The Kentucky Derby Tragedy
"There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse" is a quote by Winston Churchill often erroneously attributed to Ronald Reagan. But after this weekend's Kentucky Derby, it could be said, "There's nothing worse for the inside or outside of a horse than life on the track."
I've been writing these past few weeks about horrendous and fatal equine accidents in the sport of three-day eventing. I own seven hunter/jumper show horses and maintain my own 40-acre horse farm.
Eventing is much less well known to the public than thoroughbred racing. While artificially difficult courses in that sport take the lives of far too many majestic creatures, statistically the track is much worse. Life on the thoroughbred track is often tantamount to torture for the horses. The slaughter of Eight Belles at Saturday's Kentucky Derby—and I do mean slaughter—should give pause to everyone who ever patronized horse racing. Coming one year after Barbaro's horrid end, Eight Belles's sacrifice should stand as undeniable proof to anyone who ever had doubts about the vicious conditions under which these horses are raised, trained, and forced to race.
One Jim Squires, identified at the bottom of his article in today's New York Times as a thoroughbred breeder, wrote an unusually honest piece about the dangers faced by thoroughbreds:
...the horses we raise are not as sound as they used to be. The thoroughbred horse is one of the most fragile creatures on earth, an animal with a heart and a metabolism too powerful for his bones, digestive and respiratory systems, one too heavy and too strong for the structure supporting it... The concern about the safety of our racetracks is also legitimate. People are trying to do something about that. It is indisputable that more catastrophic injuries occur on dirt surfaces—too often on the pitifully few days that the world is paying attention to our sport.
There are several things that must be done immediately to spare further equine abuse and death. Mr. Squires touched on some of them, but not all. Yes, new forms of artificial track footing, which have been mandated in California, should be mandated nationwide. Why has this new, more forgiving footing not been put into use everywhere? The answer: money. Since thoroughbreds are no more than money machines for most owners and trainers, these profiteers should be forced to fork over some of their winnings to improve track safety.
Second, the trend toward breeding thinner-boned thoroughbreds should be banned immediately. Horses are bred for speed, which often means thin-boned legs. The thinner the bone, the more easily it breaks. Horses with broken or fractured legs don't always have to be "euthanized" (I prefer the term slaughter, since that's what it really is). They're often killed when owners decline the alternatives: huge veterinary or board bills to keep injured horses standing in hoists for a year or more to allow their bones to heal.
Third, we should ban the racing of 2- and 3-year-olds so popular on the U.S. track. In Europe, horses are typically raced later, when their "growth plates" (leg bones) are fully formed and they are less prone to injury. Greedy Americans don't want to spend the money to keep the horse "hanging around" (to wit, not earning money) until they are 4 or 5 years old, and so we race them before their legs are strong enough to handle injury.
Then there's the life these horses have while training to race. The routine I am about to explain is used by some, not all, owners. Care varies greatly from farm to farm and trainer to trainer. I have worked with grooms and farriers who came off the track. The stories they tell are horrifying. They've described how horses are pumped up on "sweet feed" full of processed sugar. Sweet feed in large doses makes horses nervous, violent, even nuts—like kids overdosing on chocolate. But horses are already 1,200 pounds of insanely nervous energy.
Many horses are forced to live 23-7 in their stalls, except for the hour or so per day when they are exercised. The human equivalent would be tying someone to his or her bed for 23 hours per day, only letting them out to run for an hour. Wouldn't you go crazy under those circumstances?
Many track horses are never turned out in pasture or on grass. Horses need large grass pastures to run around. They are herd animals and should be turned out in groups so they can socialize with other horses. Owners and trainers fear horses will get kicked or injured in group turnout. But an isolated horse is like an isolated human: miserable.
While these conditions are bad enough, I have heard stories about sadistic treatment by especially vicious trainers that make your gut spin. One farrier told me he watched while a trainer hobbled a horse (chained together his front and hind feet so he couldn't move), pushed him to the ground and placed him under a tarp in the 90-degree heat. This, so he could break the colt's spirit, because the horse was proving to be difficult to train. This trainer literally tried to "bake" the life out of the colt. He didn't mean to kill him, because that would have cost the owner money. But he did mean to destroy the horse's spirit and to torture him. Others stood by at the track where this took place and did nothing.
Then there are the drugs. Horses are routinely drugged to mask injury and run on damaged muscles or bones. A good friend who used to work on the track once said, "I'd ask my friends why they kept injecting these horses who possessed great breeding? If they were so well bred, why did they have to be shot up with all kinds of drugs to run?"
I hope Eight Belles's death serves as something more than a one-day news story. I hope her sacrifice causes every fan of horse racing to stop patronizing the sport or betting on the mounts until major reforms take place. Congress is now working on legislation to ban horse slaughter at the three remaining slaughterhouses in Texas and Illinois. Canada's animal welfare groups are working to ban slaughter there, too. Horse slaughter should be banned. But so should overbreeding of thoroughbreds, quarter horses, and all types of equines. If horses weren't overbred, we'd treat the smaller number we would have better: how they should be treated, like majesty on legs.
Our society needs to pull back the curtain of secrecy that covers up unforgivable things we allow to happen not just to horses, but to all sorts of animals. Michael Vick's prosecution for dog cruelty was a beginning. But until we ban all animal mistreatment, we have no right to call ourselves civilized or compassionate.
Tags: sports | animal cruelty | animals
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Reader Comments
Ending Horse Slaughter Would Be Huge First Step
Once you remove this predatory industry so overzealous breeders can't just breed and dump we will start to see some changes. Sadly, pro-horse slaughter groups such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and their front "Horse Welfare Coalition" which was founded and currently led by the slaughterhouses themselves continue to mislead the public. The American public and responsible horse owners should step up and demand an end to horse slaughter.
Without an end to this cruel industry, bad groups such as the AVMA will continue to stifle progress towards real and improved changes for our horses. Visit www.awionline.org to learn more about the federal American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and how you can help.
Eight Belles
I was heartbroken to learn that Eight Belles had to be euthanized at the Derby. She ran the Race and gave her all. Let us NOT forget her and other fillies who have given themselves so we humans might enjoy a few minutes of entertainment. I also heard that there is a move to strip her of her second-place win...NO, NO, NO! She ran, she crossed the finish line [second place], she died. DO NOT let her death be in vain.
