I agree with you about PMU.. I think it's a disgusting thing in this world! And you are right about ur TB cross.. warmbloods mature much slower than most horses.. I also agree with you about the dumb people over breeding horses! Thats why slaughter is necessary! I live in TX & go to auctions & the majority of the horses there are brought by ignorant people breedings horses with conformation, mental, and health problems. At least thoroughbreds are bred to be sound creatures by knowledgable people
Well.. if you knew anything about horse racing.. you would know that they x-ray the knees before they run them! Slaughter is fundamental to the Horse Industry and if you think otherwise you aren't a real horse person. & by the way.. if a horse is going to run in the Kentucky they will live a very HAPPY life afterwards! Broodmares are some of the luckiest animals in the world! I grew up in the horse world & the worst people in the horse world are the people buying, breeding &selling backyard QHs
what were you saying i know so much about? if it was for my last comment about the drugs you're right i do know so much, i own race horses and know more about it then you probably do
you are a great champion when you ran the ground shook the sky opend and mere mortals parted, parted the way to victory where you'll meet me in the winners circle where ill place a blanket of flowers apon your back
Whoa is right. I didn't know horses had arms and legs like people.She was euthanized properly. That's what you do when you have animals in pain with no expectation to make a recovery.
Instead of bitching and moaning why don't you take time to SHOW us your so called horses.
he isn't saying that she shouldn't be euthanized. he's saying that she shouldn't be racing. and by the way. i ride at his barn and we have many horses, all taken well care of. one of the horses we got off the track was insanely skinny and we nursed him back to health
Thorough-bred. Thoroughly bred. Too much so. Stop the inbreeding and make some rule that every racehorse has to be crossbred! I reckon that'd get them a bit stronger..
This is so true! The drug is called Premarin and they get it from the mares urine while she is pregnant. The foals are disposable! It is quite disguisting.
Amen for the racing circuit! The horses are babies and should not be ran into the ground!
im glad you agree, this guy is pissin me off with all his so called "knowledge" on horse racing! yes everyone can have their own opinion but get your facts right before you start making crazy assumptions!!!!
did you know that almost EVERY horse trainer uses some type of drugs. They just have to know what is not going to test, or they try things hoping they wont test. Its not just Dutrow
ok! this is why it was kinder to her to put her down.
She broke BOTH front ankles, and could not stand for them to get her to the ambulance. That would have been impossible for her to even attempt to get up. Why?
This is why:
Horses bear 70% of their weight on their FRONT legs. The reason they could at least ATTEMPT to heal Barbaro was because he hurt his BACK leg. Thoroughbreds are bred to be light and their bones are frail. when they operate on one, you have to do it with the horse standing.
I dont know anything about this particular horse or incident bt i do adisagree with racing horses as 2/3yo. If a normal ridden horse isnt backed until 3 or 4 because it hasnt matured why should it be acceptable to break and race them at this age!!
eight belles breaking both ankles is an unforturnate accident. Even w/ the best of medical help she would have eventually been eutanized b/c other complications would have set in. Just like w/ Barbosa(sp?)...they did everything possible to save him but in the end it was just too much. These horses are athletes and are treated w/ the greatest of care. People need to get their facts straight before making comments about things they know nothing about.
What facts are not straight? Did you know her tariner has been fined numerous times for drugging his horses? Did you know that 2 die per day by race related injury? Did you know in order to have a proven racer at 3 you would have to start them at 1 1/2 to 2 a time when they are still developing? Did you know that there are thousands of used up racers in "rescue" status in the US? What exactly do YOU know?
well lets see i've worked at Woodbine in Toronto and have seen first hand the abuse that happens...I've worked w/ jumpers and have seen the abuse that has happened w/ those horses as well.I know there are a lot of race horses that are "discarded" b/c they are of no use any more. I've seen owners who put 'nails' in jumps w/ the point out to make the horse pick up their feet when jumping. I've seen quite a bit and I do know quite a bit. This was unfortunate. It will still happen. But I do know!
You sir, are a BITCH. Your such a little DICK. These horses are treated like ROYALTY while they race and when they're done, they are retired to stud or sent to a good owner. Not "Slapped around" My dad has 12 racehorses, and when they are done, they go to a nice stable with me.
And for the broodmares. What do you think happens in the wild EVERY HEAT SEASON there is a stallion after them.
And I admit, it was stupid for them to run her in the Oaks and the derby, but she was not brutalized!
What are you 10? Grow up and when you have matured beyond diapers perhaps you will learn to have an opinion without talking like a drunken whore! Obviously your parents did not do their job.
Lol...ANOTHER "kid" with an worldly opinion. Listen, this guys right when he says these horses knees aren't closed...that's a medical fact. Horses shouldn't be started under saddle with a rider on them until they are 3.
LittleHilton08, you are 19 years old, lol...what kind of worldly experience with equine activities can you possibly bring to the discussion table here?
I so agree with everything you talked about! When I was a little girl I use to take lessons over @ a farm near the Tampa Bay downs. They use to try and take in all the unwanted race horses, it was horrible how they were treated before. I use to help take care of them and they were soo scared of any humans. I know I won't be watching anymore racing!!!!!!
that is so sad. I am a horse owner and I know about horses and when my horse is not feeling right I GET OFF! No efense to the jockey, but he shouldve known better! Eight Belles xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo RIP We miss u Baby!
man, you dont know what you're talking about all this abuse crap, yea there are some people out there that are abusive, but actually if you get in behind the scenes there are alot of people who do care. And this crap about the derby, well these horses are treated like royalty, better then you can imagine! This video makes me very angry, along with all you people who think he is right, he doesent know what the hell he is talking about, not to be blunt or anything
Have you been there when that horse couldn't race anymore???? You don't see how they are treated after, sure the horses are treated great when they are racing and winning the owners plenty of cash! Wake up people!
i think that there is a lot of misconception when it comes to horse racing, yes there are a few out there that dont care about their animals, but then there are a few that do, including myself. I think this guy is crazy and doesent have a clue when it comes to horses. They are athletes, and when you form a partnership with one, the sky is the limit. Like i said this guy is crazy, and he needs to not talk about stuff that he dosent have any idea about...
So what ........are there only a "few" who do and a "few" who don't? Actually why not make an actual point? What don't I know? I only have 22 horses and take care of them daily. We also do shows with other people who have horses and have been around them forever, we also drive hours to a specialist vet in Alabama to take care of our horses and my daughter is a USDF bronze medalist at 16. So what point would you in all your extensive knowledge with horses like to debate?
When horses knees close up, it means there knees are fully grown, when a horses knees are not "closed up" it means they are not ready to run a race, or any other compitions...its kinda hard to explain.
I agree also, horse racing is a sick sport, right along with dog racing & rodeos. A horse is not fully developed until about 5 yrs. Horse racing is all about money, manipulating their birth and nothing about horses. It's a form of slavery - the horse has no choice. Also, once a race horse's so-called career is over, many are sent to slaughter! Not my opinion, but fact. Folks did the same with greyhounds - hence all the greyhound rescues today.
Abuse is in every disclipine, but racing is the one where the most people turn their heads. It is true, it is like shaking a baby. They are not developed.
i like this guy, he has a good point. i also think and hate to watch rodeos where horses are might to be abused and eritaded its horrable and no one should go there or wacth it on tv.
