Discussion & Debate - Update

When you see racehorses in their stables or in the birdcage at the races, does it look like their are mistreated? The obvious answer is no. Most people think that racehorses have a tragic, cruel life, however, this is untrue. Racehorses do get treated nicely and do have a good life. A racehorses health and condition is top priority at all times. They must be in the best condition in order to complete their races let alone beating others. There are a lot of roles in a racing stable in order to look after the horses properly. To be a trainer you have to be licensed to train racehorses. 

My first point that I am going to cover is how carefully they get looked after before races and how fit and healthy they are kept. The trainers make and organise special training plans, diets and therapies with each horse having their own specific plan for their own needs. Before races, trainers need to make sure to not over work their horses as this can lead to problems in the race like dehydration, cramps and strains. They also will make a daily schedule to help calm and train the horse. The schedule usually includes exercises and feeds at certain times to prepare for the day.

The next thing is feeding. Obviously, feeding a racehorse is not as easy as you think. The horses have special diets that help their stamina, muscle building and repair and for energy. It is also not uncommon for racehorses to get stomach ulcers so their feeds consist of high fiber and natural oils.             Once the horse has finished training, the trainer organises hydrotherapy, cold therapy and also sometimes heat therapy. This helps reduce inflammation, helps muscle repair, increasing blood flow to sore areas and stops aches.

After the race the horse will be walked around to cool them off until their body has balanced itself out again. The horse will then get taken to their stall and slowly given water. Too much water straight after a big race can result in colic. The horse can also only have food once they have been cooled done as this also would result in health issues.