Off to the Races! by Fiona

 

Today our group went off to the races! Horse-based activities personally entice me as I am very much a horse person. I have experience working with horses, riding them, and I have a minor in equine science. Today we went to the Riccarton Park Racecourse to watch thoroughbred racing. I have been to a few other horse races in the past, and can confirm that the best part of horse races is the atmosphere that the spectators create. People are dressed to the nines, and everyone there has a sophisticated look to them. Unfortunately, many of us were wearing sweatpants so we received a few dirty looks. In addition to the boujee outfits, the intense focus of the betters, the sound of people holding their breath as the horses cross the finish line, and the rumbling stampede of horses passing by add to the thrilling atmosphere of horse racing.

During my time here, I wanted to inquire with an expert. I spoke to a horse owner to get more information on what we were watching. He said that horse racing takes place practically year round, and coincides with foaling. It starts August 1st and goes until the end of July. He also told me that today we were watching what is called “maiden horses” which means we were watching horses that have never won a race.

Welfare of animals is something that is personally important to me. From working with horses, and learning about them in school, I know that historically, the welfare of race horses isn’t always the best. There have been countless instances of physical abuse towards these horses, dosing horses with illegal steroids, and constantly overworking them until exhaustion. I picked up a welfare pamphlet at the center which claimed that the center’s mission is to “assist horses injured” by providing “a national fleet of horse ambulances.” I do not think that the welfare of the horses at this center is being jeopardized, as the horses I saw today looked very well cared for.

Overall I had a great time today at the races, and I think that horse racing is an extremely entertaining industry that brings people together. However, at the same time I believe it is up to us animal people to continue the push for animal welfare wherever we can, especially in industries such as horse racing.


Riccarton Park Racecourse

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