The counter-protestor's sign should have said "Horses are born to run - in circles while being beaten senseless by people in clown suits."

Posted by: Maya, CVT | May 7, 2008 04:57 PM

I still cannot believe that the human race became so heartless. How can we use such a nobil animal for our pure gratification and financial gain? I still wake up in the middlle of the night and cry and feel terroble for that horse. How can we bring such a great animal to the last drop of energy and with such a force? I cannot imagine - not in my wildest dreams. Does anyone agree that this has to STOP?

Posted by: Monica | May 7, 2008 10:11 PM

I don’t know if you are aware but there was an incident in Stratton Colorado where a dog breeder (Troy Tagtmeyer) was charged with 46 counts of animal cruelty when the sheriffs department found 41 apparently starved to death dogs and 6 in critical condition. I feel sorry for these dogs and I don’t really know what I can do. If you want to see more on this subject please visit channel 9 news in Denver website.

Posted by: Jon Cisneros | May 7, 2008 10:33 PM

The article itself is ok, but reading the comments posted along with it is quite disheartening. Why do people have so much hate for PETA? I just don't get it!!

Posted by: Leslie Phillips | May 7, 2008 10:36 PM

Have you actually read the comments after this article? All the people seem like inbred, retarded morons. Not very comfortable reading, knowing that there are people like that in the world. I'm going to make a suggestion that we should race them instead of the horses...

Posted by: Daryl | May 8, 2008 03:18 AM

WE NEED MORE PROTESTS AT ALL TRACKS. BUT WE KNOW THE PREAKNESS WILL GO ON VETS AND ALL INVOLVED CAN AND WILL BE BOUGHT OFF. FOR THE GREED FACTOR, THE EVENT SHOULD BE NAMED THE "GREEDNESS"
NOW FOR ALL THOSE HEARTLESS PEOPLE THAT SAY ITS JUST A HORSE, YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND IT IS THE PRINCIPAL OF ALL ANIMAL ABUSE, CRUELTY AND EXPLOITATION, ETC. SINCE SOME HUMANS HOLD ALL ANIMAL LIFE SO CHEAP. BUT WHEN HUMANS KILL FOR A CAR, YOUR SHOES OR WHATEVER THEY FEEL LIKE STEALING, AND THEY GO TO ABORTATION CLINICS LIKE GOING TO A CARWASH, WHAT KIND OF COMPASSION DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GIVE TO AN ANIMAL. THE WORLD IS ONE SICK SOCIETY. THANK GOD FOR PETA AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ALL ANIMALS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

Posted by: SHARIE DELLA | May 8, 2008 07:42 AM

Deadspin aside, I'm a little (not a lot) suprised and dissapointed at the insensitivity surrounding the unfortunate death of what so-called "Animal Lovers" call a beautiful animal (To me all animals are beautiful in different ways).

Just when you think people would rally around and say this is a real shame and support PETA and other animal activists on this issue, attacks toward those who are truly compassionate come flying from many media outlets and so-called "Journalists".

Take a look at this article -http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/523670.html. This columnist claims he knows what the animal is thinking. In short and in my opinion, he's basically saying "Eight Belles" wanted to be beaten to death.

Unfortunately, there is still a real lack of empathy toward others and we as human beings have a long way to go to create a peaceful world. Isn't that what we want?

BTW, Horses ARE born to run ... FREE!

Posted by: Eric Silberstein | May 8, 2008 08:30 AM

I think the owner of Big Brown
should be investigated.
He already was found guilty
of drugging 2 horses and they
were disqualified. Who is to
say Big Brown isn't running
on steroids or something.
And the bigger question is
why is Big Brown running again (in a 2 week period)
when they openly admit he
has bad feet. Are we waiting
for another tragedy at the
Preakness??????
When does the racing board
step in and refuse that these
horses with ailments, bad feet, prior injuries, cannot
run. Seems to me alot of
people turn a blind eye for
the "SPORT". Take a look at
Eight Belles down on the dirt
and call it a SPORT.
Shame on all involved.

