Why do race horses break their legs as often as the do?

Question

It seems odd since they naturally like to run. Are they juiced up - pushed too hard?

Answer 1

They race to run as fast as they possibly can, to the breaking point. It's all about the money with these people, and the gambling.

Many of these horses live awesome lives, but some unfortunate ones have to be put down.

Answer 2

Their ankles are the weakest part of the leg.  I suppose your are refering to Eight Bells that ran in the Derby today and broke both front ankles.  I noticed that the horse ankles weren't wrapped like many of the others to keep them from breaking.

Answer 3

Racing a horse before its bones have reach maturity is what causes the injuries. 2 and 3 year olds are not done growing. Stress fractures are a common thing with these babies. A horse would not 'naturally' run itself into a stress fracture - it takes a rider on their back to do it.