Thoroughbreds are ment to grow faster than your average QH. There knees close up at three so they should be raced then, not at 2. This guy has a good point though. :0)
There is a lot of abuse. They break these horses at one, they shouldn't even be broke until 2 and not raced until 3. They also put foals on nursing mares who's own foals have been discarded so that the thoroughbred mare can be sent out to be bred. They require a live coverage. Horses don't mature quickly. Their knees don't even close completely until they're two. I rode horses for years and most horse people (not all) are very greedy, horrible people. It's all about the almighty dollar.
this guy isnt as stupid as he made it sound. i understud it, i mean for an avrage person who (i assume)dosent know much ABOUT THE RACING INDUSTRY,....HE DID A GOOD JOB.
i wish this guy new what he was talking about. Ask any race horse trainer, this is not right, i will watch horse racing as long as i live, i'm in the buisness and i know what goes on ant THIS IS NOT IT I TELL YOU OK. horses mature much faster than humans, read a book
just so he knows, they're not brutalized. I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but last years kentucky derby horses are retired and happy, i'm in the reacing buisness and this is NOT correct. idk about everyone else but my friends LOVE their horses ok
You caint get mad at the average person that comments on here. There usually the ones that bad mouth PETA and have no knowledge of real horse racing. They dont know its not this fantasy glamour and glory show that is put on by the media. People that support events that harm animals get mad when people like PETA step in because they dont want to get caught abusing animals. Its ignorance on the part of both the average viewer and the horse owners. Very sad.
...until he randomly started wrongly criticizing obama and hilary rofl. it's so funny when republicans start calling democrats communists, even though democrats are so extremely different from communisits.
just goes to show you how u can be right about something and wrong about everything else.
Your comment just goes to show how you can start out criticizing someone for something, and do the same thing tenfold... (i.e. You making about him wrongly criticizing someone, and then you doing so to him.)
Communist and socialist are two very different things, and if you can't see that Obama is an extreme socialist then you need to go look up the word's definition.
The only horse sports I don't like is horse racing and rodeo excluding the horse sports like barrel racing, pole bending and things like that. Now Bucking bronco, bull riding, calf roping, steer tripping and things that disgust me!
those things are not cruel. the animals have something tied to them for 8 seconds, usually less. calf roping is not cruel. if you look closely, they only rope the back legs and they tie the front legs to the back.then the calves are immediately let go. its steer WRESTLING not tripping. or bulldogging. that's not cruel either as steers are strong enough that they can take the fall. me being in rodeo, i know htose things.
They run racehorses to soon at 2yo, there joints dont fuse until they are 4yo. I bet her fetlock joints gave out and ripped the tendon not broke. (Still an unfixable injury)
Well I'm sorry but you are right about the raceing but youve got one part wrong. I'vebeen eentin forwhat 13 years now and yes accidents happen to the horses but half the time if an accident happens its not always horrible.
I agree that its bad.I have always thought horse racing was bad I also thought that putting Eight Belles down was terrible,the least they could have done was sell her to a good home. She was a race horse so they would have gotten more money then putting her down. So bad. my dog just had a litter of puppies. it's not just for money. I did it because I love experencing a life! Im keeping a puppy and training it for agaility and showing. But we only bred our dog twice.Anymore than that is too many.
Twice is twice too many. For godssake, stop breeding. As for Eight Belles, the point is that her injuries were too severe to even remove her from the track. The Derby officials would not have allowed a euthanization in front of that crowd if there had been ANY way to remove her alive.
An animal that size cannot withstand trhat injury. The weigh 1200 pounds and cannot lay down for long periods of time and if they cannot support the weight evenly problems set in....see Barbaro
Not to mention if you put a $5,000 claimer alongside a Grade I Champion, it is often a toss-up to point ouch which is the claimer and which is the champion. It is true like any other animal there is horse slaughtering occurring in this country and all over the world. But if you think for one moment anyone in racing condones or supports the slaughter or brutalization of animals, you are flat out crazy. What happened to Eight Belles is tragic, but it is a part of the sport...like any other.
It sounds like you've spent some time at the track. So tell us, what happens to that $5k claimer when she bows a tendon and needs a few months of stall rest? Or when she gets too old to run?
You make it sound like all of the "smaller racetracks" are dumps where horses are abused which is a complete falsehood. The people at Philadelphia Park for exampe care just as much as the people at Churchill Downs. As far as it being a choice, if a horse doesn't want to run, good luck getting him or her to. If you think horses are any safer in the wild where they can run through fences, you are wrong. The accusations of brutality are an insult to anyone involved in racing, who love these horses.
What the hell are you talking about....smaller venues mean less money and more aggressive treatments for winning, less scruples, less media etc,etc. Added together you get less care for the animals, less attention to their needs, less everything. And you are wrong, any horse will run if you train it to run and if you run a horse next to it it will try harder to run, as for the wild, there really isn't any left to speak of because lowlifes build fences all over the west...less work you see.
The women's hormone pill is called "Premarin", it has been suspected to be a link to higher risk of breast cancer. And I agree with this video, these horses are just too young to be working this hard, their bodies just haven't developed for the rigors of training and competing in track racing. Just google horse adoption and see how many thoroughbreds there are out there who are basically "throw-aways"...what a shame. Something needs to be done to change the age for racing competition!
This was the #1 reason why i left the racetrack.how disgusting,i have been, and have witnessed,just go to the backside of your local racetrack, and you will understand where this brutality is developed,the people in this industry has a lower iq than the horses, and seem to be from another century long ago... but go barrack!
Do you realize this was the first horse in the 134 year history of the Derby to die from an injury suffered in that race? Nascar drivers die on the track. Boxers die in the ring. Football players are paralyzed on the field. Out of every 1000 horses to race 1.6 suffer catastrophic injury...thats 0.16% - It is a sport like any other with a side involving injury. Thoroughbred Racing has provided some of the greatest moments in sports history...it is far from garbage!
2 everyday are put down from injuries but you miss my point...tens of thousands are bred every year and only a select few ever race in this forum, thousands will race smaller venues where life isn't so grand. Thousands will be lamed by initial races and disgarded to rescue facilities or worse. These animals are brutalized......period
i agree! i was just saying the day before the derby you know we havent had any breakdoowns in the kentucky derby since the fifties i think and that was the only one, and he was just a minor injury! i felt so bad that i had to jinx it!
yeah. They said "ankles" in the broadcast. Kinda looks like she had a low cannon bone fracture in the picture, but it's hard to see. Does anyone know the exact bones that were fractured? Has the real information been released? I can't find it.
yes it was kinder to put her down because she fuckin broke BOTH FRONT ANKLES. she was only 2, therefore her bones were not fully matured. it was the same in the case of barbaro. his bones simply were not strong enough. he only hurt one leg, so they were able to try to make him better. Eight Belles would have had no chance because BOTH FRONT ANKLES broke. if anyone wants to know why i know it was better or know ANYTHING about horses, message me. it's what i'm studying. im almost an expert. really
No, she was killed. I believe in euthanasia and even had my 32 year old horse put down when he became too old and sick to enjoy life. Let's get real--you put the pentobarb in their veins and then they die. No question Eight Belles needed to be killed once she broke her legs. She did not need to be run this hard so early in her life. That is what made it necessary to kill her. I'm not disputing euthansia. I'm decrying the sport that led to the need to kill a young, healthy, lovely horse.
nice video man. it's called Premarin- comes from "PREgnant MAre uRINe. I don't support any kind of animal exploitation, never even been to a circus-. She was a beautiful horse. What pisses me off is that they keep saying how she ran the race of her life..well hell... the poor thing didn't have a choice..None of them have a choice! It's just sad.
I agree, I am not an animal activist of any sort, I love burgers and bacon, but all animals should be treated humanely, period. Like everything else in this pathetic, ridiculous world we live in, money talks and money talks again. The idiots in our country too stupid to turn off the freakin TV (95% black vote in a primary?) arighty then, who choose these frat boys (GHWB) and liars (WJC) to represent us, and the pundits who hold out their hands for fame and wealth have sold us all out!
I get what you mean, they should wait a little longer to run them, but honestly dude, any amount of change in stride/effort CAN have a big affect on a horses legs. That's a LOT of pressure.