Eight Belles and Horse Racing
Yes, I totally agree that the horse racing industry needs to change the way the treat horses. They are greedy and do not care about the horses. The horse racing industry does not care about anything but the almighty dollar, at the horses expense. Why does this industry allow 2-3 year olds to race when their bones are not ready to support the intensity and demand of the sport? All I hear and see is horse the industry getting rich, every one needs to be held accountable for their actions.
Eight Belles
This filly was Majestic--I agree that 3 year olds are really too young for such strenuous races such as Derby, Preakness and Belmont. These horses should be at least 4 years old--Thoroughbreds have tremendous bodies supported by little legs--no wonder they break so easily. It was just too bad that Eight Belles had to be put to death right at the race. It seems to me like something more decent could have been done for a horse full of heart and a winner--although she died. I bet on her and it took me an hour of crying before I could cash in the ticket. Article in the paper this morning mentioned jockey whipped Belles and said they shouldn't pay second--didn't make sense. I hope that jockey didn't feel something was wrong at the end of the race and rode her to her death--any answers--I would love to have them. I was very concerned about the race and the horse.
Vicki S of NV
DEATH OF EIGHT BELLS
I am not a veterinary, but , as the author of this article has said, "They're often killed when owners decline the alternatives: huge veterinary or board bills to keep injured horses standing in hoists for a year or more to allow their bones to heal." I find it hard to give my sympathy to the owners, if this happens to be the case? A precious animal killed for this reason to me, is ludacrist! Rest in Peace Eight Belles......
Eight Belles
Horse racing is alive and well because people pay and pay big to subsidize and support this sport. As long as a sport of any kind is raised to the stature and visibility as horse raising is, especially the triple Crown, and is played up big by the media, celebrities, the rich and famous and yes, you and me, it will continue unchanged. The sport will not change until those who pay to sponsor and view it demand change. If the support for horse racing, in its present form, does not diminish and if it continues to be hyped in the media and supported by those who wish it to continue as is, it will not change, i.e., calls for more humane conditions will fall on deaf ears. Sad but true.
Eight Belles
I agree eight belles should not been out on the race track with the older horse. the filly still needed more time to train... she should had more time to train and shouldnt broke her legs. iam sorry for the lost of your horse.
kentucky derby tragedy
Why can't the Kentucky Derby/Triple Crown be for the top 4 year olds? Think of how many thoroughbreds might be spared the rigors of training at such an early age and be allowed to grow and develop. Owners and trainers could then see if a horse is sound enough to compete in the Derby or for that matter any other race. Problems in breeding could be changed to produce horses that can compete for the long haul. Why does the Industry allow racing two year olds. The public does not care about the age but does care about the general welfare of the animal. If a owner pays $500,000 or 1 million for a yearling who's fault is that? Remember, it is you, the owner, that sets the market. How quick is a return on your investment if the horse becomes lame or has to be destroyed. Ultimately it is up to the owners to set the standards. Tragically incidents like Barbaro and Eight Belles are all too common. When the general public views this on live television, many, many are turned off. When you lose enough of your fan base there may not be a sport handicap.
What is the goal?
The author makes some very valid points here. The sad truth is, wherever animals are used for the financial gain of humans, there will be suffering (this is true for human labourers as well, if you think about it). The other side of the coin is that money talks, and the industry will listen only if we collectively protest with our pocketbooks through large-scale boycotts.
In all our protesting, however, we need to keep in mind what our goals are. I hear the author advocate the minimizing of suffering, which is a noble goal indeed. However, if keeping a horse cooped up in a stall most of the time is considered cruel, how is hoisting an injured animal in a sling for a year *not* cruel? I don't know whether Eight Belles's death was necessary, but one must be cautious in making blanket statements about the necessity of euthanasia. The extension of an animal's life is not always worth the suffering it must endure to heal. Unlike humans, they cannot understand the purpose of the pain and instead are left to live in the moment with no knowledge of what will come next. That in itself could be considered a form of torture.
55 HORSE DEATHS IN TWO YEARS AT DEL MAR RACE TRACK
55 HORSE DEATHS IN TWO YEARS AT DEL MAR RACE TRACK 2004-2006 So how many other equine deaths are there every year that go unnoticed in a sport that's largely ignored on a day-to-day basis? Let's just take one track, like Del Mar near San Diego: 55 deaths from 2004-06, says the San Diego Union-Tribune I have seen this time and time again. Horses pushed beyond when they should be. They can be forced to run to their death as I have seen many times before. After reviewing the video any trained eye can see Eight Belles front ankles hyper extending as she is being WHIPPED LITERALY TO DEATH. She was weak and NOT SOUND CLEARLY SEEN ON VIDEO during her victorias final race. How did the trainer miss this? I would imagine her ankles were bruised or week from the races prior or practice not giving the filly a chance to recover. May God Bless Eight Belles as I saw this happen to my own mare but I pulled her from the old owners after she collapsed by running her heart out. She lived and is with us today if only I could of done this for Eight Belles. There are a few mares/horse very few who will not fight back no matter how much they are hurting. She was one that would die for her owner and she did. She was on in a million to have been like this to not fight back and a very special mare. This is a long race and now to continue the abuse in the name of greed even knowing full well Big Browns feet are bad the owners press on to the Preakness in just two weeks. Barbaro was not ready to run again. He was injured going into the derby. We took that hard because Dr. Gmake prosthetics for horses and could of amputated. He operated on and saved Seattle slew and my mare filly runner. This sport is mean and cruel and for those hundreds of horses who are bread to run and never even make it pass Los Alamitos or those who run even in the derby are never heard from again. I do not need to tell anyone where these horses end up
Eight Bells cruelty - Same as dog fighting
I rarely watch a horse race. My husband turned to it and I was watching in disbelief as that beautiful non agressive animal was whipped by her rider to the point of running past her endurance and collapsed afterwards in such pain. I cried!!!! I am ashamed to be a human. How can they do that and say they care for the animal. BOLOGNA!!! {Pure greed and profit) This is no different than the people who fight dogs for money. OH well, it is different, as far as I know they are not whipping the dogs while they fight as they do when the horses race. This must be outlawed. It is only right! Do none of these wealthy people care? Is there no protection in our society for horses being treated this way in front of so many people for there entertainment and profit. I am filled with heart felt digust. Please, Please someone stand up for them!
