4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Guest]

Every year it's the same, and i tell myself i won't watch it, but it's strangely compelling?

Every single minute that race is taking place i literally cringe, seeing those horses and jockeys fall. I have a cushion in front of my face.

 

I love horses. From a five year old i had riding lessons, but i think the race is cruel. That race really must be the ultimate in endurance. But then, perhaps it's not cruel? People say that about greyhounds, but it cannot be denied, they really do love to race. And those horses who have thrown their jockeys still keep running and jumping?

[Guest]

a lot of horses (and greyhounds) that don't make the grade are PTS for no other reason than they're not winning material. That's not the only cruel aspect of the whole racing game, but if you're interested you only need to google, I'm saying no more as I got a totally negative reaction last year when I dared to mention it was cruel.

[Guest]

Well, i don't care if i get a negative reaction. It's purely my opiniion. Far too many horses, and the fences/ditches are too high/deep in my opinion. It's a free for all. As said, when i see those horses/jockeys fall, i literally cringe. If you've ever seen a race horse, they are massive! My partner was brought up in Epsom Surrey, and right near the race track, and when visiting i've seen them. They are huge. So, just look at the height of those fences and the length of the ditches on the other side, and in comparison to their size, they are expected to jump. It is cruel, but as said, strangely compelling, and i hate myself every year for watching it x

[Guest]

I agree with you but some people just don't want to know the truth. My mum's one of them sadly and I had to take her to the bookies to place a bet on a horse called "Good Will" or something like that!? My dad's name was William (he died in Novemeber) so I didn't think it was the right moment to give mother the speech but she knows I don't agree with racing, amongst other things!

 

ETA- sorry, it was called "My Will"

[Tessa the Duchess]

That's not the only cruel aspect of the whole racing game, but if you're interested you only need to google, I'm saying no more as I got a totally negative reaction last year when I dared to mention it was cruel.

 

You didn't get a negative reaction from me Poet it was due to your posts and Rhapsody's that I decided I would never support horse racing again by betting on a horse. So some good came of it.

 

Tessa

[Guest]

awwww, thanks Tessa, that's nice to know xxx

[lisa33]

I hate the National too.

 

I don't take part in any of the sweepstakes or anything.

 

Unfortunately Andyman still puts a bet on it.

[bronze]

I don't watch it out of principal. I couldnt give a monkeys if any of the jockeys died or event he spectators but I hate watchiong the horses fall and all the background to the ones that dont make the grade (like greyhounds) is too much for me too

[Guest]

That's not the only cruel aspect of the whole racing game, but if you're interested you only need to google, I'm saying no more as I got a totally negative reaction last year when I dared to mention it was cruel.

 

You didn't get a negative reaction from me Poet it was due to your posts and Rhapsody's that I decided I would never support horse racing again by betting on a horse. So some good came of it.

 

Tessa

 

I made the same mistake once myself, but never again! I will never bet on an animal. My greyhound, Jet's sister (a champion) was in a race. She came last?????? Something wrong there, surely? A Champion coming last? I'm well aware drugging is part of the industry, but as said, i learnt my lesson.

[Guest]

I found out recently that greyhounds from a breeder in my neck of the woods, that don't make the grade, are PTS and then their bodies are donated to Liverpool Uni for research

 

I was asked to sign a petition to stop the uni using the corpses but I refused because my argument was the greyhounds would be PTS anyway and that issue should be the one being fought!

[Guest]

What???!!!!! I am absolutely outraged!! What is PTS? That is disgusting. Please furnish me with more details. I shall make this information known to the greyhound fraternity. Absolutely disgusting.

 

Can you remember that low life who was in the news for eradiacating hundreds of greyhounds on his land? I'm just glad he didn't live nearer, because he would have had to leave the country. The rest of his life would be hell, and i wouldn't have a conscience, similar to him.

