Industry Insights: Let's be Frank - Thoroughbred Times
I just read the above linked article written by John P. Sparkman, a quote from it:
“The struggling global economy, decline in public interest in horses in general, the attenuated attention span of the Internet age, public perceptions of widespread drug abuse, all these and other factors have combined to earthquake Thoroughbred racing, collapsing the house that generations of racing men built. We cannot control most of the factors that have negatively affected our industry. We can control our medication rules”.
My question to ALL interested parties:
Do industry participants really care enough about their horses to actually go drug-free?
The gross reality of thoroughbred racing is that horses are commoditized; to most they are not viewed as living, feeling, sentient beings. They are instruments to make money; when one horse breaks down, another waits to fill its stall. A horse no longer able to race becomes, at best, someone else’s responsibility.
The genesis of the problems that now plague racing began years ago in breeding sheds across the country. As with genetically engineered factory farming, we are now realizing the error of manufacturing animals for obsolescence. Thoroughbreds that were once bred for stamina, strength, and durability have fallen prey to human's shortsighted need for speed. When breeding began focusing on creating “sale” horses, those that could run early as two-year-olds and turn in a 20-second quarter at a breeze show, equine pharmaceutical companies jumped at the chance to market products to trainers struggling to keep up an unnatural pace.
Veterinarians, as the distributors of drugs, have everything to gain from advocating their use--the vet bills for pre-race, post-race, and everything in between, average approximately $2,000 a month, even for a sound horse. If a horse falls apart under the stress of racing, either on drugs or against horses who are using them, even more money goes to the veterinarian.
So how does one get new owners and fans into a sport that is perceived as drug-riddled, cruel, funded by gambling, embroiled in political hold-ups, only for the super-rich, and generally doesn’t allow for hands-on interaction with the horse?
The drugging and substance abuse America’s thoroughbreds are subjected to has landed the industry in a quagmire. I am ashamed of the actions of the HBPA. What’s benevolent and protective about permissive, unsafe medication rules? Is the HBPA proud of enabling horses to race that otherwise would not be on the track? Why are people breeding or racing any horses that need drugs to perform? If a horse bleeds it shouldn't be running; breed them stronger, condition them better. Steve Zorn has a super informative blog, here is the link to Lasix as it relates to bleeding: http://businessofracing.blogspot.com/2011/06/lasix-what-is-to-be-done.html
I am a lifelong horse owner and breeder; I have brought many new owners into NY racing. I truly love horses and have spent every day of my life with them.
I grew up winning with horses across multiple disciplines as a result of excellent horsemanship, superior care, and conscientious training. Horses have given too much to me personally to ever consider practices that would detract from the quality and length of their lives--they would NEVER do the same to us.
Racing needs to consider its principles first, and let public relations follow.
What's your opinion? I'd value your insights and love to hear from you. Together, lets find ways to make life better for horses. Susan
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ask Governor Cuomo to sign new equine bill into law
Ask Governor Cuomo to sign new equine bill into law
Important protection for Horse Farms given the State of New York -- act now!
Important protection for Horse Farms given the State of New York -- act now!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
New Life, New Hope, Derby Dreams for 2014....
336 days ago I stood with Motel Malibu as she and Wild Desert created a life that entered this world at 6:30pm this evening. It is a frigid night in New York. I was hoping the girls would hold-off on foaling for a few more days, at least until we hit 40 -- not!
It was an under-the-weather kind of day for me. As I bundled up to head to the barn, I said to my husband, "please, no babies tonite -- it is soooo cold". Upon entry to the foaling Street Wheeling lay resting, Frances G eating, Smokin Nails playing with her newborn, Austin peering across at Malibu. Austin's expression said it all, and there stood Malibu in the position I know so well. Two front feet and a nose, always a relief to start in the right position...all-in-all it was an easy delivery. Malibu, now 17, was really spent for a good hour afterwards. This was a bit surprising as she is a very active mare in good shape. With blessings and luck in another three years our boy will be a star among his peers like his classic-winning Daddy. So I hope, so I dream -- here is UR newest addition....at about 45 minutes into life on planet earth!