Insurance money the real reason
I was raised on a a small racing and breeding farm. My mother was one of the first female trainers at the local track. We never made the money like you see in the derby horses, because the only way that is possilbe is through cruel punishment. Our horses were allowed to run in a herd and enjoy being a horse. After seeing the truth of the track we do not compete anymore, and our horses live a long happy life.
To answer the question about rehilabitaion. We owned two horses that had broken their legs at a race and both went through surgery and intenstive car. Less they do stall in harnesses for some time, but they also go through lap swimming theorpy and other activities. They may spend one year in pain and without freedom, but they can live out the rest of their 30 years of life running through the fields. I believe that the call to slaughter her was way to soon, without even an effort to rehilabilate her. Just like humans yes some people do not make it though intense hospilization, but the heart that she showed that day I think she would have made it through fine.
Incase others are not aware, these horses hold a multi million dollar insurance policy, which allows for euthinizing if injury happens. So I'm sure her insurance policy out weighted the money for breeding her minus the cost of rehabiliating her. MONEY is what it is about.
As far as the jockey, I don't believe he could have done to much. Jockeys do not train the horse or have the reponsibility in deciding to kill her or keep her alive.
There are HORSE owners and there are HORSE people. The track is full of horse owners.
Eight Belles
I am so saddened and disgusted by this episode.......as a lover of all animals and mankind this makes me sick to my stomach......
something needs to be done for the younger animals and give them time to develop.....and they need to be better taken care of. I work with a man whose daughter has raised horses all her life and went to college to care for them. This is a real tragedy!!
May you rest in peace Eight Belles------and you are the 2nd place winner in everyone's eyes.
Horse racing - Eight Belles
OK people - let's get real here. When people and/or animals are involved in sports tragedies will happen. The key for horse racing is they are started TOO YOUNG - ask any vet. You will recall the announcer stating what a LARGE FILLY Eight Belles was. Large horse - small bones - an accident waiting to happen. No I do not like "slaughter" however who is going to take all the UNWANTED HORSES. Right now you have horses suffering because there aren't enough homes for them or room in shelters for them. Does anyone like the idea of a horse being transported to MEXICO for slaughter????? Reoopen the slaughter houses here in the USA to at least give some the chance of a painless end. I have horses-some old, some disabled but all will remain at our home until the end, but not everyone can do this. Yes, money can say it all for the rich and the peoople like us who make other sacrifices to keep our horses well. You have the same problems with dog breeders - not enough homes for the unwanted. If we had a magic wand every horse, dog & cat would have a home. But we are realistic to know this "dream" does not exist. We just do what we can. PETA - KNOCK IT OFF!!!!
Eight Belles Death
During horse sports, things can and will happen. I am currently involved in three day eventing, and many drastic measures have been made to accomidate the safety of the equine athletes. I do appreciate all people's opinions, but nobody ever says anything about a human being who is in top running condition and falls into traffic. Almost all things that happen to human athletes come the same to animals, but nobody changes anything about the human part.
Eight Belles
I totally agree with the author of this article. I was horrified to see this happen to such a fabulous filly. To say that she died wtth Glory is sickening. This filly was forced to run and continue to run for a quarter mile past the wire. She was murdered. Senseless act. I have witnessed this too many times. I have made a 360 degree change in my thoughts about horse racing. There needs to some huge changes in the horse racing industry. There needs to be more time in between horse races. It takes weeks to recover from races like the Derby. They need to put the Thouroughbred back into the Thouroughbred. I rescued a horse from a track in Arizona that should have had his career ended long before he bowed his tendons. It took me two years of placing this horse in a standing wrap but I am grateful he was spared. Too bad for the others this happens more than we realize and it needs to be STOPPED.
BORN TO RUN
Thoroughbreds were born to run. Anyone who breeds horses knows how fragile they are. Their chances of survival up to two years of age are 50/50. A horse can break their leg just running in a field, falling under a fence, stepping in a hole. I do however think that the surface that they are raced on should be in perfect condition and I do however believe that they should never be raced at max speed until they are 5 or 6 years old. They have to be built up and should grow up before racing that hard. Two or three years old is way too young. I've bred Arabians and you can't even ride them until they are 3 or 4. They have to have an even longer time to develop. They have to have time to grow up and you never know what you really have until they are 10 years old. That's when they are ready for anything. The young 3 or 4 year olds are still trying to find their feet at that age. It’s much easier for them to lose their momentum and fall down especially if the surface underneath them is deeper in places than others. They need time to develop, learn the track and learn different surfaces of ground. That will be the day records are broken and legs are saved.
EIGHT BELLES
Having owned horses for 50 yrs now I would think the people that know so much about horses would know that the younger the horse the easier the breakdown. Bones dont develope fully at the younger ages. The harder their pushed the more unkown damage there is going to be. Changes in starting ages and hard competion should be changed. Any devistating injury is heartbreaking. Give them time!
Eight Bells
there is far more wrong with the Thoroughbred Racetrack than what happaned to this gallant filly, the hoopla of the Derby is so phony, as if all horses can compete for those dollars. The slaughter of Thoroughbred is only second to Quarter horses for human consumption . Imagine these horses , one day they are in a stall or racing a race and the next they are jammed in a double decker truck , hauled in misery to Canada or Mexico for a brutal death, becaseu they could not compete for any reason. I hope the world takes a good look at what happaned to Bells and see the total disgregard for the life of these athletes. The Sport of Kings is really the Sport of Shame. Breed too many every year , knowing they won't all turn out, be irresponsible and send them to slaughter and act like your supirsed when a horse that made a lot of money ended in at a sleezy auction and bought by a bottom feeder called a " killer buyer'. Why do the very rich in the industry just let all kinds of people " save " their horses from slaughter and worry about the life of that horse? Why is it other people care and the owner who won all the money does nothing for a safety net. Yes we need the slaughter laws passed, maybe then the owners of Thoroughbreds will get a conscience.
