Is Horse Racing Ethical?

Horse racing is an ancient and international sport involving the competition of two or teams of horses in an endurance contest of speed and stamina. Over centuries it has changed very little; its fundamental principles remain the same – whoever crosses the finish line first wins! Horses have been used in racing since prehistoric times across multiple cultures worldwide.

Once, horse races were an extremely popular form of entertainment across the nation; however, their attendance has dramatically declined over the last decade or so. This decrease has prompted some horse enthusiasts to question its ethics while others even call for its banishment altogether.

Horse racing’s ethics depend on how it is practiced; certain aspects can be inherently unethical, like subjecting animals to pain for money; however, animal use for profit is an intricate issue, with numerous ways in which it could be improved upon.

To increase horse racing ethics, a number of reforms must take place. Whips and tongue-ties should be banned as they cause injuries to animals; additionally, drugs known to impair performance should also be prohibited; other measures include increasing purse sizes.

Another area where horse racing needs improvement is in treating injured horses. While most injuries to racing equines are nonfatal, they can still cause great discomfort for them and lead to lameness; recovery from such injuries may take up to three months – this damage to horse racing has many opponents opposed to it as well as detracting from its popularity among enthusiasts.

Horses also suffer from bone injuries and fatigue during training, trials and racing. Bone injuries can cause pain and lameness that lasts long periods of time; their treatment can also be expensive. Furthermore, these incidents can be very stressful to the horse itself and lead to permanent injuries if left untreated properly.

Horse racing should address these concerns by actively encouraging women and minorities to join its ranks, and by creating an environment in which respect, safety, and inclusivity for all participants – spectators, jockeys, horses and trainers alike. Respect should start from ownership through to fan attendance – benefiting everyone involved while elevating its image in turn.