To wonder why people still bet on the grand national

[Springtime336]

-2 horses have already died at ladies day

• approx 200-250 horses die every year in the uk in horse racing

Really sad

@MoonStarsSun no they don't but we do, and I'm asking you?

@Trekkingbeyond I agree. It's true that is plays on their natural instincts. Not a jockey but I've ridden many a horse hunting and team chasing and they bloody love it! Equally most horses love to gallop and jump on their own. It's just what they love.

It is sick. Those beautiful animals dying in that vile spectacle makes me so sad. I can’t even read about it but I know it happens. Every bloody year.

@theinvestigator “you just have a different red line to me on that issue and you care about different things from me.” I don’t think that’s it, I think if people know there are cruelty free jewellery and clothing options they’d prefer to pick them, I hadn’t heard of the things you were talking about, if you can point me in the direction of the most ethical products that would be appreciated.

@kikisparks but horses don't see it that way, they just see it as getting fed, groomed, to have a jolly with their friends every day (up the gallops) and occasionally going to a party!

Ima Ever heard of anthropomorphism?! How do you know what they "just see it as"? Jolly with their friends? Going to a party?! If by "going to a party" you are meaning the Grand National, I've heard it all now.

horses don't see it that way, they just see it as getting fed, groomed, to have a jolly with their friends every day (up the gallops) and occasionally going to a party!

Fuck me I have seen it all now.

Oh dear god, some responses are beyond moronic.

I would rather not be born than be bred, used and killed as a commodity.

That’s farmed animals, not racehorses. Horses die at the Grand National (1 in 7 years) through accidents. Racehorses are exposed to risk, sure, but then so are all pets. Many of them get run over or attacked by other pets or wildlife and any pet owner knows that’s a likelihood even before they get the cat, the dog or the rabbit.

What’s different about racing is that it’s a sport that people enjoy. That’s what really pisses off the sanctimonious preachy animal lovers.

@MoonStarsSun I don't know, I'm just basing it on a lifetime of being around and riding horses. I'm a 'learnt to ride before I could walk' kind of person. I'm not projecting my own likes and feelings onto them, running four miles? Fuck that! In the same way "I think" my dogs love to go for a walk, I also "think" horses, especially TBs love to run and jump in a group.

@imamearcat I mean none of us knows how the horses see it because none of us is a horse. But the point is that as humans if we apply a bit of empathy and logic we can see that breeding animals to commodify them, beat them (even just lightly to get their attention), and put them into high risk situations for monetary gain is wrong.

I say this as someone who used to ride horses and I now see I was wrong and am willing to admit it. They deserved to live their own lives, not have to have a person on their back and be kicked every day

But what do I know I'm just a moron.

@KissingInTheRain it’s both. Many of the horses are killed when they’re no longer valuable.

Why does a sport that people enjoy piss off animal lovers? I’m not pissed off I’m just sad that as a species we are still using and harming and killing sentient beings unnecessarily for monetary gain. It’s very much not about me but about the victims. If just one person sees things differently as a result of reading this and stops paying towards animal cruelty my time will be well spent.

@kikisparks if you don't agree with horse riding then fair enough. Poor things.

Our family tradition was betting on the national. This year I decided to break that tradition. Going to donate to a horse sanctuary instead.

@KissingInTheRain and I don’t agree with breeding pets either but the ones which are here need taken care of. If they choose to go out and come to harm because of an accident then that is a shame but it’s a consequence of a decision made by them in a situation where someone is acting in their best interests, to let them go out if they wish. That’s very different from say making a pet do tricks which carry a risk of death, just for human entertainment.

user that’s great to hear

Ima How can someone who seemingly grew up around horses not see a distinction between horse riding and horse racing? If anything I'd have thought you'd have more sympathy. It's so naive to see racehorses' lives as a jolly with their friends and the big races as a "party" for them.

Just a little anecdote which may or may not be relevant. Someone I know has an ex-racehorse, mad moose he's called. He ran well in the National once, I think he was placed. He then decided it wasn't for him, you know the one who won't set off?

Anyway he is absolutely adored by this girl and goes back to aintree every year to parade.

Why does a sport that people enjoy piss off animal lovers?

Because, like I said before, animal lovers - at least the more extreme and vocal ones - are really a form of modern day religious maniacs. Animal welfare is their religion. And religions like to do two things in particular: disapprove of certain behaviour, especially if it gives pleasure; and tell people what they can and can’t do.

Preachy vegans are an everyday example of this. Veganism is really just religious fundamentalism re-packaged.

Because, like I said before, animal lovers - at least the more extreme and vocal ones - are really a form of modern day religious maniacs. Animal welfare is their religion. And religions like to do two things in particular: disapprove of certain behaviour, especially if it gives pleasure; and tell people what they can and can’t do.

What a load of bullshit.

Seconded.

Yes bread, complete denial is how the ‘devout’ react to criticism of their faith.

Kissing What's the difference between the champions of animal welfare and child welfare in your opinion then? Are child welfare activists a form of modern day religious maniacs too?

Ah, animals compared with humans, with children.

Always happens.

Kissing in other words, you don't have a decent answer for that.