Give me a break Phyl of MO
What a tired old (unproven) excuse for cruelty. These horses, including those that ran in the Derby were bred for a reason. It is our responsibility to care for them. Yes, the treatment of our horses in Mexico is horrific, but it is horrific here. How lazy can we be to overlook dealing with the problem here? Stop spewing the slaughterhouses lines as a reason for keeping slaughter. Here is a great quote from a top US vet when it comes to slaughter.
“Horse owners currently have two options when their horse has reached the end of his or her trail: They can pay to do the right thing (re-home or euthanasia) or be paid to do the wrong thing (send to slaughter). A few thoughtless folks choose to do the latter, and it should not be an option.”
The overwhelming majority of horse owners do what is right when it comes to slaughter. Only a few want you to believe killing a horse is good for them. There is no "unwanted horse" issue, but we do have cold, callous and greedy people wanting you to keep one cruelty alive. This issue is too serious to just repeat the tired old political rhetoric put forward by those profiting from cruelty.
Eight Belles
Once again, we have been shown how human greed exploits animals. No animal deserves what happened to Eight Belles. Fortunately with her death being so high profile maybe, just maybe, more people will be made aware of the behind the scenes horrors that often accompany this type of "entertainment."
Ahh...
i am so sad... about what happened its so tragic and i cant stop thinking about it it bothers me ... i cant deal with it!
Phyl of MO, reopen the kill houses here so they have a painless death? If you call being butchered alive painless, then I guess it was painless. I find it amazing that people can afford to feed their horse but claim to not be able to afford humane euthanasia that costs the same as one month’s care. Slaughter, like racing, is all about the almighty dollar. As long as the incentive is there, it will continue.
Yes, we have the same problem with horses as we do with dogs and cats but we do not butcher our dogs and cats. BTW-PETA has not been involved with the anti slaughter efforts.
Horses
The slaughter houses in US have been shut down. However, American horses are still being slaughtered in Mexican (barbaric) slaughter houses as well as Canadian Horse Slaughter Plants. The road that American horses travel to these slaughter plants is long and full of agony. Many Thoroughbred and Standardbred race horses are sent to auction..then on to slaughter. So are many other breeds...Quarter Horses go to slaughter in high numbers.
We can all sit around and be sad about racing tragedies and horse slaughter....or we can do something about it. Call your Senators and ask them to support S-311 the bill to end the transport of our horses to slaughter. It also makes slaughtering horses in this country illegal as well. Horse owners need to be made responsible for their horses....slaughter is an easy way out for an owner whose horse is too slow.
Ask the racing industry to change its ways. Stop racing babies! Breed some heartier horses into the line. We may not be able to stop horse racing, but we as humane humans can ask for changes.
Eight Belles
Can someone explain to me how it is that we can send a man to the moon, safely return said man to the earth, but somehow we are unable (or is it unwilling?) to save a horse that has 2 broken ankles. I think that I am getting really wound up about this. Can we not perform some computer (FEA) analysis on the broken bones to help determine what can be done to prevent the fractures. If the horses are simply too young to race, what is wrong with waiting until their bones are fully developed.
How was it decided only minutes after the horse fell to euthanize her?
Horse Racing stinks!
Phylis Mo.
Seems this women needs to learn responsiblity toward animals as well as humans. Seem she things slaughter is humane. Boy is she missing the big picture. The AVMA and the AAEP have failed there Oath to protect the horses and kept slaughter going secretly. Even today they still say there not pro slaughter yet they have allowed horses to be hauled in double deckers for years to a Texas plant that operated illegal based on a 1949 law. To date they still continue to milk our judicial system to operate in Illinois and use Tax payers money to welcom other foreigner plants to come into there states like Nebrasa and Mo.when will these sellouts get educated.
Horse Racing In the U.S.
Fortunately, I was not witness to the accident that occurred at the end of the Kentucky Derby. I have long NOT been a fan of horse racing because the bones of the horses are not totally formed until much after they have begun racing. Surely, we horse lovers can come together to make changes in the way racing is done here.
The horse is such a beautiful animal that deserves to have a long life and "humane" treatment no matter whether used for personal use or monetary gain.
horse racing
We who give a damn have all but gotten rid of the Greyhound racing industry.
Now it is time to go after the horse racing industry.
Shameful.
Gandi said it best.
We shall be judged as a species by how we treat animals, or something to that effect.
Why are we surprised, when children are treated so badly as well.
Sickened by yet another senseless death
STOP RACING BABIES. These horses go into training and racing far too young. Their bodies and minds are simply not ready. GREED is the bottom line. Not love of horses, but love of MONEY is what motivates the racing industry. We must plead for the horses who cannot speak for themselves and refuse to allow this to continue. I am sickened by the loss of this beautiful filly who could have lived a wonderful life under other circumstances. This injury was completely preventable as was Barbaro's. Allowing a horse to mature properly before placing such demands on it's body would alleviate most of these senseless injuries and deaths. But I'm so very sure the owner had Eight Belles heavily insured and money is the bottom line, right? As long as money is made.........
My Note To The Author
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. You have brought every major issue with racing to the table. I work in horse rescue every day. I an FOB, and have been working to end horse slaughter since I learned of the death of Ferdinand in a Japanese slaughter house.
I have seen OTTB's come into our rescue healthy saved from a slaughter truck, absolutely nothing wrong with them other than they weren't fast enough. Then my eyes were forced open last fall when several rescues were accompanied by Inside Edition to the New Holland Auction. Pure Thoughts, Inc saved two TB's that day, Wesh's Passion who was run on a slab fracture two days before being dumped at the auction and Socorro's Sky, granddaughter of Seattle Slew, who was thin, out of shape and had a bone chip on her knee and was raced anyway.
The saddest part is both these horses ran with all the heart and soul and they were left to die in a Canadian slaughter and their owners/trainers and connections cleaned their hands of them and the rescue took full responsibility to rehab and rehome them.
Thank You again, your commentary was fantastic!
Kind Regards,
Laura Boothby
Pure Thoughts, Inc.
www.pthr.org
A Stand 4 The Horses
Equine Welfare Education & Rescue Support
http://www.myspace.com/4thehorses
Ending Horse Slaughter
And where will all the unwanted, old, and lame horse go? Out to pasture to try to hold their own against younger, healthier horses and eventually starve to death because they can no longer chew? Or be humanely euthanized before that suffering? Or will you take them all in? Those are the only options...which is more humane?