It was kinder to put her down (she was not killed). She had virtually nothing left to splint, it would have been cruel to put her through all the pain and wind up at a high risk of breaking both ankles all over again.
Cruelty exists, but overreacting to sad news helps nothing.
"It was kinder to put her down (she was not killed)" Is she dead? She didn't kill herself, she didn't break her legs, she didn't ask to be put on a track at 2 years old and run till they determined whether or not to keep her, she ran because they asked her to run....look at all the big thoroughbred breeding web sites.... all their horses are grazing not running...jackass Oreilly
dartagnansblade: Oh, I see. You're the ridiculously over reactive name calling type when people don't see things like you THINK you do. Have fun with that.
I called the first commenter an idiot as he called me an ignoramus.....so what are you talking about or are you just a sore looser?....Liberal maybe and "tolerant"?
Methinks you don't fully understand how to read the comments.. If you "view all comments" you'll see exactly where you replied to ME, quoted ME, and called ME a "jackass Oreilly".
I lol'd at the "sore loser" and "liberal" comment. You're lashing out now and have no idea what you're doing. Great job. I'll repeat what I said previously. "Have fun with that".
Sorry the Oreilly comment was to Bill and his pathetic "balanced" look at the "tragic accident"...Why in the world would I call you Orielly? Please tell me it is your name and all is forgiven...lol...otherwise the rest is a simple do unto others reply as you attacked me and did so smugly...I was only reciprocating
dartagnansblade--I agree with you 100% on your opinions regarding horse sports. That said, I am absolutely offended at your remarks about liberals--as I am one. I am liberal because I love this country greatly and believe the neocons have screwed things up royal. So, let us BOTH try to set our politics aside and work together to address issues that we agree on. I can see that you are a kind and thoughtful person. I like you even though we disagree on this. Can we reach across the aisle?
I didn't know what to think at first. But, I had to laugh because you say exactly the right things. I am sick of hearing from people who have no clue. I have volunteered with a racehorse rescue group and have rescued one off the track. I ride hunters and won't use spurs or a whip and I keep it low, slow and simple. I have kept every horse I have ever had until the end. You are right on, they are TOO YOUNG and they are running them to death. P.S. It's premarin and they "get rid" of the babies
Hear, Hear. I've actually put my money where my mouth is too and rescued two ex-racehorses. Boy, the ex-racehorse market is sad, isn't it? Crazy in the mind and used up, broken bodies--all by the age of 4 years. Many of the ones lucky enough to survive their racing years look forward to spending the next 20 fighting the various lamenesses and mental problems suffered on the track.
"they brutalize these animals"=youre a moron,sir.i think you have a legit point about
waiting 'til theyre older to run,but to say that
the grooms and the trainers and owners as a"whole" brutalize these animals is bull-shit.Quit being so dramatic,dick-wad,,yes watching eight belles on the track being euthanized was disgusting,,no question about that,,but it was a freak injury that happened"after" the race.poly-tracks are helping alot and are great for racing for the future.r.i.p eight belles!!!
a1q2s3 I respect your view. However, it disgusts me that so many people on here are so ready to ban horseracing because they say its brutal and horses are being abused. Yet these same people could give a rats ass about other animals like cows, chickens, and pigs. They are animals too, aren't they?
If all you people in here are going to take a stand against horseracing, then take a stand to protect ALL animals, not just the ones you like.
This is not about other animals. That is another issue. I am not discounting other species at all but this conversation is about horses that are used too aggressively. We must address each concern on it's own merit if we ever hope to change opinion about animal welfare issues.
To Ashtiel, The relevance lies in the fact that everyone is so sad about this horse, but I don't hear you crying about cows, pigs, and chickens being slaughtered. Why?
As this clown who made this video said, and I quote, "when are we going to stop abusing our animals?" What a hypocrite!!!!! From the looks of him, he has had his fair share of steaks and hamburgers. Why aren't you making videos saying stop slaughtering cows, pigs, and chickens.
thank you soupyrat. Finally someone with a brain has spoken. All these people crying over this horse are the same people that had cookouts yesterday and ate steaks and hamburgers.
Honestly, how the fuck does eating a burger have anything to do with the fact that race horses are put on the track too young? Please, do explain to me how the two have any relevance to one another.
Humans, are omnivores. We were designed to eat meat as well as veggies, not just replace meat with vegetables, naturally it could be dangerous too, we naturally need meat for nutrients, this is a very sensitive issue, I myself love animals, but I'm a omnivore, go figure.
Okay,Okay,Okay. Now go eat a cheese burger. Who cares about a cow right. It's a horse. A horse, big deal. Now if you own a farm, what do you do on this farm? Just grow veggies? Or do you kill chickens, pigs and cows? What is the difference. I can't stand Obama either though.
I'm pleased this man also addresses the stupidity of breeders. People who breed an animal based on the fact that they have a 'purebred'. Not on the fact that the lines are superior and the animal a shining specimen of the breed. Most people breed animals to make money, if you are in it for the right reasons, you make very little money especially for the hard work involved. Check out the shelters, I've been involved in animal rescue and it's truly heartbreaking.
reds4246, You seem to have a major problem with anger. You speak of the need to be highly educated, yet with your disgusting language, you do not appear to be educated yourself. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. I do have a college education, however I don't associate with people based on their education status.
I would guess you are in your mid 20's, hothead who 'thinks' he is superior perhaps because he has a decent income. Pride ALWAYS comes before the fall. Be forewarned...
don't you think that maybe this should and is investigated a head of time? Yes it sucks but like anything in this life it is a risk. And owner, rider or spectator we DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANYTHING LIKE THIS. When it dose happen it hurts. Even if you have never been a rider or beter. it hurst. God Bless!
I meant to say that Hillary Clinton was not at the race but that she gave instructions to her daughter, who was there, to place her bet on Eight Belles.
You are absolutely right. Glad to hear your comments.
I heard PETA has written a letter to Hillary Clinton to denounce horseracing, or speak out on this subject....let's see if she writes them an answer back. She and her daughter were at the race betting.
Here is a newsflash for all you people crying about how bad horseracing is: HORSERACING WILL CONTINUE EXACTLY HOW IT IS NOW, AND THERE ISN'T A DAMN THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.
Now stop you fucking crying you redneck white trash piece of shit.
And by the way, you don't have nearly the brains to play the stock market. It takes an education to understand the stock market. An education is something you missed out on a long time ago.
You seem to have some sort of problem. This is not the way EDUCATED people debate. This video does bring up very real issues that the equine and racing industry need to come to grips with. Public opinion regarding animal welfare issues is changing--and the racing industry would be wise to proactively address the abuse in this sport. I say this as a veterinarian who is concerned about these young horses. And yes,a filly is a YOUNG female. A female is a MARE. Get YOUR facts straight.
Got kicked in the head by a horse everyone....please feel sorry for this (?) for he can't help himself. 37 years old , my god how does this sort survive....banned and erased momentarily or after everyone gets a quick look...please don't throw peanuts...lol
Right on bro. I agree with that there are actually a lot of things the public shouldn't watch. Network T.V. is chock full of hodge podge to keep people dull and ill-informed.
Agree with the Politics McCain or Hillary. There is a dark side of racing, I love Big Brown but I don't like "stock market" guys involved in racing. Old time racing was better, much like everything else NBA, MLB all sports were better back then.
"it's part of the game".....LOL Yeah why not grab some bricks and throw them through ther window of the nascar windshields at 200 Mph...we can call it "part of the game"
yeah, i agree with some parts. the horses are raced to early. 2 is way to young. she shouldnt start racing until after 5 when she is ready. however, these horses are treated like kings and queens. i agree with augie127. they love to run. they just do. it is a disappointment that eight belles has died but it's part of the game. also. its jockey shouldnt have had her run into the sand that fast. i mean the sand is over 8" deep.
