The Game Has Changed

The thoroughbred industry has seen many changes during the past thirty years, unfortunately our horses are paying the price.

Year round racing, race day medication policies and breeding for the commercial market have all had a major impact on our sport and most importantly, on our horses. It comes as no surprise that the average starts per horse per year began its dramatic decline with the advent of year round racing.

Add to that, the common practice of treating soundness issues or other health problems with the loaded syringe and it is clear why racehorses today are at risk.

I feel that owners need to be proactive and keep informed of the health of their horses. With the cost of keeping a horse in training at the track running up to $50,000 a year, it is in the owners best interest to monitor what medications their animals are receiving and when vet bills start to climb-it is time for a rest.

How many more lifetime starts would our horses make if they had a break each year? Time to address lameness and health issues without dangerous medication but with sound nutrition and good horsemanship. Fix their feet, deworm, remove the stress, give them a clean environment with the finest hay and feed. Structure a program based on their needs and send them back to the races with the health and vitality necessary to compete at their best. Horses that are strong, sound and happy will always be more productive than their tired, sore, drug dependent competitors.