Horse-racing and Steeplechasing are considered to be "Sports", so I've chosen to start this thread under this topic. I could have chosen "The Tack Room" I suppose, but I wanted the opinions of non-"horsey" people!
We are so very lucky this year........ONLY 2 horses died at this year's Aintree weekend. And even more lucky because these deaths didn't occur in the Grand National steeplechase on Saturday, but during Ladies' Day on Friday. Yippee!
The organisers are congratulating themselves for lowering the number of horses allowed to race in the GN, and making safety improvements to the course. I'm not denying this is true and may well have resulted in there being no fatalities. And it's a big improvement on last year..........🙄
I love animals. I love the strength and beauty of horses. But I'm not a vet, nor an owner or expert on horses. But every year I feel sick to my stomach when the Aintree "festival" comes round. I have felt this since I was a child, and refused to take part in the family's tradition of placing a bet on the GN. This wasn't done for any other horse race - the GN seems to be so iconic and famed, where others aren't.
And I admit that it's easy to feel a sense of awe and excitement when you see these beautiful animals, and jockeys, coming out ready for the race.
The breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys will tell us that these horses are looked after and treated almost like royalty, and I hope that's true. They say these horses love racing, and this is proven when they carry on running and jumping even when their jockey has fallen off.
Well, I just happened to hear an equine vet on the radio last year, who explained that there is no proof that horses love racing and jumping - they can't exactly tell you! They continue without a jockey because they are pack animals, and will follow the herd. He also said that they may be built for running, but certainly not for jumping. Their torsos are big and their legs are spindly, and that's why so many get injured by breaking their legs on/after jumping - injuries so bad that they have to be put down.........on the racecourse, (albeit hidden). And how is it ok for them to be whipped?
I'm not really sure why I'm posting. But I got fed up with myself year after year moaning but doing nothing about it. So, I've had my Mumsnet rant, and I've finally joined one of the animal organisations who are against the GN and lots of other cruel "sports".
There is too much money to be made from horse racing for it to be banned, but at least I feel I'm doing something!
I'm happy to be disagreed with, as long as it's factual!