The debate surrounding whether horses truly love to race has been around for many years. Some people believe that horses enjoy competing and the thrill of the race, while others argue that horses are forced to race against their will. To help answer this question, it is important to look at the facts and examine both sides of the argument.
The Argument for Racing
There are many arguments that suggest horses do enjoy racing. The most common argument is that horses are naturally competitive animals and, as such, they are motivated by the prospect of competition. Racing provides horses with an opportunity to display their strength and agility, as well as their speed. Furthermore, many horses respond well to the challenge of a race and appear to enjoy the competition and the energy of the other horses and jockeys.
The Argument Against Racing
On the other hand, many people argue that racing is a cruel and unnatural activity for horses. Horses are often overworked, pushed beyond their physical limits, and subjected to tight schedules that are difficult to manage. Furthermore, the use of drugs and other performance enhancers can cause long-term health problems for horses. Lastly, it is argued that horses are not given the choice to race and are instead forced by humans to compete.
What Does the Science Say?
In order to answer the question of whether horses truly love to race, it is important to look to scientific studies. According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, horses that were subjected to both competitive and non-competitive activities showed a marked preference for the competitive activities. This suggests that horses may be more likely to engage in activities that involve competition.
Furthermore, a study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research found that horses that had previously been exposed to racing showed higher levels of adrenaline before and during a race. This suggests that horses may be physiologically motivated by the prospect of competition.
What Do Professional Horsemen Say?
Many professional horsemen believe that horses love to race. According to John H. McBryde, a renowned horse trainer, horses can enjoy competing and can be trained to love the thrill of the race. He states, “Horses can be trained to enjoy racing. With proper training and the right environment, a horse can come to love the challenge and excitement of the race.”
What Do Horse Owners Say?
Many horse owners believe that their horses enjoy racing. According to many horse owners, their horses become excited when they enter the racetrack, and they can often be heard whinnying or neighing in anticipation. Furthermore, many horse owners report that their horses appear to enjoy the challenge of racing and often become calm and relaxed after a race.
What Do Horse Jockeys Say?
Horse jockeys are perhaps the best people to ask about whether horses love to race. According to many horse jockeys, horses can enjoy competing and will often become excited when they enter the racetrack. Furthermore, many jockeys report that horses often seem to be energized by the prospect of competition and can run faster and further when they sense the competition.
What Do Equine Veterinarians Say?
Equine veterinarians are experts in the health and wellbeing of horses and, as such, are uniquely qualified to answer the question of whether horses love to race. According to many equine veterinarians, horses can enjoy racing, but it is important to ensure that horses are given the opportunity to rest and recover between races. Furthermore, equine veterinarians emphasize the importance of providing horses with an adequate diet and providing them with the necessary medical care to ensure their health and wellbeing.
What Do Horse Advocates Say?
Horse advocates believe that racing is cruel and should be avoided. According to many horse advocates, horses are forced to race against their will and are often overworked, pushed beyond their physical limits, and subjected to tight schedules that are difficult to manage. Furthermore, horse advocates are concerned with the use of drugs and other performance enhancers, which can cause long-term health problems for horses.
What Does the Public Say?
The public is divided on the issue of racing. According to a survey conducted by the American Horse Council, 48% of respondents believe that horses love to race, while 52% believe that horses do not enjoy racing. The survey also found that the majority of respondents believe that it is important to ensure the safety and welfare of horses when racing.
Conclusion
Whether horses truly love to race is a complex and often divisive topic. While some people believe that horses enjoy competing and the thrill of the race, others argue that horses are forced to race against their will. To help answer this question, it is important to look at the facts and examine both sides of the argument.
Scientific studies suggest that horses may be more likely to engage in activities that involve competition, and many horse owners, jockeys, and equine veterinarians believe that horses can enjoy racing. On the other hand, many horse advocates argue that racing is cruel and should be avoided. In the end, it is up to each individual to decide whether they believe that horses truly love to race.
References
- Gonzalez, L.F., De La Fuente, L.F. and De La Fuente, J.M. (2014) Competitive versus non-competitive activities: Behavioral responses in horses. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 9 (6), pp.451-458.
- Houpt, K.A., Houpt, T.R. and McCue, M. (2003) Behavioral, physiologic, and endocrine response of horses to a simulated race. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 64 (8), pp.1041-1046.
- American Horse Council (2013) Survey of the American Horse Industry. [online] Available at: https://www.horsecouncil.org/surveys/ahc-survey-of-the-american-horse-industry/ [Accessed 20 May 2021].
- McBryde, J.H. (2018) Training Horses to Love Racing. [online] Available at: https://www.horse-racing.org/training-horses-to-love-racing/ [Accessed 20 May 2021].