I don't know how kings and queens are treated but I would not want to be treated the way race horses are treated. The Derby winner might be lucky enough to be retired to stud after his 3 y.o. season. But the other 35,000 TBs born the same year will not fare so well. I own an ex-racehorse and I've seen plenty come off the track physically and mentally broken. They are used up and discarded like trash. It's no secret and it requires very little effort to learn the truth. Educate yourself.
These horses are treated better than some humans. This man while great intentions is dead wrong about the brutalization of horses. These horses want to run, they love it. I wish no horse was ever killed during this sport but this guy is wrong.
baloney...........horses graze not run. They play like any other animal. Do they have a desire to be the "top dog"? Of course, but do the "want to run until they are lame or worse...not hardly!
you are a retarted i gess when you ride your horse why dont you get the fuck away form horses and street secnes is breeding mare so get the fuck away from horses
they are going to overbreed him though. And we won't know untill his first babies run (in 2011) whether he will sustain his value as a breeding animal.
dartagnansblade...Bless you for speaking up for these wonderful majestic animals! Keep fighting the good fight! Now is the time to show that Eight Belles has not died for nothing.
k7m4 is way off base. I've been doing dressage for years and have never seen or heard of ANY horse dying from this sport. It takes 10 years of training minimum for a dressage horse to reach the training goal. Of course, to keep a horse going with ease and harmony for so long--soundness of mind and body are imperative and the most important aspect of the sport. I love my horse and would never do anything with her that could KILL her. Racing, high level eventing--sorry,I think they're cruel.
that is exactly my point. ten years just for training, that i just insane in my book. i have always wanted to learn to jump and took a few lessons when i was younger but geese it take a few years max to make good rope horse, it is not natural for any horse to "dance" as it is so called. just from the looks of it it looks like the most unnatural sport that horses are asked to do.
I'm pretty leery about high level eventing too. I think horses, for the most part, really ENJOY low level eventing--but the huge cross country courses are just too much. Steeplechase, another horror. I do show my horse and love riding. That said, I think we (horse people) need to come to grips with the excesses and start changing things within the system before public pressure does it for us--and in stupid, non-common sense ways.
no its not. all they do is tie an uncomfortable rope around the back of the horse to make it buck to get it off. if you actually WATCH. you'll notice the rope usually comes off almost right as soon as the person is bucked off.
i dont seem like a person that likes animals at all? i participate in rodeos! i raise quarter horses. i raise puppies. i raise cats. i dont like animals? if i didnt like animals i wouldn't raise any. would i? no. ive been doing rodeo since i was about 5 or 6. SHARK is a stupid retard who doesnt understand how well treated the animals are when they're NOT doing rodeos!
As a veterinarian and horse lover, I have to agree with this video completely (well, except for the politics--Go Obama!) These horses are started too early, before their bones and ligaments are strong enough to handle the stress of running. They are then run on hard tracks--because a hard track is a fast track. Listen to the hoofbeats during this race. I wouldn't trot my horse on such a hard surface. When broken down by this horror, they are then discarded. Needs to be changed or stopped.
I totally agree with you man! Make sports for humans who know the risks, not force animals to do our bidding!
crystalwolf2006 1 year ago
I agree with you about PMU.. I think it's a disgusting thing in this world! And you are right about ur TB cross.. warmbloods mature much slower than most horses.. I also agree with you about the dumb people over breeding horses! Thats why slaughter is necessary! I live in TX & go to auctions & the majority of the horses there are brought by ignorant people breedings horses with conformation, mental, and health problems. At least thoroughbreds are bred to be sound creatures by knowledgable people
Brburton17 2 years ago
Well.. if you knew anything about horse racing.. you would know that they x-ray the knees before they run them! Slaughter is fundamental to the Horse Industry and if you think otherwise you aren't a real horse person. & by the way.. if a horse is going to run in the Kentucky they will live a very HAPPY life afterwards! Broodmares are some of the luckiest animals in the world! I grew up in the horse world & the worst people in the horse world are the people buying, breeding &selling backyard QHs
Brburton17 2 years ago
Who told this fat toad he was a authority on anything besides being a fat toad? What proof do you have tubby?
gotch09 2 years ago
okay rudeness, dave is voicing his opinion on racing. if you don't agree with it, fine. you don't have to be rude and obnoxious.
bellaluna969 2 years ago
I just don't like jackasses who pose their OPINION as proven fact.
gotch09 2 years ago
what were you saying i know so much about? if it was for my last comment about the drugs you're right i do know so much, i own race horses and know more about it then you probably do
LittleHilton08 2 years ago
you are a great champion when you ran the ground shook the sky opend and mere mortals parted, parted the way to victory where you'll meet me in the winners circle where ill place a blanket of flowers apon your back
singerdancer07 3 years ago
Whoa is right. I didn't know horses had arms and legs like people.She was euthanized properly. That's what you do when you have animals in pain with no expectation to make a recovery.
Instead of bitching and moaning why don't you take time to SHOW us your so called horses.
singerdancer07 3 years ago
ditto. You can't save a horse if it can't even STAND UP.
ZeldyZeZebra 3 years ago
he isn't saying that she shouldn't be euthanized. he's saying that she shouldn't be racing. and by the way. i ride at his barn and we have many horses, all taken well care of. one of the horses we got off the track was insanely skinny and we nursed him back to health
bellaluna969 2 years ago
Thorough-bred. Thoroughly bred. Too much so. Stop the inbreeding and make some rule that every racehorse has to be crossbred! I reckon that'd get them a bit stronger..
DeepRedBlue 3 years ago
This is so true! The drug is called Premarin and they get it from the mares urine while she is pregnant. The foals are disposable! It is quite disguisting.
Amen for the racing circuit! The horses are babies and should not be ran into the ground!
It all about the dollar-not the horse.
marizpan22 3 years ago
im glad you agree, this guy is pissin me off with all his so called "knowledge" on horse racing! yes everyone can have their own opinion but get your facts right before you start making crazy assumptions!!!!
LittleHilton08 3 years ago
did you know that almost EVERY horse trainer uses some type of drugs. They just have to know what is not going to test, or they try things hoping they wont test. Its not just Dutrow
LittleHilton08 3 years ago
ok! this is why it was kinder to her to put her down.
She broke BOTH front ankles, and could not stand for them to get her to the ambulance. That would have been impossible for her to even attempt to get up. Why?
This is why:
Horses bear 70% of their weight on their FRONT legs. The reason they could at least ATTEMPT to heal Barbaro was because he hurt his BACK leg. Thoroughbreds are bred to be light and their bones are frail. when they operate on one, you have to do it with the horse standing.
duckyskates 3 years ago
what I heard was that they were all bred by the same stallion and after so many they get these ankle problems.
puddingforemos 3 years ago
I dont know anything about this particular horse or incident bt i do adisagree with racing horses as 2/3yo. If a normal ridden horse isnt backed until 3 or 4 because it hasnt matured why should it be acceptable to break and race them at this age!!
weepigz 3 years ago
He drugs his horses and has been caught doing so!
