A horse race is a competition in which horses, or occasionally jockeys, compete to win a wager by being the first across the finish line. A race can be a short sprint over a measured distance such as a quarter, half or one mile or it can be a long endurance race over several miles. Some races have handicaps, in which each horse is assigned a weight to carry based on its ability. The most prestigious races, or conditions races, offer the biggest purses.
The horse racing industry is often criticized for its treatment of the animals used in it. In the United States, the industry is heavily regulated, but animal rights advocates say that it has not done enough to protect the welfare of the horses and other animals. The use of drugs in horse racing is also controversial, and equine veterinarians have warned that the practice can lead to mental problems in horses.
In the wild, horses love to run, but winning a horse race is not something that comes naturally for them. In fact, it can be dangerous to them as they are prey animals that are designed to move away from danger rather than toward it.
To compete in a horse race, a thoroughbred must be physically and mentally ready to perform at its best. This involves training the horse to be a quick runner, as well as ensuring that it is healthy and free of disease. The physical part of the training is accomplished through a series of workouts, called exercises. The exercise must be performed over a specified length of time, and is usually followed by a recovery period.
During a horse race, the horses are ridden by jockeys, who are paid to control and guide them. During the Middle Ages, professional riders were employed to demonstrate a horse’s speed for potential buyers, and these races were usually short sprints over a quarter, half or full mile on open fields and roads. Jockeys ride bareback and are usually young boys skilled in horse care and maintenance.
After a race, the riders speed into what is essentially an equine pit row where teammates are waiting with fresh horses for what is known as the “pit exchange.” It’s a lot like swapping out players in a football game.
A seasoned jockey is able to anticipate the needs of his or her horse and make the right moves at the right time to give the animal the best chance of winning the race. However, there is still a great deal of luck involved in horse racing. Injuries are inevitable, and horses are not protected by the same laws that protect other athletes.
According to the animal rights group Horseracing Wrongs, in the United States alone more than 10,000 thoroughbreds have been killed on racetracks and at training facilities since 2014. While some of these deaths are the result of illegal drug use, most are caused by the unnatural environment in which horses are raised for the sport of a horse race.