Horse racing generates significant welfare concerns through training injuries, race fatalities, overracing, and the disposal of horses who can no longer compete — issues that have intensified scrutiny of the sport globally.
Horse racing welfare depends on training methods, track surfaces, race frequency, and end-of-career planning. High-welfare operations use evidence-based training loads, prioritise soundness over performance, and have robust aftercare commitments. The industry faces genuine tension between commercial pressures and welfare standards, with some jurisdictions moving toward mandatory track safety reporting and veterinary oversight. Consumer engagement with horse racing welfare through ownership transparency and track certification is an emerging mechanism.