Posted by: judi mueller | May 8, 2008 10:11 AM

but why?!!? why would you blame the jocky! he wasn't beating her so bad! Horses are born to run! I'm 13 and I'm In love with the sport of horse racong not because i like winning money but because of the horses! and so are most trainers and jockeys

Posted by: Danica | May 8, 2008 11:25 AM

Jon writes: "Why do people have so much hate for PETA? I just don't get it!!"

The reason you are a fringe organization, with little support from the majority of Americans (you know, those stupid people who just don't get it)is becuase your motives are highly suspect.

You issue a press release calling just for Congressional investigations on hoarse racing, but your web page actually calls for an end of the support in general. Its deceptive.

PETA needs to come clean and admit that any sport invloving animals (ie., dog/hoarse racing, horase back riding, hunting and fishing)or any business that invloves animals being harmed in any way (ie., all meat, chicken, fishing industries)needs to be banned. Killing, by PETA's definition is unethical. Thus, no sport, recreation or meating eating of animals.

I seen PETA protest involving lobster fisherman, carts and buggies in NYC, deer hunting and chicken farmers.

It might surprise all of you, but some people think very differently and there opinion is no less important that yours.

I have seen crimes involving theft, trespassing and threats of violence involving members of PETA. Your orginaization will not stop until all hunting, fishing, animal recreation, meat/fish/chicken/pork eating is banned.

But, like the majority of Americans, I'm just not smart enough like you to understand the issues at hand.

It will be interesting to see if PETA allows this to be posted. I also noticed PETA are allegedly open minded, except when it requires them to listen to the other side. Then they often, but not always, censor it.

Posted by: Bryon | May 8, 2008 11:38 AM

Leslie,

I wouldn't be the least surprised if some of these anti-PETA posters are actually industry shills pretending to represent the views of the average Joe. Animal-exploitive industries stand to lose a lot of money if PETA initiatives are enacted and, as proven countless times, they always put profit ahead of the humane treatment of animals.

Others may suffer from guilt, knowing what the right thing to do is, but being too lazy, too complacent or too unmotivated to do it. They then defensively attack others who do try to make the world a better place for animals.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | May 8, 2008 11:48 AM

I'm a carnivore and I used to bet on horses for fun and to gain a few bucks here and there. But thanks to PETA, though I still love my steaks, I truly am angered by what happened to Eight Belles. I will stop supporting horse racing. My heart dropped to the ground after seeing the horse collapse. Anyone bothered to figure out what happens to horses that no longer make money for owners? Might want to research that. Keep up the good fight, PETA

Posted by: Archie | May 8, 2008 02:08 PM

First of all to answer your question, people hate the peta for SOME reasons. The first time I heard of them is when eight Belles died and they were trying to stop the art of horse racing. You guys need to focus more on bull fighting to me, because some this happen with accidents with horse racing.

"WE NEED MORE PROTESTS AT ALL TRACKS. BUT WE KNOW THE PREAKNESS WILL GO ON VETS AND ALL INVOLVED CAN AND WILL BE BOUGHT OFF. FOR THE GREED FACTOR, THE EVENT SHOULD BE NAMED THE "GREEDNESS"
NOW FOR ALL THOSE HEARTLESS PEOPLE THAT SAY ITS JUST A HORSE, YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND IT IS THE PRINCIPAL OF ALL ANIMAL ABUSE, CRUELTY AND EXPLOITATION, ETC. SINCE SOME HUMANS HOLD ALL ANIMAL LIFE SO CHEAP. BUT WHEN HUMANS KILL FOR A CAR, YOUR SHOES OR WHATEVER THEY FEEL LIKE STEALING, AND THEY GO TO ABORTATION CLINICS LIKE GOING TO A CARWASH, WHAT KIND OF COMPASSION DO YOU THINK THEY WILL GIVE TO AN ANIMAL. THE WORLD IS ONE SICK SOCIETY. THANK GOD FOR PETA AND FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ALL ANIMALS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU"
-daryl

Ok first of all, I DO care ALOT about animals but I also love horse Racing, and i still want to have it. They should not let horses in unless they are over 4 or 5, i agree with that. But alot of things are just nonsense what the PETA say like "Oh my god! A horse died on the track it was Abused I say ABUSED!!!!"

