Unbridled Racing News and Opinion: June 2009

ABOUT UR BLOG ...

Hi, I'm Susan Kayne. I write UR Blog to share my unbridled views about the "Sport of Kings" in the hope of seeing real change come about to improve the lives of thoroughbreds on the track and transitioning into second careers.

UR blog started out as a platform to share the good news of horse racing with the world. Now, it serves as a platform to advocate for horses in the not so good world of horse racing.

I have spent my whole life working with thoroughbreds in just about every capacity, from mucking stalls, to breeding. foaling, and endless hours in the saddle galloping race horses and showing hunters and jumpers. For over three decades I had bred and owned thoroughbreds for racing working toward active participation in [what I thought] would be great racing in New York.

In 2012, my idealistic views were shattered. I learned first-hand through the breakdown of my horse Bourbon Bandit about the daily practice of wanton drug abuse happening on NY tracks. My story made Page One of the New York Times as part of series that courageously exposed the death and disarray plaguing horse racing. I was distraught that I had contributed to the promotion of horse racing for so many years.

Now, I use UR blog to advocate for the health and well-being of race horses on the track and into second careers.

Horses are sentient beings who willingly work at the command of humans to achieve amazing athletic feats. They give joy unmeasured to owners, trainers, and fans, yet they are often forgotten and thrown away when their racing days are done. Horses have no say or choice in their circumstances -- they only have those who truly, truly love them, irregardless of their earning capacity, to speak on their behalf.

Please join the conversation.

I invite you to share your thoughts and comments.

Susan

Sunday, June 7, 2009