This statement troubles me a bit, because on the relative scale of things I think she's right. We're talking about the practice of an entire industry and the mistreatment of thousands of animals v. one guy's suspension. I tend to agree that the scales tip in favor of the animals here--after all, they're not breeding dangerous unstable physiology into jockeys.

That said, I don't think it's the jockey's fault--it's the industry and breeders as a whole, who are breeding animals with "ankles like glass" for their own amusement.

I don't like PETA's tactics, but I'm glad somebody is advocating for animals.

And they are just chasing the money that we, the public, are throwing at them. And yet, if I went to the tracks or watched a race on TV, I wouldn't feel responsible for the horses, because I'm just a spectator.

yes, that's a good point, glatt. Either way, the horses are suffering for people's greed. Put that way, the suspension of the jockey is an apt monetary punishment--although I think it would be better aimed at the owner of the horse.

Bull shit. Stuff happens. This is the sport. They can protest all they want but why allow their idiocy affect the behaivor of a hundreds year old sport. More PC gone wild. Just tell the PETA people that they don't have to come to the track and bet.

a hundreds year old sport? try thousands, and those ancestral horses ran just fine without overbreeding and such severe instability. Sorry, but I can't agree.

The idea that the horses are bred for skinny legs that do not support their weight in the races is a straw man argument foisted by the likes of PETA to make their case. I just don't buy it.

well, I'm not going to support the peta people, because they are so out of line, but I don't understand how this could happen. why did both those horse's ankles just snap? why did Barbaro's ankles shatter? the "ankles like glass" comment didn't come from the peta people (it came from another news story, which I can't find right now). The racing industry is saying, "well that just happens. horses have always gotten hurt." I'm not sure I buy that either.

just trying to understand. I was even contemplating going one day to see the Kentucky Derby--now I'm not sure I want to. That would be a dream trip, and to have it end like that would be a nightmare.

'tis true. Everytime I read something about PETA, I get an urge to messily devour something cute, cuddly, and alive right in front of one of their stupid protests. And I love animals.

Anyone remember this article? I thought it was hilarious, and not in the way the author meant it to be hilarious.

My sister works at an equine facility (university veterinary hospital) and the vets maintain that humans trying to breed a faster horse have compromised the animal's basic structure, particularly skeletal development. Combine that with heavy training, running while carrying weight, and their immaturity spells doom for some of those animals.

Of course, the vets generally only see horses that are harmed by racing, but I tend to believe that they are sincerely concerned.

Anyone remember this?

Parts 1, 2, & 3:




I like my cats and my dogs, and would never want anything happen to them, but at the same time, I know that the animals are basically running the same risks humans are. We're just as much part of the food chain as they are, and there is almost no difference in testing on animals and testing on humans.

Thanks Drax - interesting if slightly too strident for my taste.

You know, when horses live as the wild animals they once were and still are, their risk of death and destruction are far higher every day (and far less humane in general), even than that for racehorses who one must say, are among the most pampered of all animals. Except maybe for Paris's dog.

That doesn't mean that she, or the members of her staff, don't hate women. In fact, I'm getting the idea that they prefer animals to anyone..this includes women.

I think the commercial makes their values very clear. They were very proud of it whilst everyone else was f'ing disgusted.

Human interference with natural breeding and selection is hardly ever of direct benefit to the animals. Over-nutrition and other luxuries compound the health issues. So sure, race horses lead pampered lives ~ but only because they often lack the hardiness to survive without artificially high standards for feed, medical care, and other basics. I think it's less fair to an animal to breed them into total reliance on human care than to let nature takes its course - or its horse.

I've seen plenty of racehorses go ferral without too much trouble. I don't agree with your argument. I don't believe it's factual.