First of all, I dont see how these animals were abused for they were loved, well fed, and the horses loved the owners and jockys just because you whip a horse does not mean that it is abused. At horse riding lessions i see little kids whipped horses all the time and of coarse, I feel bad for the horse but you dont see the PETA jumping all over horse back riding lessions.

"Deadspin aside, I'm a little (not a lot) suprised and dissapointed at the insensitivity surrounding the unfortunate death of what so-called "Animal Lovers" call a beautiful animal (To me all animals are beautiful in different ways).

Just when you think people would rally around and say this is a real shame and support PETA and other animal activists on this issue, attacks toward those who are truly compassionate come flying from many media outlets and so-called "Journalists".

Take a look at this article -http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/523670.html. This columnist claims he knows what the animal is thinking. In short and in my opinion, he's basically saying "Eight Belles" wanted to be beaten to death.

Unfortunately, there is still a real lack of empathy toward others and we as human beings have a long way to go to create a peaceful world. Isn't that what we want?

BTW, Horses ARE born to run ... FREE!"
-Shairie

Like I said, animal lovers can love horse racing too!! I love seeing animals run aswell as I love to run.

"Have you actually read the comments after this article? All the people seem like inbred, retarded morons. Not very comfortable reading, knowing that there are people like that in the world. I'm going to make a suggestion that we should race them instead of the horses..."

-leslie

*pfft* I won't mind being raced and we are not retarded morons for we care about the animals we also hate seeing them die like that, that is why MOST of us derby fans would still like to see the derby but let them be a few years older!

"I still cannot believe that the human race became so heartless. How can we use such a nobil animal for our pure gratification and financial gain? I still wake up in the middlle of the night and cry and feel terroble for that horse. How can we bring such a great animal to the last drop of energy and with such a force? I cannot imagine - not in my wildest dreams. Does anyone agree that this has to STOP?"
-Maya

........ Ok then,I feel bad too. But the PETA should not jump on us like that. She was raced, she tripped, and then she died, everyone saw that!! People WOULD save them if there was a way, these are the only ways:

1: like I said wait until older

2: Ok then you want a horse with two broken ankles healed? Let it be tied to the ceiling freak out then let it get woarse!! That is why they did not do that to eight belles.

I hear poeple say "It is all just for the money that the animal die." Ok then, the reason why I disagree with that is that to me, it is for pride and being powerful. Running in a race like that knows that you are strong no matter what. Well...as time goes by, i will come back onto this website and see what is comming and I will post more comments so you can see what I have to say about the sport of kings, see you in a little while!!! :D

