Cruelty of horse racing

The Kentucky Derby upsets me deeply. I fully agree with PETA (5/5, Sports, “Horse’s death upsets PETA”). I just think it’s so sad how they could all go whipping and racing young horses just for money.

I think racing a horse too hard would fall under animal cruelty. Racehorses don’t know if they’re in danger. It’s up to the owners to make sure they are OK. How many racehorses are put down due to injury? Their bodies are not mature enough to handle all the strain during a race.

Trainers are pushing young horses too hard. Horses aren’t physically mature until they are 4 or 5, and race training begins around 18 months of age or sooner.

Horse racing is a brutal sport and needs to be stopped. Many sweet horses could have gone to loving families instead of being forced to race and face deadly injuries.

Willow Onken
Lee’s Summit

Comments

[Engineer]

Then of course there is the consideration that these "sweet horses" wouldn't be here at all if it weren't for racing. And I hate to break the news to Willow, but as one who spent considerable time with horse in his youth it is my sad duty to inform her that all horses are not "sweet".

[katman]

Mr. Rogue, as a teacher, I think you are enamored with the use of 'bovine scatalogy'. I will post what I believe and you will continue to do the same. That why it's called 'unfettered letters'.

My personal view is that I choose to focus on the message rather than the messenger. Name calling isn't my deal. It reminds me of the days in grade school(60+ years ago) when one would say, "my daddy can whip your daddy". I welcome your thoughts without the 'bovine scatalogy'.

KATMAN

[jack]

It's a horse. Get over it.

[Rogue]

KATY, you do what you want with your "I chose to assail the messenger rather than the message". What a load of bovine scatology, get a ladder and climb down off your high horse.

I call 'em as I see 'em, and if someone is a moon bat, a dip stick, or a water melon; guess what? Bingo! I am going to call them for what they are. That is the way things work in the real world. You know, those that can, do; and those that can't, teach?

[katman]

I choose to assail the message rather than the messenger. The two acronyms I dislike most are -- PETA & ACLU. Both have hidden & negative agendas.

Horse racing, the sport of kings, has been around more than 300 years. Since it won't be halted, we need to find ways to make it safer. Euthanization is a very common practice both on and off tracks. The public wasn't made aware until Barbaro and this filly were covered by TV.

We do need to make the SPORT safer. These animals love to run as opposed to pulling a cart around the Plaza.

KATMAN

[Rogue]

Golly "Willow" why am I not surprised you agree with PETA. Are you a vegan too, moonbat?

They walk among us folks, they walk among us........