 

Those dogs have their own personalities, all four i've owned have their own characters, and they are such fun and a pleasure to own. How can someone put a bolt-gun to their head? ...... i'd put a sawn of shot gun to theirs.

 

I appreciate you bringing this to my attention x

[Guest]

PTS=put to sleep

[Guest]

I found out recently that greyhounds from a breeder in my neck of the woods, that don't make the grade, are PTS and then their bodies are donated to Liverpool Uni for research

 

I was asked to sign a petition to stop the uni using the corpses but I refused because my argument was the greyhounds would be PTS anyway and that issue should be the one being fought!

 

You are a wonderful woman, and quite right. I admire you. The luckier ones, on the face of it, get PTS, or even better, rehomed through various of the wonderful rehoming kennels, whom i'm constantly fund-raising for, and many other individuals also. However, those less fortunate get shipped off to Spain, to be raced to death further, have their ears cut off so they can't be identified (from their ear tattoos), and then either stabbed or shot! Or hung by wire. I could put some really distressing, but factual websites on here, however Won't because it upsets me too much. However, if people really want to see. Just do a google search, and then do your best to help these beautiful creatures.

[Guest]

Whenever i sit here typing, and similar to his late sister, Mr Sonny stands beside me with his head on my knee demanding a fuss That boy just love cuddles Bless his heart. I couldn't imagine anything other than a happy life until they die a natural death with my three. Ruthie died an un-timely death, but that girl was seriously loved for the whole year that we had the pleasure to own her.

[furryelephant]

I find the National appalling.... the fact that one horse collapsed and died right in front of the grandstand this afternoon and two more had to be given oxygen (one on the finish line and one in the stables) should be enough to make anyone look at the stress it puts on the horses and question why they find it an enjoyable spectacle.

 

Unfortunately the public face of racing covers a nasty underside of sub standard (in terms of racing prospects) horses being PTS or sent to already overstretched rescue and rehoming centres. Also, consider that most horse owners would not consider backing a horse to be ridden until it is at least 4 years old to allow its body to develop sufficiently to carry the weight of a rider. Compare that to the age that racehorses are backed and are racing... it stores up many problems for later life for these animals.

 

In answer to the original poster... horses continue to run and jump after they have unseated their rider because they are herd animals and follow the "flight" instinct. If the other members of their herd are running, they will also run from the assumed danger which has caused the herd to take flight.

 

I am not "anti-racing"... purely horrified by the way this industry conducts itself. I do wonder whether Hear The Echo's tragic death in front of that grandstand full of people having a jolly day out may make them think about the true cost of their day at the races... but sadly, I doubt it.

 

Paula

[Guest]

I find the National appalling.... the fact that one horse collapsed and died right in front of the grandstand this afternoon and two more had to be given oxygen (one on the finish line and one in the stables) should be enough to make anyone look at the stress it puts on the horses and question why they find it an enjoyable spectacle.

 

Unfortunately the public face of racing covers a nasty underside of sub standard (in terms of racing prospects) horses being PTS or sent to already overstretched rescue and rehoming centres. Also, consider that most horse owners would not consider backing a horse to be ridden until it is at least 4 years old to allow its body to develop sufficiently to carry the weight of a rider. Compare that to the age that racehorses are backed and are racing... it stores up many problems for later life for these animals.

 

In answer to the original poster... horses continue to run and jump after they have unseated their rider because they are herd animals and follow the "flight" instinct. If the other members of their herd are running, they will also run from the assumed danger which has caused the herd to take flight.

 

I am not "anti-racing"... purely horrified by the way this industry conducts itself. I do wonder whether Hear The Echo's tragic death in front of that grandstand full of people having a jolly day out may make them think about the true cost of their day at the races... but sadly, I doubt it.