Thank you!!!!
Thank you for telling us the TRUTH.
I just got off the phone with my son who has had horses for years and he told me just about the same thing. His vet told him, for the most part, to let the horse reach 2 before he even puts a saddle on them. He told me the same thing about their knees and their leg bones; they simply are not finished forming/growing.
How can we get the US to STOP racing horses before 4 years of age?
Horse Slaughter/Unwanted Horses
I'm glad someone already mentioned the myth of "unwanted horses" -- that is merely propaganda put out by the people who profit from the business of butchering American horses for overseas human consumption. And profit they do -- none of which (except the money that lines the lobbyists' pockets) goes to American companies.
Horse slaughter is a business subject to the laws of supply and demand like any other. When there is a demand, a supply will be found. The lamentable increase in the price of hay, etc. is a red herring: slaughterhouses do NOT want emaciated, neglected horses. They want prime, young ones, like the injured TBs or the plump Quarter Horses that so many people breed in quantity, urged on by the AQHA.
If demand goes away, as will be the case when S311/H503 are passed, what will happen to the 100,000 horses that would otherwise have been packed into trailers and shipped for 24 hours or more without food or water or rest, then butchered? Well, as happened in the past when U.S. slaughter was temporarily interrupted, they will just be absorbed back into the population.
100,000 horses is only ONE PERCENT of the American horse population. How can a solution for only 1% be very valuable, I ask the slaughter proponents? Another number that puts this in perspective is the 1 million horses that die every year from other causes. How can adding only 10% to this be an intolerable burden? And that is not even taking into account the likelihood that breeding will immediately start to ramp down.
Eight Belles
I wept over Eight Belles the same way as I cried for Barbaro. (At least the owners tried to save Barbaro which is more than the owners did for Eight Belles.) Obviously terribly wounded Eight Belles was worth more dead, presumably resulting in an enormous insurance payoff. This is no sport. Where is the Kentucky Governor and Legislature? A law should be passed immediately to stop "in breeding" and to raise the age for all horses running the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes to five years old.
eight belles
I too own thoroughbreds & work in the industry. In 2005 I saved a mare (built like this filly) , large shouldered, big heart, mr prospector breeding.
She had work induced founder on the left front, her right front ankle was shattered but not displaced & sesmoids intact.
I took the chance and rehabbed her. She is fine now. She can gallop around with the rest of them - in the big pasture - she has to be on bar shoes & kept not to heavy. she gets around just fine. Her jockey made sure that famous woman got out of the race track and with someone who would care for her.
I also have bred a couple of tbs - one was so sick that I did not race her & that was l4 years ago. The other one a son of country singer was stolen and castrated by a local rescue (stolen horse operation) I also am missing a thoroughbred filly that I bred in new york and she cost me l5, 116.32 - pictures are on neptosse.com - I try to be responsible for what I breed. I worry far to much to sell any of my horses. I do without in life so that they can have a good home. Just ask famous woman - she may be a mom someday but she will never run again
the sport of horse racing has gotten out of hand. We run pooly bred babies and espect them to earn lots of dollars for us. If you look at 8 belles pedigree - there is a 5 cross to mr propsector, 4.5 cross to raise a native , 5x cross to northern dancer - like the reporter said she was an accident waiting to happen. If they had waited until she was 4 or 5 like they do in europe she would be alive today. She seemed like a sweet filly and did not seserve this. maybe this is a wake up call for all of us
Second chance
My daughter's horse, Marcus, is a Thoroughbred gelding who did not get the chance to race because he sustained damage to suspensory attachment during his race horse training. Fortunately, this condition was not the show stopper for other purposes in his life. Now, he is a well trained hunter/jumper show horse. He is a very quiet individual and his temperament is excellent both under saddle and in hand. When I saw Eight Bells' life was cut short on TV, I had to realize how lucky Marcus is to have the life she could have had.
Eight Belles
I make my living in the horse industry and I totally agree with Bonnie's article.
If racing horses as 2 and 3yr. olds was banned, you would see far fewer breakdowns. Also the use of steroids and "milkshakes" and other drugs must be further scrutinized and addressed by the racing industry. Perhaps if this hugely public tragedy, puts pressure on the Thoroughbred Racing industry to change the way it endorses the treatment of these young horses by allowing them to race so early, then Eight Belles may not have died in vain.
Eight Belles Tragedy
I have never been a fan of horse or dog racing. Had a small amount of time before going out for the evening, so I thought that I would turn on the Derby,more or less, out of boredom. So, I chose Eight Belles,not knowing her or the others. And, the reason for choosing her was because Belle was my mothers name. No betting involved,of course. Fortunately, I did not see the terrible tragedy, but someone told me about it later. I asked them the horses name and they said it was Eight Belles. I was heartbroken and felt so empty for the terrible event and I took it very personally. I felt so guilty about even wasting my time by watching the beginning. I am seventy-three years old and am so ashamed to know that I broke my record of not ever watching the Derby. I will never watch it or anything like it,again.
Eight Belles
Many over-the-top comments here .... Racing does have work to do for sure ... the breeding industry has to shift away from its destructive emphasis on speed .. and trainers who drug horse illegally need to be banned immediately .... but in fact the majority of owners and trainers love and respect their horses .... a filly like Eight Belles very likely was treated like the gold she was worth ... Thoroughbred horses are meant to run and compete ..... all sports with an element of danger of course contain risk - and it needs to be miniimized but cannot be eliminated. I have no doubt that if a jockey were killed , the public outcry would not reach the level attained by the fall of Eight Belles ... that was the 134th Kentucky Derby , btw, and the first on-track fatality.
EIGHT BELLES
Tragedy about Eight Belles. I don't understand, How easy to kill an animal in front of millions with no feelings, no pain to humans, and they say that they didn't want the horse to suffer. Now the outsiders suffer watching as they executed Eight Belles life. Rest in peace.
Eight Belles Born to Run
They may be born to run, and breed to race. Dose that mean that we are born to
be cruel, For just a few moments of excitiment and to almighty dollar.