It was an under-the-weather kind of day for me. As I bundled up to head to the barn, I said to my husband, "please, no babies tonite -- it is soooo cold". Upon entry to the foaling Street Wheeling lay resting, Frances G eating, Smokin Nails playing with her newborn, Austin peering across at Malibu. Austin's expression said it all, and there stood Malibu in the position I know so well. Two front feet and a nose, always a relief to start in the right position...all-in-all it was an easy delivery. Malibu, now 17, was really spent for a good hour afterwards. This was a bit surprising as she is a very active mare in good shape. With blessings and luck in another three years our boy will be a star among his peers like his classic-winning Daddy. So I hope, so I dream -- here is UR newest addition....at about 45 minutes into life on planet earth!
 |
| Already walking all over his mother! Knowing a horse from conception and helping it enter this world is an awesome privilege and equally daunting responsibility as we care for our horses throughout all stages of life. We encourage, and help our colleagues do the same. Whether raising, racing, re-training, or retiring UR Stable has resources you can count on to make life better for your horses. Any name suggestions? We could have fun with Wild, Motel, Desert, Malibu...Wild Mo like Uncle Mo? With unbridled joy I am off to sleep! Sweet dreams my friends ~ Susan. |
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Just Say NO to Toe Grabs - NOT worth the risk at any length.....
Look at the magnificent motion of these thoroughbreds.
Anatomically, the horse doesn't pull from the front legs --
he pushes from behind.
he pushes from behind.
A hoof strikes the ground with 5,000 pounds of pressure on a bone the size of your wrist.
Steve Wood, superintendent of Del Mar's dirt track.
So WHY, WHY. WHY are American trainers, farriers and horseshoe manufacturers continuing to damage our beautiful thoroughbreds by installing toe grabs into shoes and affixing them to the feet of horses?
UR Stable will not allow toe grabs on any of its racing stock. Empirical evidence exists proving increased risk and the damages caused by using toe grabs on racehorses.
I have personally seen way too many injuries directly associated with the use of toe grabs.
Here is a list of TOE GRAB facts that every horse owner, trainer, FARRIER, partner, caregiver and horseshoe manufacturer should be FULLY aware of ....
FATAL musculoskeletal injuries have a 1.8 higher chance of occurring with a low toe grab than with a Queen's Plate [no toe grab horseshoe], that nearly doubles to 3.5 with a regular toe grab.
There is a 6.5 greater chance of having a suspensory apparatus failure
with a low toe than there is with a Queen's Plate,
and that more than doubles to 15.6 with a regular toe grab.
Cannon bone condylar fractures are seven times more likely to happen with a low toe grab than with a Queen's Plate and it nearly triples to 17.1 with a regular toe grab… read more
EIGHT BELLES, who broke both front legs after finishing 2nd in the 2008 Kentucky Derby WAS WEARING TOE GRABS --
no one will admit to the size.
no one will admit to the size.
Photo: Grayson-Jockey Club
Chris McCarron, along with several other riders including Gary Stevens and Steve Cauthen, have testified that, "toe grabs are the single biggest reason why horses fall when they clip heels."
With all this evidence, I am surprised we haven't had a class-action lawsuit over the damages caused to horses wearing toes grabs. There is no warning on the side of the shoe box, and what choice does the horse have in the matter?
In my lifetime, I have watched horses win 1000s of races without toe grabs -- just look at all the shoes in the Hall of Fame --
NO TOE GRABS.
NO TOE GRABS.
The reality is, that toe grabs can do a lot more damage to a horse than myriad of other things that are policed around the racetrack.
For me, running any horse in toe grabs is simply not an option.
FRIENDS -- HOW CAN YOU BE AWARE OF THIS AND ALLOW TOE GRABS ON ANY HORSE??? Have a conscience..... please.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)