · 03/04/2013 20:58

Oh I hate it Sad

DENMAN03 · 03/04/2013 21:02

Catgirl.. Well spotted!! He was just amazing :)

catgirl1976 · 03/04/2013 21:06

I loved him :) Fantastic horse

DENMAN03 · 03/04/2013 21:06

Frankel I do believe!

catgirl1976 · 03/04/2013 21:07

Ahhhhhhhh I was trying to work that out but failed!

DENMAN03 · 03/04/2013 21:08

He was. Glad he retired sound. Now we have the amazing sprinter sacre to take his place.. He is just something else! He is stepping up in trip at aintree.. Lets hope he hasn't gone over the too, although I can't see Nicky Henderson sending him out unless he is 100%.

TheWrathofNaan · 03/04/2013 21:10

I can't understand why people imagine that the horses want to race when they are obviously being whipped to force them??!!!