As a young women, I bough a three year old filly, beliveing, her to be a Quarter
horse, Only to learn, she was a thoroughbreed, that had an enlarged heart,
someone, was trying to make a fast buck. I not know ,if it was lucky for me or
her. but I am happy that she came to me. there would not be so many unwanted
horses, an other aminals. If we where not breeding so many. LOOKING !!
for the perfect one.
horse racing in general
From reading these comments, it is obvious to me that the majority of you have no idea what you are talking about! Eight Belles was NOT pushed to run 1/4 mile past the finish line... race horses are galloped out after the finish line in order to keep from hurting them by pulling them up to quickly... you cannot stop their momentum from 40mph to 0mph in a couple seconds.
lavictus of CA is completely wrong... Obviously not a "trained eye"...no one can tell you that Eight Belles not sound during the running of the Ky Derby. She was running without distress, her ears were forward and she was not in any kind of pain previous to her breakdown.
It was a horrible thing that happened to this great filly, but things happen and not just to race horses... show horses, jumpers, barrel racers, polo ponies, even the Budweiser Clydesdales! All of them are subject to injury.
I agree that they should be cared for with all the love and compassion in the world but they are still animals... why aren't we concerned like that for the human beings in this world, even in this country?? Babies are killed daily and I doubt most of you would even bother with a blog about that!
Eight Belles
I have read all of your responses and given that my repsonse is this....
I have ridden and shown H/J horses for the past 30 years and have owned / reschooled several T-Breds from the "Track" as T-Breds conformationally are great for the Hunter ring and mixes do very well in the Jumper ring for speed and agility (except for their feet, which I commend "Big Brown's" trainer for recognizing the fragility of their feet and not racing the horse more than the horse could bare and outside of all his owners' grandstanding they clearly did the right thing when it came down to the horses' wellbeing. However that derived).
It is more than upsetting that a 'BABY' was put down on the track and more so on live TV as I have read that PETA is ALL over the happenings and I AM a HORSE person, but they attach themselves to issues that they hardly have any knowledge about and that angers me. It should be about the sport and the sport of Horse Racing is far from perfect, but those that should be held accountable are the trainers. They know the horse, they work with the horse and clearly should know their capabilities. Again, as big mouth as he is "Dutrow", new his horse.
I am speaking from a person who cares for their horses' well being. For me, it is quite difficult to swing one way or the other. On one hand their is a bigger psychological issue when horses come off the track, if they make it and on the other hand I have an issue with trainers/owners trying to get their horses to run when they just can not.
Racing will go on and their will be folks like myself that will rescue them. We need not to point blame on the Jockies as Barbaros' jockey lengthened his life by 8 months by caring about the horse, pulling him up onto his left hind quarter.
Thank you to this writer. Horse racing needs fixing and she has pointed out succinctly and truly the state of racing. And while many people know about the ugly side of what goes on in the industry, few have the courage to tell the story. It needs to be told...over and over again, until change is made.
I watched my last Derby yesterday. I cannot witness or support this sport anymore. We are drawn to racing for the beauty and splendor of its athletes, but for some time now I have not understood why people who would do anything for a picture with a Smarty Jones or some other equine superstar have not responded to the abysmal deficiencies that exist within the sport. The casual indifference to the death of "Eight Belles," that presumes simply moving on to the next horse is shameful and speaks loudly to the selfishness and fickleness to many of those who patronize horse racing. And what of the race horses who die the horrible death of the cruel path former racehorses take to be slaughtered? For their splendor and grace they are met with torture, punishment, pain and death. This monied sport needs to look beyond the live-in-the-moment, line-your- pockets-now mentality that is at levied with a "win at all costs" attitude that treats the athletes of the "sport of kings" like so much garbage. As they pass before the crowds, there is awe at their majesty and power. They are given their task. They learn it. They try their hearts out. Horseracing needs to be held ACCOUNTABLE. It needs better regulation. It needs fixing or it needs to go away.
And, btw, did they even xray Eight Belles ankles before they killed her?
My opinion
In some ways i agree with the author of this article and in some ways i don't agree. And as a 17 year old i know i don't know everything but this is my opinion.
These horses should be bred for stamina and speed and for better stucture.
What happened to Eight Belles was tragic but i think they did the right thing in putting her to sleep (putting to sleep is really what happens, it is just an overdose of an anaesthetic). If they had tried to save her they would have had to put her though excruciating pain to even get her on an animal ambulance. Then if they would have been able to reconstruct her legs she would have been in a sling for a very long time and she would have been miserable. If you have ever watched a horse in a pasture you can see they love to run.
Look at what happened to Barboro, he fought but he could not survive happily and healthily wich is why he was put to sleep in the end. The author doesn't want the horses in stalls 24/7, and i agree with that, but Eight Belles but she would have been in a stall day and night. She would not have been able to walk with TWO injuried front legs, horses have FOUR legs for a reason.
By the way i agree with Ray of KY, LTC of MS and Phyl of MO.
Horse Racing
I've owned horses for over 50 years and still have a barn full of them. I still participate in speed events on my horses. I own several former race horses as well that were considered "unfit" to race but have worked our very well for my application. I think that the age to race horses should be increased from two yr. olds and three yr. olds to at least four and five year olds. As one commentary already addressed---it's the love of money that keeps owners and trainers putting these little two and three year olds on the track. Their bones aren't fully developed and at full speed the chance for a catastrophic breakdown is dramatically increased. I'd like to see breeders strive for bigger boned horses and not run them until they are physically mature. This would eliminate many of the sad stories we see on racetracks and in performance arenas every year. I'd also like to see more horsemanship practiced rather than just horse-training. Horses are fabulous, smart, creatures that will give you 100% of themselves. Shouldn't we reciprocate by giving them a decent existance too?
Eight Belles
I couldn't have said it better myself. Bonnies article is incredibly informative and well written. I do hope that this helps more people understand the power they have to support existing laws that protect animals as well as creating and supporting new laws to further the plight against animal cruelty. Please visit www.hsus.org and aspca.org to see how you can help.
Eight Belles tragic death only reminds me that animals are indeed more noble than their human counterparts. With gallantry & grace, Eight Belles died for our idea of "entertainment" & "sport." When we killed her in return, dare we say that it was not a humbling experience of shame.
"Horseracing needs to be held ACCOUNTABLE. It needs better regulation. It needs fixing or it needs to go away."