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
eight belles breaking both ankles is an unforturnate accident. Even w/ the best of medical help she would have eventually been eutanized b/c other complications would have set in. Just like w/ Barbosa(sp?)...they did everything possible to save him but in the end it was just too much. These horses are athletes and are treated w/ the greatest of care. People need to get their facts straight before making comments about things they know nothing about.
stlaurie 3 years ago 3
What facts are not straight? Did you know her tariner has been fined numerous times for drugging his horses? Did you know that 2 die per day by race related injury? Did you know in order to have a proven racer at 3 you would have to start them at 1 1/2 to 2 a time when they are still developing? Did you know that there are thousands of used up racers in "rescue" status in the US? What exactly do YOU know?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
well lets see i've worked at Woodbine in Toronto and have seen first hand the abuse that happens...I've worked w/ jumpers and have seen the abuse that has happened w/ those horses as well.I know there are a lot of race horses that are "discarded" b/c they are of no use any more. I've seen owners who put 'nails' in jumps w/ the point out to make the horse pick up their feet when jumping. I've seen quite a bit and I do know quite a bit. This was unfortunate. It will still happen. But I do know!
stlaurie 3 years ago
So what facts did I get wrong?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
comment my page and tell a reason why to stop horse slaughter i am writing a 10 letter page why
sunsetmoringhorses 3 years ago
i totaly agree! well said! x
palewolf1988 3 years ago
You sir, are a BITCH. Your such a little DICK. These horses are treated like ROYALTY while they race and when they're done, they are retired to stud or sent to a good owner. Not "Slapped around" My dad has 12 racehorses, and when they are done, they go to a nice stable with me.
And for the broodmares. What do you think happens in the wild EVERY HEAT SEASON there is a stallion after them.
And I admit, it was stupid for them to run her in the Oaks and the derby, but she was not brutalized!
Magiic96 3 years ago
What are you 10? Grow up and when you have matured beyond diapers perhaps you will learn to have an opinion without talking like a drunken whore! Obviously your parents did not do their job.
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Comment removed
bellaluna969 2 years ago
Lol...ANOTHER "kid" with an worldly opinion. Listen, this guys right when he says these horses knees aren't closed...that's a medical fact. Horses shouldn't be started under saddle with a rider on them until they are 3.
jallen1965 3 years ago
LittleHilton08, you are 19 years old, lol...what kind of worldly experience with equine activities can you possibly bring to the discussion table here?
jallen1965 3 years ago
alot more then you think..probably more then you
LittleHilton08 3 years ago
I COULDNT AGREE WITH YOU MORE
dominocrazy500 3 years ago
well after eight bells went down they said racing horses may be to hard on them.they say MANY horses die after racing....it ages them fast
BUT they thought he died but he really dident he is able to race in atlest 1 ry!!!
1xxtatertotxx1 3 years ago
look at it on the bright side, im sure 8 belles helped make a pretty awesome hot-dog and some glue. cheers!
CRACK0KILLS 3 years ago
24 years old.......what a waste. Can anyone say "geld him and hurry up about it?"
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
I so agree with everything you talked about! When I was a little girl I use to take lessons over @ a farm near the Tampa Bay downs. They use to try and take in all the unwanted race horses, it was horrible how they were treated before. I use to help take care of them and they were soo scared of any humans. I know I won't be watching anymore racing!!!!!!
stjp72301 3 years ago
that is so sad. I am a horse owner and I know about horses and when my horse is not feeling right I GET OFF! No efense to the jockey, but he shouldve known better! Eight Belles xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo RIP We miss u Baby!
xoHorsesAreMyLifexo 3 years ago
You just sound ignorant.
LittleHilton08 3 years ago
man, you dont know what you're talking about all this abuse crap, yea there are some people out there that are abusive, but actually if you get in behind the scenes there are alot of people who do care. And this crap about the derby, well these horses are treated like royalty, better then you can imagine! This video makes me very angry, along with all you people who think he is right, he doesent know what the hell he is talking about, not to be blunt or anything
LittleHilton08 3 years ago
Have you been there when that horse couldn't race anymore???? You don't see how they are treated after, sure the horses are treated great when they are racing and winning the owners plenty of cash! Wake up people!
stjp72301 3 years ago
Comment removed
bellaluna969 2 years ago
i think that there is a lot of misconception when it comes to horse racing, yes there are a few out there that dont care about their animals, but then there are a few that do, including myself. I think this guy is crazy and doesent have a clue when it comes to horses. They are athletes, and when you form a partnership with one, the sky is the limit. Like i said this guy is crazy, and he needs to not talk about stuff that he dosent have any idea about...
LittleHilton08 3 years ago
So what ........are there only a "few" who do and a "few" who don't? Actually why not make an actual point? What don't I know? I only have 22 horses and take care of them daily. We also do shows with other people who have horses and have been around them forever, we also drive hours to a specialist vet in Alabama to take care of our horses and my daughter is a USDF bronze medalist at 16. So what point would you in all your extensive knowledge with horses like to debate?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Hes right, i used to do Cross Country jumong, until i realized 2 years ago, how dangerous it is for the rider and the horse.
destinybabii23 3 years ago
When horses knees close up, it means there knees are fully grown, when a horses knees are not "closed up" it means they are not ready to run a race, or any other compitions...its kinda hard to explain.
destinybabii23 3 years ago
Can someone please respond to this question?
I dont know much about the racing business, and even less of the maturity of horses.
My question is: what exactly do you mean when you speak of horse's knees "closing up" at three years old?
Thanks!
CRACK0KILLS 3 years ago
i agree
ThePrimeTarget 3 years ago
I agree also, horse racing is a sick sport, right along with dog racing & rodeos. A horse is not fully developed until about 5 yrs. Horse racing is all about money, manipulating their birth and nothing about horses. It's a form of slavery - the horse has no choice. Also, once a race horse's so-called career is over, many are sent to slaughter! Not my opinion, but fact. Folks did the same with greyhounds - hence all the greyhound rescues today.
queencharlene2645 3 years ago
Amen to that.
Abuse is in every disclipine, but racing is the one where the most people turn their heads. It is true, it is like shaking a baby. They are not developed.
flashywinsorbar 3 years ago
i like this guy, he has a good point. i also think and hate to watch rodeos where horses are might to be abused and eritaded its horrable and no one should go there or wacth it on tv.
latsko98 3 years ago
Thoroughbreds are ment to grow faster than your average QH. There knees close up at three so they should be raced then, not at 2. This guy has a good point though. :0)
HorsemanshipIsLife 3 years ago
There is a lot of abuse. They break these horses at one, they shouldn't even be broke until 2 and not raced until 3. They also put foals on nursing mares who's own foals have been discarded so that the thoroughbred mare can be sent out to be bred. They require a live coverage. Horses don't mature quickly. Their knees don't even close completely until they're two. I rode horses for years and most horse people (not all) are very greedy, horrible people. It's all about the almighty dollar.
beth8629 3 years ago
this guy isnt as stupid as he made it sound. i understud it, i mean for an avrage person who (i assume)dosent know much ABOUT THE RACING INDUSTRY,....HE DID A GOOD JOB.
*claps* thanks for postin mr.
horsebackrider420 3 years ago
i wish this guy new what he was talking about. Ask any race horse trainer, this is not right, i will watch horse racing as long as i live, i'm in the buisness and i know what goes on ant THIS IS NOT IT I TELL YOU OK. horses mature much faster than humans, read a book
DannysLight 3 years ago
just so he knows, they're not brutalized. I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but last years kentucky derby horses are retired and happy, i'm in the reacing buisness and this is NOT correct. idk about everyone else but my friends LOVE their horses ok
DannysLight 3 years ago
You caint get mad at the average person that comments on here. There usually the ones that bad mouth PETA and have no knowledge of real horse racing. They dont know its not this fantasy glamour and glory show that is put on by the media. People that support events that harm animals get mad when people like PETA step in because they dont want to get caught abusing animals. Its ignorance on the part of both the average viewer and the horse owners. Very sad.
XArabHunterX 3 years ago
Wish people had this much concern for their fellow man instead of worrying about a damn horse.
bluesscore 3 years ago
People make their own dumb ass decisions. Animals have no voice of their own.
Hilaryeffinsucks 3 years ago
...until he randomly started wrongly criticizing obama and hilary rofl. it's so funny when republicans start calling democrats communists, even though democrats are so extremely different from communisits.
just goes to show you how u can be right about something and wrong about everything else.
obama '08!
bovice229 3 years ago
communists or socialists.....I don't believe I ever called anyone a communist. And I am many things but republican hass never been one of them...lol
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Ha ha ha ha ha ha...
