A horse race is a contest in which horses are driven at speed around a track and the winner is determined by which one crosses the finish line first. It has been a popular sport in civilizations throughout history, and has featured prominently in myth and legend. In modern times, horse racing is primarily a gambling sport in which spectators bet on the outcomes of races. In addition, it is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped society and influenced the development of technology.
Despite increased medical treatment and technological advances, the humane and healthy treatment of horses in this industry remains a thorny issue that must be addressed if the sport is to continue to thrive. The cruelty that occurs in the breeding, training, and racing of horses is largely ignored by many spectators and betting customers, but it is an ongoing problem that can be overcome with serious reform.
It is the rare horse that makes a living solely on racing. Most are sold for stud after their racing careers have ended, but the majority of the sport’s income comes from wagering, which is mostly done by telephone and internet. It is important that the governing bodies of horse racing make reforms to increase the amount of money that is wagered and the number of people that gamble on the sport.
In the past, a horse race began with a single horse lining up in front of an open gate. Someone would either raise or lower a rope to let the horse in, then the starter would hit a button that opened all of the gates at once. As the practice of lining up a field of runners became more common, the start was automated. Now, a race begins when the starter pushes a button to set off the electric starting gate.
When a horse races, it must learn to use the energy on one side of its body in order to cover ground and channel it efficiently. This is known as changing leads, and it is important that a horse be able to change on cue so that it can use its energy optimally on both straightaways and the turns of a racetrack.
A racehorse must also be able to run at high speeds and keep up with the other runners on the track. This requires the horse to be in good physical condition, which is why a healthy diet and exercise are so important for a racehorse. Injuries can occur if a horse is not properly cared for, which is why veterinarians and trainers must be diligent in keeping track of the health of their charges.
The traditionalists in the sport are now scrambling to deflect the attention brought by the PETA video, and they must take steps to restructure the way the sport is run. That means increased funding for enhanced drug tests, legislative efforts to improve the regulation of trainers and vets, and an end to the insider code of silence that has prevented real reform.