Posted by: Why should I tell you??? *DERBY SUPPORTER* | May 8, 2008 02:30 PM

I have to say, as an animal lover, and avid equestrian that PETA has gone over the edge. PETA seems to know little to nothing about horse racing or horses and it shows. Although Thoroughbred racing is not perfect and there are people that race horses that do not have the best interests of horses in mind, at the Kentucky Derby level, what PETA seems to forget is that these animals are worth millions of dollars and they get the best care possible from their grooms, trainers, exercise riders, jockeys and veterinarians. They are not abused or drugged. If a horse is off, then it rests and is not pushed because the horse is not worth anything if it cannot perform and if a trainer lames horses or is known to drug then owners are not going to use the trainer. You will not find any owners who will trust a million dollar investment in a shoddy trainer. As for whips, if you have never been around horses you have no reason talking about whips. A whip is an extension of the rider's arm, plan and simple. It is not a devise of torture and is not used as one under most circumstances. When it is used improperly, there are consequences. Mr. Saez did not use his whip improperly. Eight Belles' death is an unfortunate accident but it was an accident. If you take a look at the video of Eight Belles you can clearly see that the filly attempts to change leads, trips, knuckles over and falls straight on top of her front legs. Injuries to front legs are not uncommon in any horse discipline. Unfortunately, horses are made on "the legs of a spider". So please, take a moment and jump off your bandwagon or take the time to learn about horse racing. I have worked with race horses and they do love to run. Its in their blood and it's part of them and it's a very beautiful thing. As for an age at which a horse begins training, science says for most horses 2 is not too early for racing and 12 to 18 months is not too young for basic training (saddling, lungeing, ponying, jogging etc). Also, most horses do not race until the fall of their 2 year old year. As most foals are born between February and April, these horses are all at least 2 and a half years of age prior to racing. Care is taken with horses legs to ensure they remain sound including performing x-rays, bandaging for support and applying liniments and tighteners along with proper conditioning. As for limiting the number of races per season, back in racing's hey day (1940s-1970s) it was not uncommon for horses to race every week-end. Derby winners like Man-O-War, Citation, Secretariat etc. were raced much more frequently than horses are raced today and all raced on dirt tracks. The bottom line is working with horses, as with any other animal, can be dangerous and there can be accidents, however, the majority of people working with horses do everything they can to make the horse and rider as safe as possible. The Thoroughbred industry is continually working toward safer, albeit realistic, regulations for racing. If PETA wants to help, spend your energy combating the slaughter of horses. Unlike PETA's portrayals, the Thoroughbred industry is not the only industry that slaughters horses. In fact, the Thoroughbred industry has put into place the Ferdinand Fee to raise money to prevent race horses from being slaughtered and actively supports Thoroughbred rescue groups and re-training facilities. However, the American Quarter Horse Association is pro-slaughter and is actively working to reinstate slaughter facilities on American soil. The Amish are also very large slaughterers and at every small horse and livestock auction across the country you can find "kill buyers" bidding on horses. To conclude, as a lover of horses, an avid equestrian and trainer, I ask that you either unbiasely inform yourself about the horse community and it's practices, stay out of our business if you are unwilling to inform yourself and put your energies into something productive like S. 311. Thank you for your time.

Posted by: kssherwin | May 8, 2008 02:46 PM

Oh yeah kssherrwin?

I was in "your business" and you are a lying sack of you- know-what.

Your lies and coverups just attempt to conceal the fact that underlings like YOU make money off this abuse too.

You are an enabler that helps supports the whole charade.

It is thanks to peons like you, making peanuts to shovel manure, that the lies of your masters get perpetuated

and the abuse of these animals keeps going

You know full well what a mess the racing world is, and the horses pay the ultimate price

Posted by: kelly | May 8, 2008 03:46 PM

Liniment equals expensive rubbing alcohol that is an old folk treatment for INJURY.

The damage is already done when you start smelling the liniment

Posted by: kelly | May 8, 2008 03:49 PM

"A whip is an extension of the rider's arm, plan and simple. It is not a devise of torture and is not used as one under most circumstances."

Are you kidding me?

Posted by: Dan | May 8, 2008 04:04 PM

Guess what guys; it gets worse. Horse and rider are in jeopardy if Big Brown is allowed to run in the Preakness Stakes. The horse is bred by a sprinter who did not produce distance race winners.

The horse is trained by a trainer with a history of medication violation.

The horse has a history of injuries to his leg.

The horse is being asked to win two distance races within two weeks; he's previous starts have been spaced.

Posted by: Charles Buckley | May 8, 2008 07:00 PM

I'd like to join the protest, as I'm a PETA contributor and I live just a few miles from the track. Where are protesters meeting, and when? I apologize if this is posted elsewhere.

Posted by: ahava | May 8, 2008 07:06 PM

Ok the quote that said *attending a horse racing is like attending a dog fight." That is the most non-sense (not street scense non-sense) I have ever heard about horse racing.

Dog fighting: trained and build to kill other dogs for fun and entertainment that is why pit bulls are so mean and that is how they got there name.

Horse racing: Trained to run to a finish line (in case you moreons dont know what the heck hore racing is) and win a race, kinda like track. Only horses die on *accident!!!!

*accident means that somthing happened unexpectedly.

Think about what horse racing fans have to say, and if you listen closely, you would understand and hear wisdome fly in your ears.

Posted by: Why should I tell YOU???? ***Derby supporter*** | May 8, 2008 08:54 PM

Some people are really misguided. It's wrong to sit on someone's back and whip them. Whether they're a human or a horse. End of. Think about it for a couple of seconds and even the most stupid of people will realise.

Posted by: Daryl | May 9, 2008 03:55 AM

kssherwin
Great post!