Your comment just goes to show how you can start out criticizing someone for something, and do the same thing tenfold... (i.e. You making about him wrongly criticizing someone, and then you doing so to him.)
Communist and socialist are two very different things, and if you can't see that Obama is an extreme socialist then you need to go look up the word's definition.
Gehile 3 years ago
this guy is totally correct.
bovice229 3 years ago
The only horse sports I don't like is horse racing and rodeo excluding the horse sports like barrel racing, pole bending and things like that. Now Bucking bronco, bull riding, calf roping, steer tripping and things that disgust me!
HorseloverDurangoH 3 years ago
those things are not cruel. the animals have something tied to them for 8 seconds, usually less. calf roping is not cruel. if you look closely, they only rope the back legs and they tie the front legs to the back.then the calves are immediately let go. its steer WRESTLING not tripping. or bulldogging. that's not cruel either as steers are strong enough that they can take the fall. me being in rodeo, i know htose things.
duckyskates 3 years ago
The calfs neck usualy snaps when the rope tightens. That mostly takes place in the pro rodeos thoe. I have seen it hapen 5 times in 1 rodeo.
XArabHunterX 3 years ago
i was told that kentuky race is usauly a race for colts only. if so why was there A filly in it?
polecat24 3 years ago
Colts are just usualy faster than fillys, thats the only reason why.
XArabHunterX 3 years ago
They run racehorses to soon at 2yo, there joints dont fuse until they are 4yo. I bet her fetlock joints gave out and ripped the tendon not broke. (Still an unfixable injury)
XArabHunterX 3 years ago
no, she shattered both her front fetlocks.
duckyskates 3 years ago
Well I'm sorry but you are right about the raceing but youve got one part wrong. I'vebeen eentin forwhat 13 years now and yes accidents happen to the horses but half the time if an accident happens its not always horrible.
eventing4life909 3 years ago
What about the other half of the time?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
I agree that its bad.I have always thought horse racing was bad I also thought that putting Eight Belles down was terrible,the least they could have done was sell her to a good home. She was a race horse so they would have gotten more money then putting her down. So bad. my dog just had a litter of puppies. it's not just for money. I did it because I love experencing a life! Im keeping a puppy and training it for agaility and showing. But we only bred our dog twice.Anymore than that is too many.
pinktiger43 3 years ago
Twice is twice too many. For godssake, stop breeding. As for Eight Belles, the point is that her injuries were too severe to even remove her from the track. The Derby officials would not have allowed a euthanization in front of that crowd if there had been ANY way to remove her alive.
Hilaryeffinsucks 3 years ago
An animal that size cannot withstand trhat injury. The weigh 1200 pounds and cannot lay down for long periods of time and if they cannot support the weight evenly problems set in....see Barbaro
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
you are abultly right
fanny300 3 years ago
amen to that
BlazingAva 3 years ago
Not to mention if you put a $5,000 claimer alongside a Grade I Champion, it is often a toss-up to point ouch which is the claimer and which is the champion. It is true like any other animal there is horse slaughtering occurring in this country and all over the world. But if you think for one moment anyone in racing condones or supports the slaughter or brutalization of animals, you are flat out crazy. What happened to Eight Belles is tragic, but it is a part of the sport...like any other.
datzill7 3 years ago
It sounds like you've spent some time at the track. So tell us, what happens to that $5k claimer when she bows a tendon and needs a few months of stall rest? Or when she gets too old to run?
Hilaryeffinsucks 3 years ago
Stall rest or too old to run (win) for a race horse? The put her out to pasture in the luch green grass of Kentucky of course...
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Oh yes, of course. What was I thinking?
Hilaryeffinsucks 3 years ago
You make it sound like all of the "smaller racetracks" are dumps where horses are abused which is a complete falsehood. The people at Philadelphia Park for exampe care just as much as the people at Churchill Downs. As far as it being a choice, if a horse doesn't want to run, good luck getting him or her to. If you think horses are any safer in the wild where they can run through fences, you are wrong. The accusations of brutality are an insult to anyone involved in racing, who love these horses.
datzill7 3 years ago
What the hell are you talking about....smaller venues mean less money and more aggressive treatments for winning, less scruples, less media etc,etc. Added together you get less care for the animals, less attention to their needs, less everything. And you are wrong, any horse will run if you train it to run and if you run a horse next to it it will try harder to run, as for the wild, there really isn't any left to speak of because lowlifes build fences all over the west...less work you see.
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
The women's hormone pill is called "Premarin", it has been suspected to be a link to higher risk of breast cancer. And I agree with this video, these horses are just too young to be working this hard, their bodies just haven't developed for the rigors of training and competing in track racing. Just google horse adoption and see how many thoroughbreds there are out there who are basically "throw-aways"...what a shame. Something needs to be done to change the age for racing competition!
jallen1965 3 years ago
datzill7, but the horses dont get to make a choice to participate, i remember trying out for athletic teams , but i was by choice.
drfager01 3 years ago
This was the #1 reason why i left the racetrack.how disgusting,i have been, and have witnessed,just go to the backside of your local racetrack, and you will understand where this brutality is developed,the people in this industry has a lower iq than the horses, and seem to be from another century long ago... but go barrack!
drfager01 3 years ago
Do you realize this was the first horse in the 134 year history of the Derby to die from an injury suffered in that race? Nascar drivers die on the track. Boxers die in the ring. Football players are paralyzed on the field. Out of every 1000 horses to race 1.6 suffer catastrophic injury...thats 0.16% - It is a sport like any other with a side involving injury. Thoroughbred Racing has provided some of the greatest moments in sports history...it is far from garbage!
datzill7 3 years ago
2 everyday are put down from injuries but you miss my point...tens of thousands are bred every year and only a select few ever race in this forum, thousands will race smaller venues where life isn't so grand. Thousands will be lamed by initial races and disgarded to rescue facilities or worse. These animals are brutalized......period
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
i agree! i was just saying the day before the derby you know we havent had any breakdoowns in the kentucky derby since the fifties i think and that was the only one, and he was just a minor injury! i felt so bad that i had to jinx it!
k7m4 3 years ago
ok if you knew horses youd know they dont have ankles they have fetlocks and pasterns, i agree about breeding.
bbsbitch 3 years ago
yeah. They said "ankles" in the broadcast. Kinda looks like she had a low cannon bone fracture in the picture, but it's hard to see. Does anyone know the exact bones that were fractured? Has the real information been released? I can't find it.
opelkwpn 3 years ago
im not an idiot i know they have fetlocks and pasterns but not a lot of people know what that means.
duckyskates 3 years ago
yes it was kinder to put her down because she fuckin broke BOTH FRONT ANKLES. she was only 2, therefore her bones were not fully matured. it was the same in the case of barbaro. his bones simply were not strong enough. he only hurt one leg, so they were able to try to make him better. Eight Belles would have had no chance because BOTH FRONT ANKLES broke. if anyone wants to know why i know it was better or know ANYTHING about horses, message me. it's what i'm studying. im almost an expert. really
duckyskates 3 years ago
No, she was killed. I believe in euthanasia and even had my 32 year old horse put down when he became too old and sick to enjoy life. Let's get real--you put the pentobarb in their veins and then they die. No question Eight Belles needed to be killed once she broke her legs. She did not need to be run this hard so early in her life. That is what made it necessary to kill her. I'm not disputing euthansia. I'm decrying the sport that led to the need to kill a young, healthy, lovely horse.
opelkwpn 3 years ago
she was three
bbbask 3 years ago
Racing at 3 they started her at 2
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
nice video man. it's called Premarin- comes from "PREgnant MAre uRINe. I don't support any kind of animal exploitation, never even been to a circus-. She was a beautiful horse. What pisses me off is that they keep saying how she ran the race of her life..well hell... the poor thing didn't have a choice..None of them have a choice! It's just sad.
goofan75090 3 years ago
I agree, I am not an animal activist of any sort, I love burgers and bacon, but all animals should be treated humanely, period. Like everything else in this pathetic, ridiculous world we live in, money talks and money talks again. The idiots in our country too stupid to turn off the freakin TV (95% black vote in a primary?) arighty then, who choose these frat boys (GHWB) and liars (WJC) to represent us, and the pundits who hold out their hands for fame and wealth have sold us all out!
