Horse Racing and Animal Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Horse racing subjects horses to injury risk, intensive training, and slaughter at the end of their racing careers, raising serious welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Approximately 2 horses per day die on US racetracks from exercise-related injuries
Most racehorses are retired from racing by age 6, often after only 2-3 years of racing
An estimated 10,000-20,000 thoroughbreds are sent to slaughter annually in North America
Doping violations are widespread despite regulatory efforts to eliminate drug use
Whip use in racing causes pain and is banned or restricted in some jurisdictions

Welfare Considerations

Horse racing involves complex welfare trade-offs. Horses are bred specifically for racing and may experience positive states while running, as they were selected for willingness to race. However, the risks are severe: fatal injuries are common, the training process is intensive, and the post-racing fate of most horses is poor. Overbreeding means thousands of horses cycle through racing and end up in slaughter. Drug use to race injured horses is prevalent despite regulations. Track deaths have declined with improved safety standards, but racing remains a significant welfare concern.

What You Can Do

Support organizations providing aftercare for retired racehorses
Advocate for better track safety standards and medication regulations
Support legislation banning horse slaughter in North America
If you follow racing, pressure tracks to implement the highest welfare standards
Donate to thoroughbred rescue and rehoming organizations