I don’t think it is the ground so much as the breeding of the horses themselves. In the beginning of the Thoroughbred, they were meant for warhorses, needing stamina, speed, steadiness and soundness. They were the Hummers and ATVs of their day for purposes of war. To develop the best, kings would hold race meets to find the best type of horse over the course of a day, racing the same horses as many as six times. The best horse was bought by the king and sent to stud, free to be used for breeding by all the countrymen, on the say so that the king got first pick of the foals. Having to go to these things, the courtiers discovered a wonderful new sport, since you could bet on it. Over time, the soldiers needing horses became less armored, and therefore speed more important, especially with the invention of guns. A horse that could carry messages fast, or be a scout or run down fleeing enemies was more important than a solid beast that could carry a half armored dragoon. As horses became obsolete with the combustion engine, speed was all that the thoroughbred was wanted for, and that is all they have been bred for since. Not for soundness, or bone, or sense or temperament. If a horse is fast, he is bred to for more speed, nevermind that he can’t be handled by less than three people at a time. And in America it is worse, as our biggest races are aimed at babies, three year olds, their knees not even set. In Australia, their big race is the Melborne Cup, and it is twice as long or more than the Belmont. Their horses don’t break down near as much, perhaps some outcrossing is in order? Same for European horses, they race on grass, and often for longer distances, why not cross our horses more on theirs? Or, heretical thought, wait until they are five to race.
I spent time behind the scene at a racetrack in AZ. Drugs used. Abuse. Not treated as a living being but a machine to make money. Any time one adds money to the activity, humanity dissolves. Love of money takes over. No longer a “sport.”
I believe the cartoon references McConnell, who causes the death of all good bills, & named himself the grim reaper. If we went back to horses. we might yet save the planet. as the Amish well know.
Actually, both horse and dog tracks have been shutting down for years now, because they can’t compete with riverboat casinos. (In most cases, of course, the “boats” are buildings in lagoons and not mobile.) The explosion of state lotteries years before the explosion of casinos probably had a small effect but nothing close to the casino effect. And, possibly, consciousness-raising activities by animal welfare groups had the tad bit of an effect…….
Dtroutma almost 5 years ago
Something definitely wrong for losing that many horses.
ajmsdca almost 5 years ago
I don’t think it is the ground so much as the breeding of the horses themselves. In the beginning of the Thoroughbred, they were meant for warhorses, needing stamina, speed, steadiness and soundness. They were the Hummers and ATVs of their day for purposes of war. To develop the best, kings would hold race meets to find the best type of horse over the course of a day, racing the same horses as many as six times. The best horse was bought by the king and sent to stud, free to be used for breeding by all the countrymen, on the say so that the king got first pick of the foals. Having to go to these things, the courtiers discovered a wonderful new sport, since you could bet on it. Over time, the soldiers needing horses became less armored, and therefore speed more important, especially with the invention of guns. A horse that could carry messages fast, or be a scout or run down fleeing enemies was more important than a solid beast that could carry a half armored dragoon. As horses became obsolete with the combustion engine, speed was all that the thoroughbred was wanted for, and that is all they have been bred for since. Not for soundness, or bone, or sense or temperament. If a horse is fast, he is bred to for more speed, nevermind that he can’t be handled by less than three people at a time. And in America it is worse, as our biggest races are aimed at babies, three year olds, their knees not even set. In Australia, their big race is the Melborne Cup, and it is twice as long or more than the Belmont. Their horses don’t break down near as much, perhaps some outcrossing is in order? Same for European horses, they race on grass, and often for longer distances, why not cross our horses more on theirs? Or, heretical thought, wait until they are five to race.
Zebrastripes almost 5 years ago
Why aren’t they shut down? After so many deaths, it is clear there is something killing the horses.
Librarylady almost 5 years ago
I spent time behind the scene at a racetrack in AZ. Drugs used. Abuse. Not treated as a living being but a machine to make money. Any time one adds money to the activity, humanity dissolves. Love of money takes over. No longer a “sport.”
babka Premium Member almost 5 years ago
I believe the cartoon references McConnell, who causes the death of all good bills, & named himself the grim reaper. If we went back to horses. we might yet save the planet. as the Amish well know.
martens almost 5 years ago
The cartoon can almost be seen as a general parable for our time. Money drives everything, leaving life, joy and decency behind.
Radish the wordsmith almost 5 years ago
running for office
Godfreydaniel almost 5 years ago
Actually, both horse and dog tracks have been shutting down for years now, because they can’t compete with riverboat casinos. (In most cases, of course, the “boats” are buildings in lagoons and not mobile.) The explosion of state lotteries years before the explosion of casinos probably had a small effect but nothing close to the casino effect. And, possibly, consciousness-raising activities by animal welfare groups had the tad bit of an effect…….
ideations almost 5 years ago
mans inhumanity to equines