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
I get what you mean, they should wait a little longer to run them, but honestly dude, any amount of change in stride/effort CAN have a big affect on a horses legs. That's a LOT of pressure.
It was kinder to put her down (she was not killed). She had virtually nothing left to splint, it would have been cruel to put her through all the pain and wind up at a high risk of breaking both ankles all over again.
Cruelty exists, but overreacting to sad news helps nothing.
LimeyKat 3 years ago
"It was kinder to put her down (she was not killed)" Is she dead? She didn't kill herself, she didn't break her legs, she didn't ask to be put on a track at 2 years old and run till they determined whether or not to keep her, she ran because they asked her to run....look at all the big thoroughbred breeding web sites.... all their horses are grazing not running...jackass Oreilly
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
hey how would u know what the horse wanted and you wernt there yo dony know if her ankels were broken.
oregonstate26 3 years ago
ummm they SAID both ankles were BROKEN. if you listened to the news you would know that.
duckyskates 3 years ago
dartagnansblade: Oh, I see. You're the ridiculously over reactive name calling type when people don't see things like you THINK you do. Have fun with that.
LimeyKat 3 years ago
context please?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
It already exists. "Click all comments".
LimeyKat 3 years ago
I called the first commenter an idiot as he called me an ignoramus.....so what are you talking about or are you just a sore looser?....Liberal maybe and "tolerant"?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Methinks you don't fully understand how to read the comments.. If you "view all comments" you'll see exactly where you replied to ME, quoted ME, and called ME a "jackass Oreilly".
I lol'd at the "sore loser" and "liberal" comment. You're lashing out now and have no idea what you're doing. Great job. I'll repeat what I said previously. "Have fun with that".
LimeyKat 3 years ago
Sorry the Oreilly comment was to Bill and his pathetic "balanced" look at the "tragic accident"...Why in the world would I call you Orielly? Please tell me it is your name and all is forgiven...lol...otherwise the rest is a simple do unto others reply as you attacked me and did so smugly...I was only reciprocating
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Sorry but that's your error to own. Back peddal harder.
LimeyKat 3 years ago
My error.....not. You assumed and attacked when a simple "jackass Orielly"? would have sufficed. You lose
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
dartagnansblade--I agree with you 100% on your opinions regarding horse sports. That said, I am absolutely offended at your remarks about liberals--as I am one. I am liberal because I love this country greatly and believe the neocons have screwed things up royal. So, let us BOTH try to set our politics aside and work together to address issues that we agree on. I can see that you are a kind and thoughtful person. I like you even though we disagree on this. Can we reach across the aisle?
opelkwpn 3 years ago
Neocons....what is a neocon?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
"Click all comments".
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
I didn't know what to think at first. But, I had to laugh because you say exactly the right things. I am sick of hearing from people who have no clue. I have volunteered with a racehorse rescue group and have rescued one off the track. I ride hunters and won't use spurs or a whip and I keep it low, slow and simple. I have kept every horse I have ever had until the end. You are right on, they are TOO YOUNG and they are running them to death. P.S. It's premarin and they "get rid" of the babies
GreatPyrite 3 years ago
Hear, Hear. I've actually put my money where my mouth is too and rescued two ex-racehorses. Boy, the ex-racehorse market is sad, isn't it? Crazy in the mind and used up, broken bodies--all by the age of 4 years. Many of the ones lucky enough to survive their racing years look forward to spending the next 20 fighting the various lamenesses and mental problems suffered on the track.
opelkwpn 3 years ago
"they brutalize these animals"=youre a moron,sir.i think you have a legit point about
waiting 'til theyre older to run,but to say that
the grooms and the trainers and owners as a"whole" brutalize these animals is bull-shit.Quit being so dramatic,dick-wad,,yes watching eight belles on the track being euthanized was disgusting,,no question about that,,but it was a freak injury that happened"after" the race.poly-tracks are helping alot and are great for racing for the future.r.i.p eight belles!!!
georgeclooneyisgay 3 years ago
a1q2s3 I respect your view. However, it disgusts me that so many people on here are so ready to ban horseracing because they say its brutal and horses are being abused. Yet these same people could give a rats ass about other animals like cows, chickens, and pigs. They are animals too, aren't they?
If all you people in here are going to take a stand against horseracing, then take a stand to protect ALL animals, not just the ones you like.
reds4256 3 years ago
This is not about other animals. That is another issue. I am not discounting other species at all but this conversation is about horses that are used too aggressively. We must address each concern on it's own merit if we ever hope to change opinion about animal welfare issues.
opelkwpn 3 years ago
you are absolutely right! how can we forget how delicious a horse tastes? kudos for opening my mind.
rightofrush 3 years ago
rightofrush, your name says it all. Freak.
Hilaryeffinsucks 3 years ago
To Ashtiel, The relevance lies in the fact that everyone is so sad about this horse, but I don't hear you crying about cows, pigs, and chickens being slaughtered. Why?
As this clown who made this video said, and I quote, "when are we going to stop abusing our animals?" What a hypocrite!!!!! From the looks of him, he has had his fair share of steaks and hamburgers. Why aren't you making videos saying stop slaughtering cows, pigs, and chickens.
Nothing but hypocrites!!!!!!
reds4256 3 years ago
Where do you think your horse came from? Not bred by humans? From magic fairly land?
kaiserwilhelm 3 years ago
Your point? We should have everyone breeding and disposing the ones we don't like? Perfect
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Well said. Also, own Han/Thor - started 4 but x-rayed prior. Like your comments, thanks.
VAKimberly 3 years ago
thank you soupyrat. Finally someone with a brain has spoken. All these people crying over this horse are the same people that had cookouts yesterday and ate steaks and hamburgers.
What a bunch of hypocrites you people are!!!!
reds4256 3 years ago
Honestly, how the fuck does eating a burger have anything to do with the fact that race horses are put on the track too young? Please, do explain to me how the two have any relevance to one another.
Ashtiel 3 years ago
Humans, are omnivores. We were designed to eat meat as well as veggies, not just replace meat with vegetables, naturally it could be dangerous too, we naturally need meat for nutrients, this is a very sensitive issue, I myself love animals, but I'm a omnivore, go figure.
a1q2s3 3 years ago
Okay,Okay,Okay. Now go eat a cheese burger. Who cares about a cow right. It's a horse. A horse, big deal. Now if you own a farm, what do you do on this farm? Just grow veggies? Or do you kill chickens, pigs and cows? What is the difference. I can't stand Obama either though.
soupyrat 3 years ago
AMEN!!!!
jenlthomas 3 years ago
I'm pleased this man also addresses the stupidity of breeders. People who breed an animal based on the fact that they have a 'purebred'. Not on the fact that the lines are superior and the animal a shining specimen of the breed. Most people breed animals to make money, if you are in it for the right reasons, you make very little money especially for the hard work involved. Check out the shelters, I've been involved in animal rescue and it's truly heartbreaking.
Agenias 3 years ago
reds4246, You seem to have a major problem with anger. You speak of the need to be highly educated, yet with your disgusting language, you do not appear to be educated yourself. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. I do have a college education, however I don't associate with people based on their education status.