Kelly
You are mean! What lies did kssherwin say in his post? Or are you just assuming he did becasue he said something that you don't agree with? Have you ever rode a horse? Thay are not giant pussies! Horses are freaking tough animals that can take alot and run very long distances!
I used to ride when I was younger, I had to hold back on the reins with many horses, or else they would run!

Posted by: Kurt K | May 9, 2008 12:54 PM

Has anyone heard if Hillary plans to be betting on the Preakness like the Kentucky Derby? Has she made any response to PETA's letter in regards to her Kentucky derby bet?

Posted by: Mik | May 9, 2008 02:12 PM

Adding to the concerns of Charles Buckley in post above, Big Brown has quarter cracks...wall separation on both front feet. He ran the derby with lumps
of epoxy filling cavities where his inside heels used to be and holding on shoes with rubber gaskets between the shoe and hoof wall.

Posted by: Lin | May 9, 2008 04:02 PM

Dear, WHY SHOULD I TELL YOU,
You need to stay close to your Nanny. Or I am going to tell on you. You are not allowed to use your parents computer. You remember.
Now behave yourself.
Peace, for all animals!

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter for Animals | May 9, 2008 05:02 PM

Ok then about "it is not right to jump on someones back and whip them," well it is worse to just let the horse run into rail rail then am I right??? I have seen a horse run into a rail (on youtube) for the jocky not using the crop. The crop tells the horse what side to go on DUH!!!! Well thats all for now, I will comment back later, for now you can post any messages (even if they are angry, I always have somthing to point out) on my web site, click on my name ;D

Posted by: Why should I tell YOU???? ***Derby supporter that is very angry**** | May 10, 2008 01:37 PM

We can go back and forth forever debating what is/is not abusive. The fact of the matter is that the horse racing industry is not going away - too much money, etc,etc. What we can do is try to get legislation for further controls on this industry. Every other industry is controlled by the government, why not thoroughbred racing. Drugs (lasix and phenylbutazone) should be outlawed, whipping should be outlawed, the age to begin racing should be raised, the track improved. Instituting these measures is not the answer, but it is a start, and something that can be reasonably achieved.

Posted by: jeanne | May 10, 2008 09:42 PM

To "Why Should I Tell You...", the whole point is that these horses SHOULD NOT be used in racing AT ALL!

You say "First of all, I dont see how these animals were abused for they were loved, well fed, and the horses loved the owners and jockys just because you whip a horse does not mean that it is abused." I am an experienced Child Protection Worker - the children I see have often been well fed, where their parents usually "love" their children, but when they "whip" their children, whether it is with a wooden spoon or a belt (or shake them out of frustration), you're darn right that is ABUSE. Just because a human or non-human animal is well fed or "loved" does not mean there is no abuse.

You also say "Ok first of all, I DO care ALOT about animals but I also love horse Racing, and i still want to have it." Horses should be entitled to live their life free from cruelty and human exploitation, and what YOU want is just not relevant in this matter (I think Judith is right - you need to behave yourself, and apparently you need to learn that YOU are not the only important being on this planet).

If you have some free time from your homework or playing Maplestory, you might want to read about "Speciesism"...

Posted by: Michele | May 13, 2008 01:12 PM

I thought it was pretty decent that the deadspin author said that it was misleading to say that horses love to run (in this context).
I also found some of the comments smart and funny. Others just mean-spirited and/or dense.
And yeah, that is the best title ever, Jack. It's Peta's world-what a wonderful world that would be!

Posted by: lynda downie | May 13, 2008 10:43 PM

Bryon Animals feel and have emotions, just as you do, the Lobster too!
Animal rights groups are trying very hard to speak up for all living creatures, large and small.
If you can live on this earth and try every day to do no harm to any living creature, then you can say you have done your best and made a better world for all. Open your eyes and mind wide. Listen and Learn...you will find wisdom in the words of animal rights people, wisdom and truth.

Posted by: Holly | May 14, 2008 07:29 AM

Why should I tell YOU,
We should tell you that You are misguided, and don’t understand.
Anyone out there got a video of a horse being slaughtered, so Why should I tell YOU can see the end result of the loved racing horse that was much loved, treated well and raced for her pleasure? I really do think you should see the reality of that Why should I tell YOU, and others.