Eight Belles & Ruffian - shared ancestry
Eight Belles shares a common ancestor with Ruffian, another licorice-colored filly who died terribly in the seventies. They are both descended from Native Dancer, a fragile horse who didn't race much, but was bred quite a bit. Ruffian is closer in generations to Native Dancer, but he shows up twice in Eight Belles' background. It's been over three decades since Ruffian died for exactly the same reasons Eight Belles died. Nothing has changed.
I think high, punitive fines should be applied to owners who run horses with a certain percentage of known "problem" bloodlines, or breed one problem line to another. Ruffian was a combination of Reviewer and Native Dancer bloodlines that was criminal negligence. I'm sure a closer examination of Eight Belles' pedigree will reveal similar problems.
Bonnie Erbe has covered Washington politics since God was a baby?????
You have got to be kidding me. You know nothing about race horses Bonnie my dear. Bonnie did you know that there was a total of 37 horses that had to be put down last year in the USA that were involved in Hunter/ Jumping events?? I didn't think so Bonnie. But you own and participate in these events correct Bonnie? Race horses are bred to race and in their hearts they live to race. These horses are treated and loved like our children-Thats right we love and adore them. If you knew anything about owning a race horse you would know it is not about the money because generally owning one is a money drain not a money gain. And the comment about you covering Washington politics since God was a baby is disgusting!! Educate yourself before you go spouting off with your thoughts and mouth. Happy hunting/ Jumping BONNIE!
Eight Belles
The author of this article said it as right as it could be said concerning American horseracing. Eight Belles was murdered on the track. I feel so badly about what happened to her. I don't anything about the maintenance of these horses, but it seems like she could have been saved. Her owners just didn't want to invest the time and the money.
Eight Belles
The author of this article said it as right as it could be said concerning American horseracing. Eight Belles was murdered on the track. I feel so badly about what happened to her. I don't know anything about the maintenance of these horses, but it seems like she could have been saved. Her owners just didn't want to invest the time and the money.
Bella
I pray the racing industry opens there ears to the racing fans, at least the majority of them that want some changes made. My biggest request is that they raise the age of when a horse can race its first race and thats 4 years old. Still very young but grown to the point where they can handle all the industry puts on them. As most all trainers of horses in general (not the racing industry) but everyone else knows its four years of age before a horse should be worked undersaddle! Money is the only reason why the racing industry (harness included too) allows 1 yr olds to start training. Time is money!!!! Eight Bella's tragedy has helped to open the eyes of many, and perhaps her death will bring the biggest change needed of all and thats the age of a racehorse!!! No more baby races. Mares, geldings and stallions only, no fillies or colts allowed!!!!!
Eight Belles
Anyone who truly believes Eight Belles could have been 'saved' is delusional and knows nothing about horses. That type of damage to ONE leg would have been fatal, never mind both front legs. "Xrays" weren't necessary prior to decision, that type of damage is obvious to the trained eye in real time. As far as insurance goes, 'if' she was insured, she was worth far more as a broodmare than as an insurance pay off. What happened to Eight Belles is a tragedy, to use her death as a means to punish an industry that truly tries to help its competitors is wrong. Its in horse racing's best interest NOT to have tragedies like this, to believe those in the business try to create it is ludacris. I had to euthanize 2 of my horses on the track after they sustained catastrophic injuries, these were 'older' horses, so much for the baby theory. Accidents happen under the best of circumstances and its a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Eight Belles.
Euthanasia
I do agree with a lot of what was said about horse over-breeding, racing/training too young, etc. But, I do not agree that horses with severe injuries should be kept alive to suffer to their deaths. To a horse, his legs and his feet are so important...it isn't like you just throw a cast on for a few weeks and everything will be okay. Horse have complicated anatomy and physiology, making certain injuries fatal, even when in us or in other animals, they might be treatable. Euthanasia should not be compared to horse slaughter, like you wouldn't compare getting a tetanus shot to being stabbed in the arm.
Eight Belles
Everyone:
Eight Belles died basically because her owner and her trainer ignored her
personality and took a shot at fame and $$$. Much like your pet dog or cat goes
crazy for food or a walk or a toy, a race horse can have the " not beaten" personality
Eight Belles exhibited at the Kentucky Derby, referred to as "heart" in racehorses.
It was obvious from Eight Belles was going to run her heart out and judging
from her comback to the finish line, she could not be beaten--she did not understand "beaten", much like Barbaro and Ruffian. So she ran herself to
death. Her trainer is quoted as saying before the Derby " We just want her to make it back to the barn and it will be a good day." So he obviously knew what may
happen. Now let's talk about "Big Brown", the Derby winner with the brittle feet--
do you think that is going to stop his owner from breeding to anything that can make
the stud fee? No. Are to be more little Big Browns whose hooves will crack and
shatter making THEIR legs break and shatter? Sure. $$$$. Fashionable breeding.
A silver cup on the shelf and $$$ in the bank and a name in the recordbook. As
long as the oil shieks and the Japanes millionaires can make $$$ god, horses
will die. You want to suspend someone--how about Eight Belles owner and trainer.
How about $$$.
Re: Euthanasia
I totally agree with Lauren of MN and Laurie of MA. Both front ankles were fractured, one broke the skin. Euthanasia was for the good of the horse so she wouldn't suffer; to compare it to slaughter to make a point is a very weak one.
Slaughter? Really, how melodramatic can we be?
Her injury may give light to the atrocities of the horse racing business, but her being put down was a necessary thing, unfortunately.
a kids opinion
I know that I am not the most qualified to be writing a comment. I have always heard that horse racing is the sport of kings, and I agree. Horses are majestic animals, and when they run for the pure joy of it they are the most beautiful sight in the world. What happened to Eight Bells was a tragedy, there is no mistaking that. But what I am wondering is did she injure her self towards the end of the race? If she did, rember at the end she kept going, that's nothing but pure HEART on her part. Yes, I wish that the owners would have done something more for her. But, would any horse be happy in what you can call a sling for over a year?
In my opinion horse racing shouldn't be banned as some people have suggested. But that there should be more regulations put in place to protect not only the riders but the horses as well.
