Michael Rosenberg on Fox sports wrote a rather curious article on the death of race horses and questioning the logic of our reasoning as we enjoy horse racing, auto racing and yet we do not truly question the death arising out of sporting events. Race horses are bred to race and if the sport was abolished millions of horses around the world would have to be put to sleep as no one could afford to have them. Do we euthanize show jumpers, harness racers etc? Where do we draw the line between life and death and are people like Michael Rosenberg getting too soft for their own boots and is this a reflection of society as a whole.
Life is full of births and deaths and the present governments of the world have no problem sending soldiers to battle even though they know full well some will die. So, the question is; are we to stay in the comfort zone and keep our animals in the comfort zone too?
Good grief shriek horror of horrors wakey wake and all that jazz, ask any rider of horses what it feels like to ride a horse that loves to participate in any form of event and that rider will tell you the horse loves it, lives for it and in fact if the horse could put the saddle on his own back he would.
My God it is truly invigorating to ride a horse that loves to run, especially against the wind and at full gallop. To feel the sheer energy and drive of a horse as he turns to face a jump irrespective of whether it is a ditch on a cross country run or a pole structure in a show jumping arena.
Questioning the validity of racing horses and feeling guilt at the death of any creature that loved to be in events whether human or animal is typical of someone who never has felt the sheer joy of participating in an event and by golly we do not need to wrap this entire world in swaddling clothes as protection from the vigours of life. It is always a tragedy when death is the outcome of any event whether animal or human but it is no reason to shout ‘enough’, but it is reason to question the training and then wonder was the participant like Eight Belles pushed too hard? Humans push themselves to breaking point and oftentimes we may push our charges too hard too in the desire to win first second or even third place as no one wants to be placed in the field.
What is wrong with this world? Are we turning into a race of people who are afraid to turn off the TV and get back into the energies of life going ooh aah when a participant falls and maybe or maybe not gets back up to continue participating?
Glory halleluiah to all the people and animals who drive themselves to the tops of the highest peaks in their endevours to win races or any form of event whether it is life threatening or not. To all the people like Michael Rosenberg, I say get out of bed and take a chance at something so you too will know what horses like Eight Belles knew and felt every time she ran on a track or across a paddock. Get to know the excitement of trying as not everyone has to win but by golly if you do not try but continue to look on in the comfort of your home then my condolences on your softness. Go and take a ride on a horse and feel his energy as his gait accelerates from trotting to gallop and then you know you will never have to pose the question: Why do we put racehorses at risk for our own amusement?
They love it when they are treated with kindness, have the right feed and available to gallop on their own in paddocks. Oh were we so lucky too?
Thomas is an entrepreneur / motivational / inspirational seeker for a better way of life for one and all to enjoy. We all have queries to all kinds of topics and my aim in writing is to motivate and inspire and I would appreciate your comments and do let me know if I have delivered on the promise I made in my article title and if you found this article of particular interest. Thank you, have a magical day and week. e-mail @ incaalpacatrail@hotmail.com