Horse racing is the practice of driving horses against one another competitively for pleasure or profit. Some boards and governance observers can be wary of succession “horse races,” where overt competition for CEO roles forms part of an organization’s executive search process. But managed properly, horse races can provide many advantages for an organization and produce exceptional leaders.
The first documented horse race ever held was held during France’s reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715). This event involved two noblemen betting against each other on an ox race held between them and has since spread worldwide, as has its use. Today, horse races can also refer to any form of close competition such as political campaigns, sporting competitions or business negotiations that lead to close margins between two sides – or simply an argument among two people!
Although horse racing seems romanticized on paper, its reality can be harsh and brutal. Thoroughbreds used in racing are forced to sprint under threat of whips or electric shockers at speeds so fast that injuries, breakdowns and sometimes hemorrhaging occur at lightning speed. Furthermore, drugs are frequently administered to prevent pain relief and encourage racing continuation – it is estimated that one out of 22 races suffer catastrophic injury with three dying daily on tracks.
Horse racing can also be physically painful for horses and jockeys. Unnatural training and confinement of these animals may inhibit their natural instincts, leading to mental and emotional issues which manifest as compulsive behaviors like biting the gate while contracting neck muscles while grunting – this behavior known as “cribbing”. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for horses to break down on or run away from a track called “breakdowns”.
Havnameltdown suffered an extreme broken leg injury during the Preakness, with postmortem results showing osteoarthritis, severe degenerative joint changes, bone cysts (holes in bones) in all four limbs as well as corticosteroids and sedative injections possibly contributing to its condition.
No matter their motivations, many are outraged at the current state of horse racing. Concerns include cruelty inflicted upon horses as well as failure by industry to take sufficient measures to safeguard animal health. Due to this development, various organizations have come forward with campaigns against horseracing. Animal Wellness Action has held demonstrations at both Laurel and Pimlico race tracks while Maryland organizer Jennifer Sully of Horseracing Wrongs also joins this protest movement. These groups work to spread awareness of the problems in horse racing. Their goal is to secure public support for organizations fighting on behalf of horses’ rights. For more information about horse racing and watching full replays from yesterday’s races, visit Britannica Premium; academics receive discounted pricing on Britannica content subscription-based service with 14 day free trials available.