I stood in my kitchen and cried
I debated turning on the TV on Sat shortly after 6:00. I had avoided it all day as I didn't want to watch them relive Barbaro's tragedy after having spent the previous Sat at the Rolex. The Thoroughbred Industry needs an overhaul from the foaling barn to the finish line. I hope The Industry is quick to regulate itself and empower its backsiders to help - like when an exerise rider knows a horse isn't fit for racing he/she should be able to tell an owner "Hey, this horse has no business racing. It's conformation isn't right. It will break down." rather than leaving it up to a trainer, who might not be willing to miss out on the next pay check, to do the right thing. There are lots of smart true horse lovers in the industry being enslaved by the almighty dollar. Pity. Now The Quiet Man, Frodo Baggins and Eight Bells run together. God Bless them.
As for slaughter. I think the closing the US slaughter houses for horses has brought to light some valuable issues we should have considered before we closed them like cramming them in double-decker trucks and hauling them to Mexico - a very long hot trip.
Eight Belles
It was terrible sight to see Eight Belles stumble and fall after she had just crossed the finish line, second, in the 134th Kentucky Derby. She was a beautiful filly and did her best to show the boys that she could keep up with them. Eight Belles second finish should stand as an honor to her excellent run in the derby.
As a person would be happy just to own a horse, I think it is awful to hear how owners kill race horses just for the insurance, after they have worked so hard and won money for their owners. How disrespectful of a human being!
The slaughtering of horses should be stopped, what a terrible thing to do to an animal who has helped build America!
Eight Belles
The pathetic sight of all those big hat, mint julep drunken women celebrating victory over Big Brown's win sickens me!!! At the same exact time a gorgeous filly "Eight Belles" was dying, in terror, fighting for her life! What a disgusting sport!! I am nauseated by these bimbos and there wonderfull win!! Do people not believe in the true love and beauty and suffering of these gentle horses? As my ode to our beloved Barbaro I stopped watching horse racing after the Preakness in which he was injured, sadly you cannot escape the media and photos, I write this in tears and urge everyone to boycott horse racing for Eight Belles and Barbaro! These horses would still be alive if they had a normal life and belonged to someone like a child who would only ask to love them!!!! Thank you for reading, I'm glad we're all here for what these horses truly stand for- love, not money!!!!!
Value of animals
The statement "If horses weren't overbred, we'd treat the smaller number we would have better: how they should be treated, like majesty on legs" in this article should apply to all companion animals. Dogs and cats are only valued if they have an "owner" otherwise they are also slaughtered..er...euthanized. Support of spay and neuter and enforcing animal protection laws would go a long way toward reducing the number of these 4 footed creatures and in turn increase their value. Perhaps dogs and cats could also be treated and valued like majesty on legs.
Kentucky Derby Tragedy
i like Eight Bells and was hopeing that the horse would win and i cried when i found out that it had to be put to sleep. Thank you for bringing all the tragedies to the table because i like to share them with other to stop slaughters if they know people who do that stuff.
HEAR SAY IS NOT USUALLY PRINTED
I am surprised at the second hand information this "reporter" has used in this story. Third hand reports are not any kind of evidence when trying to support an idea. This is done when someone does not know anything about what they are writing about and by someone that is not willing to actually take the time to investigate a situation. Shame on you.
Horse racing
These horses are treated like Kings and Queens. Trust me I know this!....My uncle owns racing horses. They are pampered more than any animal racing. I do agree that a 3 year old is really young to be racing in such a big race.
If any of you knew anything about horses, it has nothing to do with boarding or upkeep of a horse. There is huge bills already involved in having a race horse. But, when a philly breaks 2 of her front ankles, the chances of her recovering are very slim to none.
When I tell you that these horses love to race, they love to race. You put them in the chute and there blood is pumping ready to just run.
Barbaro is an example of trying to save a horse. His owner's and trainer's did everything they possibly could before they can't be rehabed.
With saying all of this, I really do hope that the jockey didn't feel her down the home stretch. That is a mistake! A huge mistake!.
As for Eight Bells, you were a beautiful Philly, that will never be forgotten for all of the tallent you left on the track. That little girl ran harder than all but one other horse. Pure tallent. I wish I could have watched her run again, I really do believe that if there was 1/2 mile left, she would have far surpassed big brown and we would have seen her win the Derby!..
Hunter Jumper People
Someone told me that hunter/jumper people use poles with nails in them and hit the horses in the abdomen to make them jump higher. Someone also told me they stack pain relieving drugs so the horses can jump even though they are in pain. I usually do not believe third hand information as the truth, I avoid it. This is not what Ms. Erbe has done. She has run with stories about the racetrack that any person with common sense would know is not true. If she took the time to investigate she would find the majority of the people at the racetrack are excellent horsemen with a true love of horses. What happened to the filly on Derby Day is something that no one wanted and no one expected. Many people that were involved with the filly cried that day and my heart to goes out to them.
Bonnie Erbe opinion piece
I love horses and grew up around their breeding and racing. While there may be isolated instances of cruelty, I absolutely believe that the vast majority of folks who are involved with breeding and training horses love their animals and treat them very well. They generally end up in the business because of their love of horses. Lets not all jump on the bashing bandwagon.
I do agree with holding off on competitive racing of thoroughbreds until they are at least 4 yrs old.
ThoroughbredsAbusedandIgnored
Left a comment yesterday re my former son-in-law breeding and racing thorogbreds for a very handsome living.
You did notprint my first hand comments from behind the scenes; the pitiful life these high strung horses lead. I could no longer go to the tracks nor visit the horses before and after racing. Too sad to watch the neglect and filth in which they live. Attended by lowwage hands who care so little for them.
I have not attended these events for many, many years. Too painful to watch the animals. I have seen many go down coming out of the gate! Also tripping during the race; it is not "entertainment", but tragic to watch.
Check...
It's "filly" not "Philly"... Unless Three Chimneys moved off Paris Pike. Not all horses on the backside are treated like royalty. When "barn manager A" gets fired for his cocaine addiction, and "barn manager B" starts the next day, he may change the entire barn's diet suddenly without examining current practices. That's just a single example of life on the backside. Ulcers are a very common health problem in race horses. Gee, I wonder why.
Eight Belles and horse racing in general
I totally agree with the author of this article. The horse racing industry does need to change the way they treat horses, it is long overdue. Thank you for your informative article. My deepest sympathy to the owners of Eight Belles.
May 05, 2008 13:37:02 PM [permalink] [report comment]