Working Animals

Thoroughbred Horse Racing and Welfare

Thoroughbred racing involves significant welfare risks; the industry is under increasing scrutiny for injuries, doping, and horse deaths.

Key Facts

Over 1,000 racehorses die from exercise-related injuries annually in the US
Horses are bred and trained for racing from two years old
Doping violations remain widespread despite regulatory efforts
Retired racehorses face welfare risks if not placed in appropriate homes

Welfare Considerations

Racehorses face injury risks from intense training, racing on artificial surfaces, and pharmaceutical interventions. Young horses raced before their musculoskeletal systems are mature have higher injury rates. Retirement placement is a significant welfare issue — many off-the-track thoroughbreds enter kill pens when not adopted by retrained-racehorse programs.

What You Can Do

Support thoroughbred adoption and retraining programs
Advocate for stronger doping controls and welfare standards in racing
Oppose racing of two-year-old horses before bones mature
Engage with racing industry welfare initiatives demanding higher standards