A horse race is a contest of speed between horses that are either ridden by jockeys or pulled by sulkies. The sport has a long and distinguished history, being practiced in many cultures throughout the world since ancient times. Evidence of horse racing exists from archeological excavations in Ancient Greece, Rome, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. The sport also features prominently in myth and legend, such as the contest between Odin’s steed Hrungnir and the giant Hrungnar in Norse mythology.

Horse racing has been influenced by several technological advancements in recent years, but has maintained the majority of its rules and traditions. Its use of technology on the track has improved safety, including a reliance on GPS and thermal imaging cameras to monitor post-race conditions. Additionally, horses and jockeys have become better trained to prevent injuries through the use of various techniques such as massage, acupuncture, and acupressure points.

The industry can do more, however, by addressing its lack of an adequately funded industry-sponsored wraparound aftercare solution for all ex-racehorses who leave the track. The majority of thoroughbreds never reach their full potential as racehorses. With massive torsos and spindly legs, they are bred to run at speeds that cause frequent injuries and often lead to breakdowns. Breeding these 1,000-pound creatures with fragile ankles and the growth plates in their spines not fully fused until around age 6, then thrust into intensive training at 18 months, is a recipe for exploitation, gruesome injuries and a death sentence at the slaughterhouse.

Behind the romanticized facade of Thoroughbred racing is a world of drug abuse, gruesome breakdowns and slaughter. While spectators show off their fancy outfits and sip mint juleps, the horses are running for their lives. And when they stop winning, their owners essentially pay them to go out of business, sending them on the highway to slaughter in Mexico and Canada where they’re turned into glue and dog food. If not for the handful of independent nonprofit rescues and individuals who network, fundraise and work tirelessly to save them, these once-proud runners would hemorrhage into the slaughter pipeline. Right now, they rely on donations from industry folks and gamblers to stay alive.