Is a Horse Race Really a Close One?
With an election on the horizon, political observers and journalists are becoming increasingly nervous. Pundits are using catchwords like horse race – long used to describe close contests – but is this accurate representation?
Horse racing has always held a special place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide, thanks to its longstanding traditions, ceremony and passion for horses. But as it continues to develop and change, animal welfare has become an increasing focus of attention for many fans and races have begun implementing rules and regulations designed to improve track conditions while increasing veterinary care services.
While these changes improve horse safety and wellbeing, they’re also helping raise more awareness for their plight. Historically, most racehorses were privately owned and often bred specifically for racing; they were kept confined in 12-by-12-foot stalls for 23 hours daily, subjected to torturous training methods including whipping; this could result in injuries or even death – issues now addressed through legislation.
Racing enthusiasts no longer accept these conditions, calling for stricter equine welfare regulations to protect racehorses’ welfare. As a result, most racehorses now reside in larger stalls with more room to move; more sanitary environments with improved ventilation; as well as various training techniques used to keep horses happy and healthy.
Horses can be taught to run in a counter-clockwise pattern so they can use energy more efficiently. Furthermore, they’re trained to change leads – how their legs extend – on command; so that during straightaways and turns they alternate from right lead to left lead respectively – something important since staying on one lead too long causes horses to tire faster than expected.
Another area in which horse racing has evolved is how racehorses are rewarded for their successes. When they win a race, winning horses receive a substantial cash prize referred to as a purse; its size determines how much interest is generated and ultimately affects which horses win races; the larger its purse, the higher chances are of victory for any particular horse race – thus drawing more people in and increasing interest in horse racing as a hobby.
As horse racing’s popularity increases, animal welfare and other related concerns must be taken seriously. Yet the industry continues to change to meet fan demands; yet horse racing remains an iconic and beloved sport with deep traditions at its heart that connect to American culture.