Faunalytics.org makes use of JavaScript to operate fully, but Javascript is disabled in your browser
Image by Unsplash user Pietro Mattia
professional horse racing in the winter snow by jockeys

Mangled Horses, Maimed Jockeys

Summary By: | Published: April 12, 2012
Estimated Reading Time: < 1 minute
FavoriteLoadingSave to My Library
FULL TEXT The full text of this article is available
EXTERNAL STUDY This is a summary of an external study
In the U.S., horse racing remains a bloody sport, with 24 horses dying every week. To compound the problem, there is a massive trade in illegal drugs for usage in racing horses.

A recent study conducted by the New York Times analyzed information on 150,000 horse races, race track injury reports, and drug test results from 2009-2011. The study found very high incidents of injury, death, and illegal drug use on U.S. racetracks.

On average, 24 horses die per week on racetracks in the United States. Between 2009 and 2011, 6,600 horses broke down or showed signs of injury. An additional 3,600 horses died while racing or training. The greatest number of horses die in California, with 635 deaths between 2009 and 2011. State specific data on racetrack death, injury and illegal drug use can be found here.

Incidents of racing injuries are higher among thoroughbreds than quarter horses, which engage in more sprinting behavior. There were an average of 5 injuries per 1,000 starts among thoroughbreds, compared to 6.5 injuries among quarter horses.

Illegal drug use is also a problem. Since 2009, there were 3,800 cases of illegal drugs detected in racing horses at U.S. racetracks.

External Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/us/death-and-disarray...
Faunalytics
Meet the Author:
Faunalytics is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to helping animals by providing useful information to advocates to help them increase their impact.

Citations:

WALT BOGDANICH, JOE DRAPE, DARA L. MILES and GRIFFIN PALMER. (2012, March 24). Death and Disarray at America’s Racetracks. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/us/death-and-disarray-at-americas-racetracks.html?_r=1

Tags:

Other Topics Animal Racing English Horses

Related Posts

Housing The “Unwanted” Horses Of The U.S.A.

With about 200,000 horses unwanted each year in the U.S., finding homes for them is crucial and difficult. This review looks at potential solutions.

In the Spotlight

Mystery Surrounding Abandoned Horses Finally Solved

An investigation into the abandoning of horses finds that over 5,000 abandoned horses in the U.S. can be traced back to meat slaughter plants in Mexico.

In the Spotlight

The History Of Circus Horses

The presence of horses in modern circuses is ethically problematic, but may have actually helped horses in some ways.

In the Spotlight

2009 Unwanted Horses Survey

63% of the equine rescue facilities surveyed report that they are full or near capacity and they turn away 38% of horses brought to them on average.

In the Spotlight
working horse pulling a cart in Bulgaria

The Interrelations Of Good Welfare Indicators In Working Horses

A study of horses in Romania has found that horses were generally well fed, but did not receive adequate water or exercise, and guardians did not seem to be aware of the horses needs.

In the Spotlight

After the Ride is Over: Evaluating the Welfare of Carriage Horses

This study assessed the welfare of carriage horses by looking at physical measures and concluded that most carriage horses have more or less adapted to their work.

In the Spotlight
two horses lying in a field

Obesity In Horses Could Be As High As In Humans

Researchers have estimated that a staggering 54% of leisure horses are thought to be overweight or obese.

In the Spotlight
a horse sticking its head out of a red barn

Keeping Horses In Groups: A Review

This literature examines the research on horses being kept in groups rather than confined individually.

In the Spotlight
horse in a field

Wide Open Spaces: Horses Need More Space To Thrive

Veterinary researchers break new ground by examining the welfare of horses being raised for meat on intensive breeding farms.

In the Spotlight

Virginia Voters Support the Stopping of Slaughtering Horses for Human Consumption

67% of likely voters in Virginia agree that the way horses are treated in slaughterhouses is cruel and inhumane, and we should should stop this practice.

In the Spotlight

Horses And The Effectiveness Of Qualitative Behaviour Assessment

QBA is a promising tool to complement animal welfare assessments in situations with multiple emotional dimensions, both positive and negative.

In the Spotlight
two wild horses running

Feeding Risk Factors In UK Leisure Horses

This online survey examined the feeding practices and problems of "leisure" horses. It looked at the correlation between undesirable behavior and diet, with a conclusion that hay was the optimal meal compared to concentrated alternatives.

In the Spotlight
Faunalytics uses cookies to provide necessary site functionality and to help us understand how you use our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
I Agree
meerkat-emails.jpg

Don’t Miss a Thing

Faunalytics delivers the latest and most important information directly to your inbox. Choose what topics you want to see and how often you get our emails, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

We want to hear from you! Take our Community Survey and let us know how we Faunalytics can better support your advocacy work.
Take The Survey