Horse races are a global sport, with events occurring around the world every day. While some people choose to wager on the outcome of a race, there are also those who simply enjoy watching the action unfold at the track. Aside from the adrenaline rush and spectacle, these events also serve as a form of national celebration. In Australia, for example, the Melbourne Cup is known as “the race that stops a nation.” People from all walks of life gather to watch and participate.

In its natural state, horses love to run, but winning a race is not something that comes naturally to the animals. The fact is that horses, prey animals who want to keep their group intact, prefer to run in a herd with a safety net of other animals. Winning a race, however, is a man-made construct that causes a lot of stress and pain for the animals.

The modern thoroughbred is a product of a breeding revolution that began in the 1600s, when desert-bred stallions were crossed with European cold-blooded horses to produce faster runners. In the early days of equestrian fashion, knights carried hundreds of pounds of armor and needed a very stout horse to carry them.

But as times and technology changed, racing took off in popularity, and the demand for speed became a major force behind the development of this breed. It was a time of great innovation, but not without its downsides.

It’s no secret that horse racing is not a pleasant sight for the animals, many of whom die in this highly dangerous sport. The grueling training and rigorous competition put an inordinate amount of stress on the immature bodies of these creatures, which often leads to injuries and illnesses. It is not uncommon to see horses bleed out of their lungs, a condition called exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), as they race.

Additionally, there are many other deadly accidents that can occur at a horse race. Some of these include broken necks, fractured spines and shattered legs. A shattered leg can result from a collision with another horse or the track itself. The injuries are not only physically painful for the animals, but they are emotionally devastating as well.

While the sport of horse racing has a long and rich history, there are many who do not support its cruel practices. There are a number of issues that cause the animal-rights movement to strongly oppose this form of entertainment. Some of the most common issues involve the use of drugs in this sport, as well as the inhumane treatment of the horses themselves. While there have been attempts at reform, the horse racing industry remains systematically structured around cruelty. The only way to truly save these magnificent animals is to stop putting them through the misery of this sport. Luckily, there are now campaigns in place to do just that.