A horse race is an exciting event that has entranced spectators for centuries. It involves a jockey riding on top of a horse, which is then controlled by a rider who guides it around the course of the race and jumps any hurdles (if present). If a horse finishes first, it wins a prize. The rules for different horse races may differ, but the general principles are similar. Spectators can place wagers on their favorite horse and cheer them on to victory.
When a horse falls during a race, it can seriously injure or even kill its rider. This is why it is important to have a well-trained, experienced jockey on the mount. But despite the importance of the role, some riders do not take the job seriously and are not trained properly. In addition, the horses are often underfed and deprived of water during training, which can make them more likely to fall. Consequently, many jockeys get hurt during a race, and their injuries can be severe.
The for-profit industry that makes racing possible has never put the welfare of horses as its top priority. As a result, the exploitation of these animals continues to this day. And while donations by industry people and gamblers are vital on behalf of the equine athletes, they do not cancel out participation in the ongoing, deadly exploitation of younger running horses that will one day replace them.
While the for-profit industry is a big contributor to equine welfare problems, a change in the public perception of the sport could help. In a society and culture that increasingly recognizes animal rights, racing needs to evolve its business model so that the interests of horses are always paramount.
Some governance experts and executives are uncomfortable with the classic succession “horse race,” in which an overt competition for a top executive role takes place among several recognized candidates within a set time frame. Yet the approach has proved successful at numerous prestigious companies.
The issue is complicated by the fact that, despite their unnatural upbringing, most racehorses have an instinctive drive to run fast. But this desire is inhibited by the confinement of a racing stable, and the stress of being in a pack of other horses, the constant travel to and from tracks, the unrelenting pace and the high stakes can all cause them to experience suffering that manifests as repetitive and compulsive behaviors such as biting on their gates or contracting their neck muscles while pulling backward and grunting.
If a horse crosses the finish line and it cannot be determined who won, a photo finish will be declared. Photographs of the finish are studied by stewards to determine who came in first, and the winner is awarded the prize money. This is how most horse races are decided.