Working Animals

Horse Welfare in Racing Industry

Thoroughbred racing exposes horses to high injury risk, early training, and welfare challenges across their working lives.

Key Facts

Over 1,500 racehorses die from injuries annually in the US
Two-year-old horses begin training before skeletal maturity
Catastrophic leg fractures are the leading cause of racing deaths
Whip use causes acute pain and stress in horses
Many ex-racehorses are sent to slaughter when their careers end

Welfare Considerations

Racing horses face unique welfare pressures from intense training, race-day stress, and a system that prioritizes performance over wellbeing. Injury prevention requires improved track surfaces, reduced race frequency, and restrictions on anti-inflammatory medications that mask pain. Retirement planning is a major welfare gap.

What You Can Do

Support organizations that rescue and rehome ex-racehorses
Advocate for whip restriction or elimination in racing
Support improved track safety standards
Follow racing reform campaigns for better horse welfare
Choose not to bet on or attend horse races until welfare standards improve