Posted by: Holly | May 14, 2008 07:47 AM

The Preakness is this weekend, in Baltimore....

BOYCOTT THE RACE
OR
SHOW UP AND PROTEST!!!!

OR
Those of you who go just for the party in the infield!

Have a vegetarian/vegan cook out with some good friend at home instead....

The traffic is awful and it is impossible to park.

Much better to stay home and have some fun,
protect the future of the horses, and
BOYCOTT THE RACE

Posted by: Holly | May 15, 2008 04:17 PM

Big Brown
What a Magnificent Strong Beautiful Horse!
He ran a Great Race at the Preakness. Lets see what happens to a Retired Race Horse Like Big Brown...
Horse Racing: What Happens to Retired Racers?
People who bet on horse racing may enjoy going to the tracks for the races to experience the exciting atmosphere of the events. There, they can witness first-hand the horses on which they are betting and see the horses snort, prance, and otherwise behave in an excited manner before making their way onto the track. But what happens to these fiery race horses after their race careers are over? There are several paths a retired race horse’s life can take, some good, some bad.

Different Paths for Different Horses

Often, the most successful race horses –if they are not gelded early—will be retired from racing at the end of their careers and kept as a stallion on a stud farm. The stallions will be used to sire future hopeful winners of races, or at least to create a successful all around horse. Yet, just because the horse has been retired to live life as a stallion doesn’t mean the life is a good one. The life of a stallion can often be lonely and isolated, as stallions many times cannot be turned out with other geldings because they are too aggressive and protective over their mares. The stallions may be kept alone inside for a majority of the time for this reason. This is not always the case, but it does happen.

For horses who are not successful or not kept as a stallion, the prospects can be highly variable. Many times the unsuccessful horses are sold to auction, where killer buyers then purchase the horses to sent to slaughter for foreign consumption. If this is not the case, a rescue organization such as CANTER –one popular thoroughbred rescue organization—will take the horses in and attempt to find them homes. Other horses are purchased by people straight off the track in order to train the horses to excel in a sport like jumping or dressage. The horses are known as OTTBs, or off the track thoroughbreds. Retraining a horse that has lived the formative years of its life at a race track can be a daunting task, but many people take on the challenge each year.

Obviously, what happens to retired horses can greatly differ. While some horses do have an unfortunate outcome, there are groups working to change this. Many OTTBs do go on to be successful show or family horses.

Posted by: Holly | May 17, 2008 07:32 PM

if any of you knew anything about horses at all,you would have realized by now that the only humane thing to do was to euthanize Eight Belles..it is a shame,but coming from a person who interns at an equine hospital(as i do)...i realize that sometimes the best thing to do is to spare the horse pain

Posted by: ariana | May 18, 2008 05:36 AM

If I lived close enough I would be at every one of these events protesting horse race cruelty! I am sick of pro racing people saying Horses are Born to Run, Horses love to run.True they love to run in a meadow at will, not on a track with a jockey beating them to their death or injury!!! These greed mongers need to be stopped!

Posted by: Liz | May 18, 2008 09:54 AM

Well I have more things to point out at your posts.

"Dear, WHY SHOULD I TELL YOU,
You need to stay close to your Nanny. Or I am going to tell on you. You are not allowed to use your parents computer. You remember.
Now behave yourself.
Peace, for all animals!"

LOL this is MY computer I paid for it working at a barn near my house after track practice!! And you guys always say that it is bad to hurt an animal, animals hurt us sometimes but they need to be punished tolearn it is not right to attack you. Not like a beating punish more like astern no and a tap on the nose.

"Why should I tell YOU,
We should tell you that You are misguided, and don’t understand.
Anyone out there got a video of a horse being slaughtered, so Why should I tell YOU can see the end result of the loved racing horse that was much loved, treated well and raced for her pleasure? I really do think you should see the reality of that Why should I tell YOU, and others"

The race horses are not slaughterd here in american in the century maybe in previous years but horse slaughtering takes place in porter rico if a horse loses the race THERE!!! Go talk to them about it we dont slaughter horses here or send them down there.

