Horse racing remains a popular sport but faces increasing scrutiny over fatality rates, injury welfare, and training methods that compromise horse wellbeing.
Horse racing welfare involves balancing a traditional sport with evidence of significant animal suffering. Fatalities and serious injuries are accepted risks of the industry, with falls in jump racing causing particularly severe outcomes for both horses and jockeys. Gastric ulcers in racehorses are almost universal due to training and travel stress. Welfare reforms - track safety improvements, veterinary screening, retirement planning - have had some impact, but the fundamental welfare challenges of using horses for competitive sport remain.