Injured racehorses make up an exponential portion of horses that are sold for meat. As the racehorse industry is driven by the almighty dollar with many racehorse owners rarely interested in the health/longevity of their horses, it is up to the regulating racing body to institute controls to protect thoroughbred welfare. Thoroughbred horses are a fragile, fine boned breed with delicate feet that are often permanently damaged and deformed by running hard too young. "Bucked shins" is common in 2 year old racehorses, as are fine fractures, tendonitis, sore knees and pounded down heels. While stabled at the track for racing and training, the thoroughbred spends an average of 23 out of 24 hours in its stall, getting fired up on a high carbohydrate diet. Young horses need to play in large fields to strengthen their bones and develop their minds. Racehorses started too early often develop "vices" or behaviours such as weaving and cribbing which affect the eventual rehoming potential should the horse be slow or become injured. Any other saddle horse is entered into professional under saddle training at a minumum of 3 years of age, with some trainers waiting until 4 or 5 years of age to put weight on a horse's back. This is due to the need for bones to complete their growing, harden, and seal. Post-racing thoroughbreds started young usually develop "pancake feet" which are nearly impossible to correct and develop a natural "barefoot trim" where the horse stays sound in a new career. Unsound horses and horses with behaviours are prime candidates for slaughter. It is the morale obligation of the human guardians of these fine horses to ensure they have time to grow before they are ever introduced to under saddle, high speed pressures of the racing industry.
Attention: The Jockey Club of Canada!
Stop the antique practice of racing 2 year olds. Veterinary science supports allowing bones and joints to finish growing before placing racing strain on the horse. Lead the international racing industry in the morale campaign to only permit the racing of horses that are a minimum of 3 years old and up.
