Working Animals

Horse Welfare in Racing Industry

Thoroughbred racing presents significant welfare challenges including musculoskeletal injury, respiratory stress and early-age training.

Key Facts

Thoroughbreds begin training as yearlings when skeletal development is incomplete
Catastrophic fracture rates in racing range from 1-2 per 1000 starts
Racehorses commonly develop gastric ulcers from stress and restricted grazing
Retired racehorses face welfare risks if not rehoused appropriately

Welfare Considerations

Racing imposes multiple welfare burdens: early training before physical maturity, high-intensity exercise causing injury, social isolation, and the abrupt transition to retirement. The industry has made welfare improvements in some jurisdictions but significant variation remains. Transparency and accountability are improving.

What You Can Do

Support racing industry welfare reforms and pre-race vet checks
Advocate for later training start ages
Donate to retired racehorse rehoming programs
Support mandatory injury reporting and public data transparency