Do you agree that thoroughbreds should not be raced until they're at least 3 years?

Question

Eight Belles.....

R.I.P. Beautiful girl....beautiful dynasty....beautiful tragedy.

Answer 1

I would be ok with that, but I don't see the industry changing it.  If we let the horses develop a little more before we asked them to race, I think it would be a good thing.  It wouldn't prevent all accidents like Eight Belles' ankle fractures today, but it might help.  Horses aren't fully grown until they're 4 or 5, so I think it would be good to let the horses grow up before racing them... it's not that 2 year olds can't race... it's just an extra precaution that I would accept.  If all of the horse racing industry decided that they weren't racing horses until they turned 4, I'd be perfectly happy with that.

I love Eight Belles.  She was an excellent filly and it's a shame to lose a horse as talented as she was.  It's just horrible.

Answer 2

Do not agree

Answer 3

Only very special runners should be put on the Triple Crown trail. The late Charlie Wittingham learned that lesson in his career, rushed & ruined a quality runner to get to the Derby...said he would not be back unless he had a special runner and did return...25 years later.

George Steinbrenner - a major Thoroughbred owner - said for years that there are too many runners in the Kentucky Derby.

There is a frenzy for those who only see the glory through egotistical lenses to place on the early Derby trail runners who show a little potential at 2, with the hope they quickly mature into something.

It is a roll of the dice that the equine athlete has no say in the matter & most fall away, never reaching their true potential that patience would have brought.

Answer 4

Yes -- unquestionably it would be better for the horses, giving them a chance to mature fully before taking that pounding. Considering that "modern" breeders are far more obsessed with the next year or two of winners than in the longterm good of bloodlines (unlike the great old racing stables), it probably is now a change that has become necessary. Regrettably.

But when this happens, they should close the record books for the Triple Crown, and many of the track records, and just start over, since it's unfair to compare older horses with younger ones, primarily because it's a lot easier for a 3 or 4-yr old horse to survive a series of physically tough races than it is for younger ponies.

The real question is whether this long a tradition can be overcome for a slight improvement in the accident rate on tracks. I would vote for it, but I think it's unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Answer 5

I do. It's really sad to see horses that aren't finished growing run like that. I wait until my horses are at least 3 before doing work undersaddle with them. If they are going to be a large horse I wait until 4. It is important to make sure that all the bones are fully formed and strong. I have 2 thoroughbreds off the track, they are both sound, but when working at the thoroughbred rescue I have noticed soo many ex-racers with injuries of problems. It's really unfortunate :(

Answer 6

Absolutely.  They are too young for the pounding they take.

Answer 7

a horse should be fully grown, strong, and healthy. People should do what's in the best interest of the animal. Plain and simple!

Answer 8

I absolutely agree. Anything to prolong their chance of injury.

Answer 9

YES Thier bones are not well developed untill they are 4yrs. or older.Some countries don't allow horses to race untill at least 3yrs. old from birth.The US is wrong to let 2yr. race or even train till 3yrs.old

Answer 10

I think we would see fewer horrific 'breakdowns' if the horses started training a bit later.  I worked for years with hunter/jumpers at some of the higher levels and many of these horses were thoroughbreds, but we always started them with very light saddle work at 2-3 years of age and absolutely did not start over any fences until they were at least 4, and waited until they were 6 or so to jump the big stuff.   Many of the Grand Prix showjumpers and event horses compete at the highest levels until well into their teens, and in my experience seem to end up more sound at 20 than  most 4 year olds who have spent two seasons on the track.  I truly think that the payoff comes with a sound horse, and sound horses are those who are allowed enough time to develop good bone before their legs are put to the test.