To "Why Should I Tell You...", the whole point is that these horses SHOULD NOT be used in racing AT ALL!

You say "First of all, I dont see how these animals were abused for they were loved, well fed, and the horses loved the owners and jockys just because you whip a horse does not mean that it is abused." I am an experienced Child Protection Worker - the children I see have often been well fed, where their parents usually "love" their children, but when they "whip" their children, whether it is with a wooden spoon or a belt (or shake them out of frustration), you're darn right that is ABUSE. Just because a human or non-human animal is well fed or "loved" does not mean there is no abuse.

"You also say "Ok first of all, I DO care ALOT about animals but I also love horse Racing, and i still want to have it." Horses should be entitled to live their life free from cruelty and human exploitation, and what YOU want is just not relevant in this matter (I think Judith is right - you need to behave yourself, and apparently you need to learn that YOU are not the only important being on this planet).

If you have some free time from your homework or playing Maplestory, you might want to read about "Speciesism"..."

What is Mable Story?? Lol and I am nearing the end of the year I am a senior and going to the Jocky School down in kentucky and also saving up for a horse...they have cute ones on petfinder!! Well anyway about the belt whipping thing, I agree that horses can run without a crop Big Brown has proved that but it is not all the jockys fault you see, they are required to carry a CROP not whip CROP!!!! They can also stop drugging the horsesfor it is making there bones much weaker. So "child protecter" also if these horses were abused, you would totally tellanyway, you can tellwith there children for they are beat every day. The horses are used with the crop on big races.

"
Big Brown
What a Magnificent Strong Beautiful Horse!
He ran a Great Race at the Preakness. Lets see what happens to a Retired Race Horse Like Big Brown...
Horse Racing: What Happens to Retired Racers?
People who bet on horse racing may enjoy going to the tracks for the races to experience the exciting atmosphere of the events. There, they can witness first-hand the horses on which they are betting and see the horses snort, prance, and otherwise behave in an excited manner before making their way onto the track. But what happens to these fiery race horses after their race careers are over? There are several paths a retired race horse’s life can take, some good, some bad.

Different Paths for Different Horses

Often, the most successful race horses –if they are not gelded early—will be retired from racing at the end of their careers and kept as a stallion on a stud farm. The stallions will be used to sire future hopeful winners of races, or at least to create a successful all around horse. Yet, just because the horse has been retired to live life as a stallion doesn’t mean the life is a good one. The life of a stallion can often be lonely and isolated, as stallions many times cannot be turned out with other geldings because they are too aggressive and protective over their mares. The stallions may be kept alone inside for a majority of the time for this reason. This is not always the case, but it does happen.

For horses who are not successful or not kept as a stallion, the prospects can be highly variable. Many times the unsuccessful horses are sold to auction, where killer buyers then purchase the horses to sent to slaughter for foreign consumption. If this is not the case, a rescue organization such as CANTER –one popular thoroughbred rescue organization—will take the horses in and attempt to find them homes. Other horses are purchased by people straight off the track in order to train the horses to excel in a sport like jumping or dressage. The horses are known as OTTBs, or off the track thoroughbreds. Retraining a horse that has lived the formative years of its life at a race track can be a daunting task, but many people take on the challenge each year.

Obviously, what happens to retired horses can greatly differ. While some horses do have an unfortunate outcome, there are groups working to change this. Many OTTBs do go on to be successful show or family horses."

*RANDOME COMMENT* hehe!!Iam getting a OOTB horse from petfinder after I make enough money to support it!!! I probly will spoil him/her.

Well please comment this post and please comment of my website!!!

Posted by: WHY SHOULD I TELL YOU *derby supporter* | May 19, 2008 03:01 PM

"If I lived close enough I would be at every one of these events protesting horse race cruelty! I am sick of pro racing people saying Horses are Born to Run, Horses love to run.True they love to run in a meadow at will, not on a track with a jockey beating them to their death or injury!!! These greed mongers need to be stopped"

Greed mongers??? The only reason why I watch horse racing is becauseI like seeing racing. I race myself on the senior high school track team. Yeah I dont watch it for money. I think betting is dumb you can end up poor. And the reason why am I going to become a jocky is I love the wind and speed in the races. Sure I will have another job like I have now as a groom.

