Need people's opinions!

[Patrick1994]

What do you think on the racing of young horses, 3 year olds, and the fact that these horses are in training from the age of 2.
The impact it has on them physically and mentally.
Why racing is the only discipline that allows horses to compete before the age of 4
Whether these races pull in enough money to make them worth putting horse welfare at risk?
Any opinions, positive and negative! Just would like to know what people think!

 

[AmyMay]

Two posts?

 

[ridefast]

I'm guessing you haven't looked into western riding then

 

[Bobbly]

I've had my share of ex racers in the past. Racehorses are just a commodity, break it, chuck it and get another one. It costs too much to produce them to race at a more suitable age hence a majority of their careers are over very early on. Only the people who have a fondness for their horse or have a horse that is a superstar seem to actually care about their long term future. Too many bred for too few placements, where does the buck stop? (Just my opinion of course).

 

[Patrick1994]

I've had my share of ex racers in the past. Racehorses are just a commodity, break it, chuck it and get another one. It costs too much to produce them to race at a more suitable age hence a majority of their careers are over very early on. Only the people who have a fondness for their horse or have a horse that is a superstar seem to actually care about their long term future. Too many bred for too few placements, where does the buck stop? (Just my opinion of course).

Yeh that makes sense really, these horses being bred in mass means that maybe in some cases they are not taken as individuals or respected. Its just a massive welfare issue and I don't know whether there is any research that would be able to prevent it from happening?! Do you think the type of racing makes a difference?