Is Horse Racing Ethical?

I was at the horse racing with my family this week and while we were watching the horses my brother asked me if I thought horse racing was ethical.

We ended up having a very lengthy chat about it and it got me thinking. I decided to do some more research into it, and by doing so, I was able to get some answers on whether horse racing is ethical.

So is it?

The answer is a little more complex than a straight yes or no – if the horses are treated well and looked after then many will say yes, it is ethical. However, many animal rights groups say that horse racing is not ethical and that it is a world of injuries and slaughter, while spectators are entertained from watching horses run for their lives. It certainly makes you think!

In this article, we will go into more detail about the ethics around horse racing and further search for perspectives on whether it is ethical or not, we will also explore why it is considered cruel, what the main issues are, the pros and cons, and much much more.

So let’s not waste any time and read on.

What are the main ethical issues?

Looking after the welfare of horses, like all animals, is of course paramount, we all love our horses and want to protect them.

In horse racing some of the main issues include; an oversupply of horses.

This is where the industry requires a high number of horses and a high turnover rate to find its champions.

However, it is the fate of the thousands of horses that leave the industry that raises concerns.

This is because the racehorses have very short careers, on average 2 to 3 years.

Moreover, if the horses are not good racehorses then they can be just rejected from the industry very quickly – or they could be rejected because of injury or behavioral problems.

There are healthy, retired horses too that go on to become recreational, breeding or sport horses – while others could get sent to abattoirs to be slaughtered.

As a result, this oversupply and what happens to the horses after their short careers, is a key issue with many who want the industry to reduce the number of racehorses bred.

Another ethical issue is the use of certain devices on horses in racing, like certain whips – hard leather ones for example.

That’s because of their potential to cause pain and injury to the animals.

The industry uses whips to train the horses.

However, many argue that it should not be used as a performance aid at all because performance essentially comes down to genetics, preparation and rider skill.

Using tongue ties and spurs on horses is also considered unethical.

A tongue tie is a piece of nylon, or another material, that is wrapped tightly around the tongue and tied to the lower jaw.

It is done to keep the tongue in place during a race.

Restricting the movement of the tongue in this way, however, causes discomfort and can lead to permanent injury.

While spurs, which are made of metal and are attached to the back of riding boots, exert sharp pressure when the jockey squeezes or kicks the horse in the flank area.

Despite their adverse impacts, the use of whips, tongue-ties and spurs is endorsed by racing authorities.

There is also the issue of injuries, which many say is unfair to just subject horses to tough conditions for entertainment.

Horses are at risk of harm during races, with the main types of injuries involving muscle, bones, tendons and ligaments.

Serious injuries such as fractures and ruptured ligaments or tendons, which cause pain or distress, and cannot be treated often result in immediate euthanasia.

Racehorses may also die suddenly during or after a race, which may be due to heart failure or other causes.

This has been related to overexertion where horses may be pushed too hard to win.

Despite being illegal, doping of horses has been undertaken by some trainers as a way to enhance performance.

Random testing of horses is done by racing stewards with significant penalties for breaches but this still does not deter some trainers.

These are just some of the key ethical issues that regularly crop up.

Why is horse racing considered cruel?

For the above reasons, horse racing is often considered cruel and thus unethical.

Subjecting horses to an industry which could cause them harm, even death, is seen by many as immoral.

As well as using the devices, like whips, to enhance performance, even if it causes them pain.

Then there is the wastage as discussed above too with the oversupply of horses and what happens to them afterwards.

Racehorses are also often housed in isolation and close confinement rather than in open plains.

There’s a lot of research that says this can manifest certain behaviors that stem from stress and frustration.

What are the positive arguments for horse racing?

Whilst there is a lot of research out there that highlights the negatives with horse racing, there are also people arguing the benefits.

It is claimed that racehorses have a very good life and are well looked after, they are well nursed, well-fed and cared for, sleep securely, and enjoy a balanced diet while benefiting from very good veterinary and dental support whenever injuries occur.

This while also experiencing human love and plenty of grooming.

It is also said that racehorses enjoy their job and they love to run so much so that jockey’s often found it hard to hold them back.

Overall, there are certainly a lot of ethical issues that still remain in the horse racing industry which certainly does call it into question.

It can be argued both ways that it is ethical and unethical, depending on which side of the fence you are on.

The high turnover of horses, their short careers and injuries is a major cause for concern – and that gives plenty of reason to conclude horse racing is unethical.

However, many will also be keen to remind you that racehorses also lead very good lives with lots of human love and attention – along with top care to ensure they are at their racing best!