For decades people have been breeding horses for races and attending races to watch the intense running of one of the most amazing animals on the planet. These thoroughbreds are brought up in some of the most magnificent barns where they have been well cared for and have trained in hope to be the new racing legend. But by the time of the race, is it really humane to push these horses to their limits?

As soon as the new thoroughbred is born, the owner has already begun preparing for its long racing career ahead. By the time the horse is about one and half it is shipped off to a training stable in one of the horse racing capitals of the country. There they train and train, and if they prove themselves as a potential winner, they are entered in various races to bring in the money, and also the fame of winning.

But is it healthy for these horses to race their hearts out just for a lousy pot of money and and bragging rights? Let me name some well known horses and how racing caused their sorrowful deaths.

Riva Ridge: Broke down from a Handicap when he was pushed to race to hard with to much weight on his back. He was only 16 years old, and could have lived to be 30.

Barabro: 2003-2007: Won the 2006 Kentucky Derby and in the Preakness Stakes he shattered his legs and this led to his death.

Dark Secret: 1929-1934: In 1934 he broke his foreleg and had to be put down.

Flying Water: 1973-1978: Died in a racing accident in 1978

Eight Belles: 2005-2008: Finished second in the 134th Kentucky Derby and dropped dead immediately after finishing the race.

Go For Wand: 1987-1990: Leading the race till the 16th pole where she got a open fracture on her cannon bone. She was put down on the track.

Dulcify: 1975-1979: In 1979 he broke his pelvis in a race and was put down on the track.

Cool Reception: Finished second in the Belmont Stakes after riding the last 20o yards with a broken foreleg. He died later that week.

As you can see these horses had a whole life ahead of them, and most of them died a 3-4 years of age. Americans are known for being prideful of living in this amazing country. But should we be proud of the races that caused the deaths of these innocent animals? Can we be proud to know that our enjoyment of a three minute race could cost the life of one of God`s beautiful creatures?

To see more horses that died from this sport visit

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Horses_who_died_from_racing_injuries