 

Paula

 

well put Paula, and believe me, i am totally with you on this one. I saw a number of horses fall, and as said, it makes me cringe. I don't know if any were PTS, and i don't want to know, because that seriously upsets me. The racing industry is a sad business, whatever animal is involved. It sickens me to think people came away from that track today, happy, without another thought for a horse that may have lost it's life, due to that particular race. I said it was strangely compelling. What i really think is that i have to watch it, because even in the 21st century, i cannot believe horses are being put through that? It truly sickens me to watch.

[redhotchick]

I live a stone's throw from Aintree. I agree that the industry could conduct itself better, but some steps have been taken over the years. The fences are much less challenging than they were say 30 years ago.

 

I've been working today so completely missed the race, but I was talking to a beauty salon owner in Liverpool City Centre and she said that the build up to the race has been incredibly busy. The income that the 3 day festival generates to many businesses outside of the racing industry is phenomenal, hairdressers, hotels, restaurants, dress shops.

[Guest]

Whenever the National comes up, i'm always reminded of one certain gentleman. The father of a colleague of mine whom i trained alongside. The said colleague once took me to Liverpool, and i had the most fantastic time of my life. I loved Liverpool and i loved the people. His father loved the National, and he too was not far from the track. Every year i think of him, and send my love to him in Heaven. He was such a dear man. And i thought of him today.

[Ana's flock]

I agree with Bronze - couldn't care less about what happens to jockeys, (same as bullfighters or anyone who messes around with animals).

 

I adore horses, it has been my dream since I remember (must have been around age 2) to have a horse - I will stop and have a chat and a cuddle with every horse I come accross (including some beautiful and gentle police horses) so I find utterly appalling the treatment these gorgeous creatures get for the sake of gambling and so called sport.

 

I won't watch any horse race in principle and make a point of informing anyone who dares mentioning horse racing to me of what really goes on for the horse.

 

I also get the 'well, they do like running otherwise they'd stop when the rider's no longer there). Yes, because they're put in a state of panic by all the other members of the herd galloping like mad!

 

Nasty business - I wonder when will we (as a species) get the idea that animals are not here for us to inflict on them unnecessary suffering...

[Guest]

This is what i like about forums. You get the chance to put your thoughts to others. I too could never make out why a horse keeps running (in such a gruelling race)???. But you are right. Don't think human, .....think Horse/Dog. I'm sorry, my shoulders are broad.... but that race is seriously cruel.

[Guest]

...

I also get the 'well, they do like running otherwise they'd stop when the rider's no longer there). Yes, because they're put in a state of panic by all the other members of the herd galloping like mad!

 

 

it's a bit like saying battery hens lay eggs so they must be happy!

[ubereglu]

Personally I don't think that there is anything with the Grand National and Gorse Racing, again it's just another sport. IMO boxing is a lot worse, but I'm not going to go into that.

 

Horse Racing supports local businesses and communities and if you didn't have them you'd likely not have any of that section of horses in the places they are in. Many racehorses are wonderfully looked after and are cared for and if they have to be put to sleep I suspect in many cases it's due to other diseases and ill health reasons than not just making the grade or not-after all, if you try to get the best in certain areas you are likely not to have such a well rounded horse. Plus many live out long retirements and the information often found about people shooting horses that aren't making the grade isn't balanced and very biased.

 

Of course it's sad when horses and/or jockeys get injured or die during races, but in every sport there are casualties and this should be expected in such a high risk sport, but this does not stop people continuing in the sport because they know the risks before they start.

[Guest]

Elizabeth, don't take our word for it, do a bit of research on the net, the info is out there.

[ubereglu]

Elizabeth, don't take our word for it, do a bit of research on the net, the info is out there.

 

I know it is and I have seen it, but believe it or not not every owner is like that and I'm only saying my personal opinion, which you clearly believe is wrong.

[Guest]

Elizabeth, don't take our word for it, do a bit of research on the net, the info is out there.

 

I know it is and I have seen it, but believe it or not not every owner is like that and I'm only saying my personal opinion, which you clearly believe is wrong.

 

if you've read articles like this one, and still believe racing isn't cruel, who am I to say you're wrong?