General Chat

Roxanne you did not answer Jean's queries. Go visit a racing stables and see for yourself before posting such condemning statements blanketing all race horse owners and stables. Have you ever watched a herd of wild horses? They are free to choose their lifestyles and believe you me -they race for the fun of it and take fences and water in their stride. I once watched Firemere, a National runner, dump his groom on an excercise 'walk'. Over five miles later, dozens of hedges, streams and roads, he finally came home delighted with himself.. and certainly not stressed (so don't make that point). Your post suggests that all hunters and racers are abused, neglected and mis-treated but I guess those kinds of statements are made to shock and get attention - like all second rate newspaper reporters ploys. Go and personally research your facts before your post such damning statements. There are cases of abuse in all aspects of life, of course, but don't tar everyone with the same brush. Most people breed horses for their love of horses.

For those who are concerned about the welfare of horses, donkeys,ponies - whether they are be pedigrees for racing/breeding or the family pony - put the money where the mouth is and support the ILPH - International League for the Protection of Horses.

We have friends who own racing horses and when they are no longer racing - they are retired and still loved and pampered. Would that the 25 donkeys and ponies returned to the Gray family be sure of the same - 125 horses etc. were removed from their farm by the RSPCA and police earlier this year.

No problems,Maddie,,

As said each to their own,,,enjoy your winnings treat yourself to something nice,,,,,,,,~~~

Anyway am off out to get my winnings. Sorry again Kay.

I always own up,to my statements.

Well,Im off now I have 101 things to do,I dont know when I will be back.

Bye for now:-)

My apologies to Kay - very sorry I meant to address that to Roxanne - but if I correct it now it will look odd.

No It was me:-))

Maddie, it wasn't Kay who said it was silly

unless I missed an earlier post

Kay its not a silly statement - I agree with the race and I am Especially Happy as I have backed a winner!!

I dont agree with your view but dont call it silly - you are entitled to it - obviously, however, you cant see beyond your own opinion.

Thanks Kay :-)

Hi SRS,

They are no good then,,and are not worth spending money on ,they will never be fit for racing again,,,,,,,,and often by their injuries its kinder to shoot them,,,,they couldnt be sold on either as someone else would have the expense, of getting it well,,,,,,,,,

Hi Jean, I have seen horses that have been neglected after they have served their purpose,I think thats enough!

Oh,and horses that have been saved from the knackers yard because "the Trainer,owner" could not make money from them anymore!

Grand Prix????
How can you compare!!lol
These are men that earn millions,they have a choice,horses dont!!
What a silly statement!

sorry to go off on a slight tangent - (This isn't part of the debate) I was wondering when they kill the horses that hurt themselves badly - is it because there is no hope for them and they need to put them out of their agony or is it because they don't want to put the money or time into their recuperation?

ERrrr animals dont get chioce they have no voice to say I dont feel like racing today,I dont want to jump hedges,I dont feel well I got headache,,,,,

If no one has a problem about it and it dont touch anyones concisious then fine,,each to their own,,

Well for my two penith I do consider myself an animal lover, but have a few quid on the national - I dont look at it as blood money.

These horses are bred for this and to a certain extent they enjoy it. Its also part of our history - yes horses are sometimes injured / killed and so are the riders.

I dont see any threads when the Grand Prix is on saying to boycott it because the drivers can have nasty accidents and get killed.

You may argue the horse has no choice the driver does - so what are you going to do stop breeding race horses or keep them in small enclosures which would be worse for them as they need a lot of exersize?

I dont mean to be rude to anyone and see both arguments - but as long as the race is as safe as can be and the horses are cared for - which they certainly are to be in this calibur - I'll still place my bet each year.

Pigs and cows are bred to be killed for our food - we are natuarally meat eaters and I see no problem with this either - although of course prefere the animals to be free range if possible - but given the choice I will always eat meat.

Not always our local pig far is purely free range and in the middle of the countryside, but agree that there is much work to be done in animal welfare in general

I won't have anything to do with horse or greyhound raceing.............it's big buisness at the expence of the animals..........jolly good old Human race.......lol

Amanda

I just feel that if anyone wants to bet on something today they will have good odds indeed on at least one horse being put down because of the race if not many more - they are pushed to the absolute limit and beyond - what saddens me is that they are such beautiful creatures and not meant for people to treat in such a monetary and cruel fashion - I can't bear to look at the race even so I shan't but I bet come the evening news we'll be hearing of quite a number dead

Sorry if this upsets anyone, just the way I feel about it - it happens yer after year

Fair point but you could say the same about pig farms...