Examining my feelings on racing
I’ve been reading the Paulick Report (www.thepaulickreport.com) about the Senate hearing on the need for drug oversight in the racing industry. I agree that racing needs oversight. It’s been proven that racing will not or cannot police itself. Even those found cheating are seldom punished, no matter how many offenses they have. I have to say I am proud of Kentucky for not granting Rick Dutrow a trainers license. But of course, that is not real punishment.
Reading is good – but listening to the idiotic, defensive, arguments FOR drugs has been very discouraging. Thanks to Dr. Larry Bramlage and his propaganda campaign regarding Bute being nothing but aspirin, many believe (or profess to believe) that Bute is not a powerful painkiller. There are even those who deny it’s a painkiller at all!!! Merely an anti-inflammatory. Worse than the self-serving blindness regarding Bute, is the attitude drugs are not only necessary, but okay. People argue that horses DESERVE drugs. If they have problems, should they suffer??? It’s just aspirin after all.
In addition, those who speak up for clean racing are attacked and vilified and accused of making something out of nothing, of lying, and of not knowing what they’re talking about.
The ignorance level is very discouraging. Few seem to recognize the problem (aside from animal abuse) is public perception of racing. I posted that for every racing fan there are thousands who are not racing fans. That there are millions of people who are tired of animal abuse and of horses dying. These people have power (as they should) and the slaughter industry has learned that they can’t be ignored. And truly, if racing continues on the way it is, people will demand it be banned.
Of course no one responded to that post. And I don’t think they believe it will really happen.
I have to say that if I were not trying to make a difference – for the horses – I would wash my hands of racing and be done with it. Maybe racing is too big to change. Maybe it’s too late.
2 Responses to Examining my feelings on racing
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- It’s Another New Year! January 5, 2013
I am very much on the same page here, often wondering if people like ourselves would be better working in an area that is more complimentary to our beliefs. In fact after being involved in the racing industry for 20 years, I came to the conclusion that the inexperienced persons standing on the outside watching often has a better idea of the truth & spoke way more sense. For example a member of the public at a race meeting asked me “Why do the riders stand on their mouths to stop them early then then beat them with whips to the post?” “Is that not giving the horse a total contradicting message?” Why are these horses being punished with whips for doping what they are asked to do?”As a trainer I was so pleased that these things were recognized & not considered normal. Though I didn’t really have a great answer only that I always insisted that my horses weren’t ridden that way & that sadly the riders are taught that standing on a horses mouth will slow them down & settle them. Whips then make them go faster(very debatable topic) I felt ashamed to be involved in an industry that is so backward. It isn’t just racing of course this field is the most obvious however try dressage or many aspects of showing for example. I believe there is a lot of hidden there.
In New Zealand I don’t believe we have the drug abuse issue to the same extent. There are very strict rules being put in place all the time with lengthy witholding periods.
I continue to say while we are looking for things we don’t wish to see the more we will see so I remain hopeful that if I walk my talk & do my very best to look for the good out there, (there is some beautiful work being done if we look for it). the more good things I will see.
Remain positive that changes for the better will continue to take place.
If anyone is interested the link below is a lovely wee mare we had having some free time in her training.
Maureen, it it never too late to make changes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5NNOZabZ5g
http://youtu.be/d5NNOZabZ5g
Lush (akaJude) Having a play
Thanks Leanne, I needed that. What you say makes a lot of sense. And the people at the track who are NOT horse people are the most aware of the abuse. Which is sad. All horse sports could use improvement. The questions people ask about whipping are very right on. And the standing and pulling on their mouths. And pulling them up sharply after a race – which is purely not to “waste their time”. Certainly not of benefit to the horse! If I had my way, my horse would finish galloping far down the backside – or further if he wanted. That is how they cleanse their systems of lactic acid, etc. Not to mention it’s easier on their muscles, etc.
As for whipping to make run faster. Horses already run as fast as they can – whipping is punishment and yes, the message from the horse’s point of view is that “you’re being bad!.” Plus I watch closely on TV and never do I see a horse being abused with the whip pick up speed.
I did see the replay of the first American Oaks the other day on TVG, and this wonderful bold filly who was running second and close to being a winner, was clearly struck in the face by the winning jockey – visible on replay. And all she did was make a face and keep on coming. What a brave girl! She was made winner after the other horse was disqualified – and she deserved it. They are such wonderful animals, it just breaks my heart how they are treated. So no, I won’t give up. Change will come.