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The reality of racing
I was disappointed to see the letter ‘The dark side of racing’ in the October issue of H&R, and read about the writer’s belief that the industry is protected by powerful people. Firstly, she is referring to an American horse and race, not British racing.
I think British horse racing is well-regulated and The Jockey Club works hard to ensure that the animals are well looked after. I have ex-racers and have a lot of connections with the industry - trainers, grooms, owners and jockeys. Jockeys love their job and the animals they ride, and the grooms adore them, too. Trainers care about their animals and they treat them like the professional athletes they are.
A horse can break a leg in the field or drop dead while schooling, as happened to a horse of mine. He was only 15 and hadn’t been unwell, and the lesson was going fabulously when he suddenly collapsed.
I think British horse racing is well-regulated and The Jockey Club works hard to ensure that the animals are well looked after. I have ex-racers and have a lot of connections with the industry - trainers, grooms, owners and jockeys. Jockeys love their job and the animals they ride, and the grooms adore them, too. Trainers care about their animals and they treat them like the professional athletes they are.
A horse can break a leg in the field or drop dead while schooling, as happened to a horse of mine. He was only 15 and hadn’t been unwell, and the lesson was going fabulously when he suddenly collapsed.
Sometimes it is kinder to put an animal to sleep following injury, as there are far too many neglected horses out there who are bred and dumped with no one to love and care for them. Welfare is a massive issue in this country, with 7,000 horses at risk. Horses in racing are at least cared for, and with the rise in popularity and responsible trainers finding homes for them at the end of their careers or if they don’t make the grade, as well as racing charities such as Moorcroft and HEROES, many horses have another career after racing. The racing industry also does a lot to raise money for charity.
Not placing a bet won’t stop the sport. It has gone on for centuries. I am fed up with people knocking the racing industry.
Have your say!
We asked you on our Facebook page whether you think it's okay to leave horses unrugged in cold weather. Here's what you had to say...
Jennie Atkinson My British Riding Pony would not survive, he literally shakes if he gets wet!
Dawn Clark Yes, they have a perfectly good temperature-regulating coat. That said, if you’re going to leave them out naked, they should be dealt with correctly to protect the natural oils in their coat.
We asked you on our Facebook page whether you think it's okay to leave horses unrugged in cold weather. Here's what you had to say...
Jennie Atkinson My British Riding Pony would not survive, he literally shakes if he gets wet!
Dawn Clark Yes, they have a perfectly good temperature-regulating coat. That said, if you’re going to leave them out naked, they should be dealt with correctly to protect the natural oils in their coat.
Shane Davies I don’t particularly agree with rugging horses but I do put a rain sheet on mine to keep them dry and to cut out the wind. There are interesting articles that suggest rugging isn’t a good thing! Jess Kemp Perfectly acceptable not to rug or to rug, it just depends on the individual horse, conditions, their body condition and age. Jeanette Taylor They get cold the same as we do.
Karen Flinton Too many people think because they are cold, their horse is cold. Horses managed quite well without rugs up until the last 30 years or so, when only clipped horses wore them. Now the rug industry is massive business.
Janice Kirkcaldy Depends on the horse. Our Thoroughbred needs a rug when out in the daytime in extremely cold/wet weather, but our coloured cob, New Forest and Dartmoor rarely need them whatever the conditions.
Have your say!
We asked you on our Facebook page whether you think it's okay to leave horses unrugged in cold weather. Here's what you had to say...
Jennie Atkinson My British Riding Pony would not survive, he literally shakes if he gets wet!
Dawn Clark Yes, they have a perfectly good temperature-regulating coat. That said, if you’re going to leave them out naked, they should be dealt with correctly to protect the natural oils in their coat.
We asked you on our Facebook page whether you think it's okay to leave horses unrugged in cold weather. Here's what you had to say...
Jennie Atkinson My British Riding Pony would not survive, he literally shakes if he gets wet!
Dawn Clark Yes, they have a perfectly good temperature-regulating coat. That said, if you’re going to leave them out naked, they should be dealt with correctly to protect the natural oils in their coat.
Shane Davies I don’t particularly agree with rugging horses but I do put a rain sheet on mine to keep them dry and to cut out the wind. There are interesting articles that suggest rugging isn’t a good thing! Jess Kemp Perfectly acceptable not to rug or to rug, it just depends on the individual horse, conditions, their body condition and age. Jeanette Taylor They get cold the same as we do.
Karen Flinton Too many people think because they are cold, their horse is cold. Horses managed quite well without rugs up until the last 30 years or so, when only clipped horses wore them. Now the rug industry is massive business.
Janice Kirkcaldy Depends on the horse. Our Thoroughbred needs a rug when out in the daytime in extremely cold/wet weather, but our coloured cob, New Forest and Dartmoor rarely need them whatever the conditions.
wages and work with horses full time. I’m also saving up to buy my own horse.
I’m not privileged enough to have had my own horse bought for me and my parents to pay for the cost of looking after him, and unfortunately some of these people will never appreciate what we have to work hard for! These people are not worth being around and I just wanted to say to stay positive and to wish you all the best with your riding.