Horse Racing Age Limit
Published October 13, 2009
This petition is to create an age limit of 4 years old for horses to being racing.
Race horses begin their stressful career at age 2, when their legs are most susceptible to injury. Horses are not full grown until the age of 4, when the bones are developed and the ligaments have attached. In most training methods, horses begin to be saddled and have light riding by the age of 2, but with great caution, because of the potential injury caused by a slip or a fall.
In the racing world, 2 year olds are already racing down the track at break neck speeds, with their legs vulnerable to track conditions and the strain of running.
It is true that light conditioning and exercise is beneficial to young horses in their muscle and bone growth, but should not be pushed to cause lameness and injuries. A race horse\\\'s career is usually ended by the age of 6 due to lameness, if they are lucky enough to make it that far. In 2008, Eight Belles, the only filly to have run in the Kentucky Derby since 1999, was Euthanized on the track after running an outstanding performance. Her young legs simply gave out and broke underneath the pressure.
There are several abusing factors that contribute to deaths on the race track, including poor breeding, drug use, and over racing. One by one these issues need addressed, starting with horses only being allowed to race after they are full grown. Let them grow and develop, so that we can make this exciting sport safer for our horses.
Race horses begin their stressful career at age 2, when their legs are most susceptible to injury. Horses are not full grown until the age of 4, when the bones are developed and the ligaments have attached. In most training methods, horses begin to be saddled and have light riding by the age of 2, but with great caution, because of the potential injury caused by a slip or a fall.
In the racing world, 2 year olds are already racing down the track at break neck speeds, with their legs vulnerable to track conditions and the strain of running.
It is true that light conditioning and exercise is beneficial to young horses in their muscle and bone growth, but should not be pushed to cause lameness and injuries. A race horse\\\'s career is usually ended by the age of 6 due to lameness, if they are lucky enough to make it that far. In 2008, Eight Belles, the only filly to have run in the Kentucky Derby since 1999, was Euthanized on the track after running an outstanding performance. Her young legs simply gave out and broke underneath the pressure.
There are several abusing factors that contribute to deaths on the race track, including poor breeding, drug use, and over racing. One by one these issues need addressed, starting with horses only being allowed to race after they are full grown. Let them grow and develop, so that we can make this exciting sport safer for our horses.
Signatures
Sign the petition
88
Signatures
Goal: 50,000
Or
Sponsored Petition:
RSS Feed
Download Petition
© 2002-2012 Petitionspot. All Rights Reserved.