I would guess you are in your mid 20's, hothead who 'thinks' he is superior perhaps because he has a decent income. Pride ALWAYS comes before the fall. Be forewarned...
Agenias 3 years ago
i agree ppl need to get a life!!!
jeezy0612 3 years ago
don't you think that maybe this should and is investigated a head of time? Yes it sucks but like anything in this life it is a risk. And owner, rider or spectator we DO NOT WANT TO SEE ANYTHING LIKE THIS. When it dose happen it hurts. Even if you have never been a rider or beter. it hurst. God Bless!
kelly7727 3 years ago
he's just upset nobody wants to breed with him.
Akablizzard 3 years ago
I meant to say that Hillary Clinton was not at the race but that she gave instructions to her daughter, who was there, to place her bet on Eight Belles.
joyville2 3 years ago
You are absolutely right. Glad to hear your comments.
I heard PETA has written a letter to Hillary Clinton to denounce horseracing, or speak out on this subject....let's see if she writes them an answer back. She and her daughter were at the race betting.
joyville2 3 years ago
I agree! The poor horse was abused and whipped to run,,It dam sick..That jocky needs to be whipped.
rustyboy12198 3 years ago
agreed! horse racing is a cruel sport
WhoTownBoy 3 years ago
Here is a newsflash for all you people crying about how bad horseracing is: HORSERACING WILL CONTINUE EXACTLY HOW IT IS NOW, AND THERE ISN'T A DAMN THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.
Now stop you fucking crying you redneck white trash piece of shit.
And by the way, you don't have nearly the brains to play the stock market. It takes an education to understand the stock market. An education is something you missed out on a long time ago.
reds4256 3 years ago
You seem to have some sort of problem. This is not the way EDUCATED people debate. This video does bring up very real issues that the equine and racing industry need to come to grips with. Public opinion regarding animal welfare issues is changing--and the racing industry would be wise to proactively address the abuse in this sport. I say this as a veterinarian who is concerned about these young horses. And yes,a filly is a YOUNG female. A female is a MARE. Get YOUR facts straight.
opelkwpn 3 years ago
You have absolutely no fucking idea what the hell your talking about. You should lay off the drugs you fucking loser.
And for your information, a FILLY means female horse you loser.
You are a fucking loser. Get some education before you make ridiculous videos and show how dumb you are
reds4256 3 years ago
Got kicked in the head by a horse everyone....please feel sorry for this (?) for he can't help himself. 37 years old , my god how does this sort survive....banned and erased momentarily or after everyone gets a quick look...please don't throw peanuts...lol
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Right on bro. I agree with that there are actually a lot of things the public shouldn't watch. Network T.V. is chock full of hodge podge to keep people dull and ill-informed.
sweinundhundherz 3 years ago
Agree with the Politics McCain or Hillary. There is a dark side of racing, I love Big Brown but I don't like "stock market" guys involved in racing. Old time racing was better, much like everything else NBA, MLB all sports were better back then.
nshtt 3 years ago
"it's part of the game".....LOL Yeah why not grab some bricks and throw them through ther window of the nascar windshields at 200 Mph...we can call it "part of the game"
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
yeah, i agree with some parts. the horses are raced to early. 2 is way to young. she shouldnt start racing until after 5 when she is ready. however, these horses are treated like kings and queens. i agree with augie127. they love to run. they just do. it is a disappointment that eight belles has died but it's part of the game. also. its jockey shouldnt have had her run into the sand that fast. i mean the sand is over 8" deep.
mavisthetravis 3 years ago
I don't know how kings and queens are treated but I would not want to be treated the way race horses are treated. The Derby winner might be lucky enough to be retired to stud after his 3 y.o. season. But the other 35,000 TBs born the same year will not fare so well. I own an ex-racehorse and I've seen plenty come off the track physically and mentally broken. They are used up and discarded like trash. It's no secret and it requires very little effort to learn the truth. Educate yourself.
Hilaryeffinsucks 3 years ago
These horses are treated better than some humans. This man while great intentions is dead wrong about the brutalization of horses. These horses want to run, they love it. I wish no horse was ever killed during this sport but this guy is wrong.
augie127 3 years ago
baloney...........horses graze not run. They play like any other animal. Do they have a desire to be the "top dog"? Of course, but do the "want to run until they are lame or worse...not hardly!
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
Love The Big Lebowski dude...lol
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
you are a retarted i gess when you ride your horse why dont you get the fuck away form horses and street secnes is breeding mare so get the fuck away from horses
cinmcrk5 3 years ago
Wow, before you say that someone is retarted you should read your comment and spell check before posting!
vir9inia 3 years ago
LOL......
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
public school and orphaned right?
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
they are going to overbreed him though. And we won't know untill his first babies run (in 2011) whether he will sustain his value as a breeding animal.
bbbask 3 years ago
dartagnansblade...Bless you for speaking up for these wonderful majestic animals! Keep fighting the good fight! Now is the time to show that Eight Belles has not died for nothing.
christiv3 3 years ago
k7m4 is way off base. I've been doing dressage for years and have never seen or heard of ANY horse dying from this sport. It takes 10 years of training minimum for a dressage horse to reach the training goal. Of course, to keep a horse going with ease and harmony for so long--soundness of mind and body are imperative and the most important aspect of the sport. I love my horse and would never do anything with her that could KILL her. Racing, high level eventing--sorry,I think they're cruel.
opelkwpn 3 years ago
that is exactly my point. ten years just for training, that i just insane in my book. i have always wanted to learn to jump and took a few lessons when i was younger but geese it take a few years max to make good rope horse, it is not natural for any horse to "dance" as it is so called. just from the looks of it it looks like the most unnatural sport that horses are asked to do.
k7m4 3 years ago
Watch any horse communicate and play with its mates and you are watching dressage...
dartagnansblade 3 years ago
You're absolutely right, opelkwpn. I can't think of a safer or kinder horse sport than dressage.
Hilaryeffinsucks 3 years ago
honestly any horse sport other than racing is safe and kind
duckyskates 3 years ago
I'm pretty leery about high level eventing too. I think horses, for the most part, really ENJOY low level eventing--but the huge cross country courses are just too much. Steeplechase, another horror. I do show my horse and love riding. That said, I think we (horse people) need to come to grips with the excesses and start changing things within the system before public pressure does it for us--and in stupid, non-common sense ways.
opelkwpn 3 years ago
i agree with you. horses enjoy when they do the work they are bred to do.
duckyskates 3 years ago
Also bucking bronco is abusive
HorseloverDurangoH 3 years ago
how?
ThePrimeTarget 3 years ago
no its not. all they do is tie an uncomfortable rope around the back of the horse to make it buck to get it off. if you actually WATCH. you'll notice the rope usually comes off almost right as soon as the person is bucked off.
duckyskates 3 years ago
no ot doesnt many horse get seriouslly hurt! You dont seem like a person who likes animals at all! Go look at SHARK's video! RETARD!
HorseloverDurangoH 3 years ago
i dont seem like a person that likes animals at all? i participate in rodeos! i raise quarter horses. i raise puppies. i raise cats. i dont like animals? if i didnt like animals i wouldn't raise any. would i? no. ive been doing rodeo since i was about 5 or 6. SHARK is a stupid retard who doesnt understand how well treated the animals are when they're NOT doing rodeos!
duckyskates 3 years ago
so you saying they are treated poorly when they ARE doing the rodeo? once is enough for me
jenlthomas 2 years ago
As a veterinarian and horse lover, I have to agree with this video completely (well, except for the politics--Go Obama!) These horses are started too early, before their bones and ligaments are strong enough to handle the stress of running. They are then run on hard tracks--because a hard track is a fast track. Listen to the hoofbeats during this race. I wouldn't trot my horse on such a hard surface. When broken down by this horror, they are then discarded. Needs to be changed or stopped.
opelkwpn 3 years ago