"We can go back and forth forever debating what is/is not abusive. The fact of the matter is that the horse racing industry is not going away - too much money, etc,etc. What we can do is try to get legislation for further controls on this industry. Every other industry is controlled by the government, why not thoroughbred racing. Drugs (lasix and phenylbutazone) should be outlawed, whipping should be outlawed, the age to begin racing should be raised, the track improved. Instituting these measures is not the answer, but it is a start, and something that can be reasonably achieved"

Yeah dugs, age, and cropping should be changed. Big brown ran without being cropped so did secetarit and he was 25 lenghths ahead in 1973. That shows you that these horses LOVE TO RUN (I know some of you are tired of hearing this and say that they should be out playing with horses there age. If you say that, they will get sevearly kicked and bit from the other horses) I want this sport to be fun for the horses and people like there should be NO SLAUGHTER in forighn countries. Horsesand humans should be about equal with rights like they should be used in sports for thereenjoyment aswell.

Well I will get back to you later...PLEASE COMMENT! =^.^=

Posted by: why should I tell YOU??? *derby supporter* | May 19, 2008 03:13 PM

There's a lot being said here. Some of it just totally in defense of those making the money off these beautiful horses. Anyone who thinks that they are not being run too early in life, not receiving drugs to increase their stamina, not being pushed beyond their limits is just plain wearing BLINDERS. There is no way to excuse how this million dollar business is treating these animals. With just a few changes the horses could easily be protected. Why is it so hard to understand that they are basically put on these tracts before their delicate bone structure is solid enough to handle what is being asked of them. Drugs have the same affect here as in baseball, football, etc. Not only is there an immediate impact on the animal but future physical impacts as well. I really hate the attitude that people display towards PETA when they step forward in a situation. They stepped forward in the dog fighting incident with Michael Vick and it is having a big impact on the dog fighting world. Laws are changing and dogs are being rescued and given a new lease on life in homes. To make changes you often have to swim against the current in order to improve conditions for these animals. CHANGES do need to be made and the sooner the better for the benefit of the animals. Let's all stick to the real reason this needs to be done.....the HORSE. They are impressive, stately animals and they deserve better

Posted by: SStephenson | June 6, 2008 11:54 AM

MY GOSH HORSE RACING IS THE BEST!!! NOT CRUEL AND I LOVE ALL HORSES AND THE HORSES LOVE IT!!! DEAL WITH IT!!!

Posted by: ILOVETHOROUGHBREDRACING | June 6, 2008 06:08 PM

If we must have horse racing, let them run on their own athletic ability - and not before their bones are fully developed - without the whip - without the drugs - that's the true measure of an athlete.

I don't think anyone is saying that Eight Belles shouldn't have been put down -it was the humane thing to do at that point - what was wrong was that the horse should never have run at her age on that type track - or to have been beaten beyond her limits.

I wonder - the folks who bet on Eight Belles - How did it feel to collect that money?

Posted by: Horsin'Around | June 10, 2008 11:34 AM

There are SO many people on here that's so misled! Y'all have NO idea what happens in the horse world. Go get an inside look at things and you'll find out! What you hear on the news are all lies! I have been around horses and horse racing all my life and yeah some horses get mistreated but most of them are loved and taken care of. Why does the media focus only on those who are being abused? Because for some morbid reason they think that everyone wants to hear the bad stuff in life...NOT TRUE! I don't...I like to hear the happy endings and no matter what people think there are more than bad! A lot of retired race horses go to adoptive homes that treat them like kids and they are spoiled and live happily ever after and never have a care or worry in their lives again...I know this because I AM A PROUD OWNER OF TWO RETIRED THOROUGHBRED RACE HORSES! and they are doing FANTASTIC and happy and were happy on the track doing what they were BRED to do!

Posted by: Kris | August 17, 2008 10:50 PM

I think its OK to whip a horse. Some of them wouldn't get into the stalls let alone win a race without being whipped. Most races are won by horses that get whipped so it shows it works. There have to be rules but I'm cool with whipping a horse when its needed.

Posted by: JOSIM | November 26, 2008 10:45 AM