Horse racing raises significant welfare questions requiring ongoing reform to reduce injury, pain, and premature death in racehorses.
Racing welfare reform requires honest engagement with the evidence: some horses suffer serious injuries, pain from track surfaces, EIPH, and the physical demands of intense training from a young age. The Paulick Report, British Horseracing Authority data, and independent research all point to modifiable risk factors - track surface, whip use, race scheduling, and veterinary oversight. The welfare of racehorses is not inherently incompatible with the sport, but requires continuous evidence-based reform rather than defensive dismissal of concerns. Post-career welfare - including adequate rehoming support for retired racehorses - is an equally important welfare frontier.