Big Brown's Loss

[sparklehorse]

I was listening to the local AM radio sports talk show this evening. I didn't know the results yet and was waiting for the caller or DJ to say who had won. They went on about whether what they would see first- a new home run hitter record or a triple crown winner. I knew at that point that Big Brown didnt win. There was no discussion about a quarter crack or any physcal problems with Brown Brown. In fact, the DJ said that Big Brown was a push button horse; push the button and he would go. I wasn't aware of the quarter crack at this time, but was surprised that someone could talk about 3 year old horse as if they were "push button". As if 3 year olds are fully grown. As far as push button, according to Big Brown's jockey he pushed the button and the electricity was gone.

We have a 3 year old saddlebred and have him under saddle and showing. This is amazing to us as we have learned how long it takes for the growth plates of horses to be closed so that the bones come together. Generally, this process doesn't complete until a horse is at least 4 or 5. We have learned that you have to be very careful at this age as it is very easy for horses to break bones and pop quarter cracks.

I suppose the training of a thoroughbred is more fast paced only to achieve an end result, but are they forgetting the fact that these are still young horses whose bones are not fully developed yet. It is unfortunate that we all know that a young horse is very susceptible to breaking bones and popping quarter cracks, yet they ask these young horses to run these incredible races. We all need to think about the filly in the Preakness who had to be put down on the track on live tv when she broke both front ankles.

At three years old, would you want to run 1.5 miles with a hairline fracture in your foot????

[Nina Kraus]

Very well said. I couldn't agree with you more. When you think of these young horses we are asking to run these long distances, it is sad. Are we truly looking at these horses as animals or just as dollars. Aren't we doing an injustice to these beautiful horses when we ask them to do this to make us money.

I understand the whole idea of the stud fees later etc.. My problem is that I don't understand why these horses have to be run at such a young age. I and everyone I know cried when that filly had to be put down on the track. What does that say for the racing community??? Why can't they run these races when the horses are 4 or 5??
The training that goes into this is incredible. These horses are broke to saddle by the time they are two and are running full force by the time they are 2.5 years.

As a horse lover, I have a very hard time accepting what is being done to these horses. As you stated, with Saddlebreds as well as other breeds, it is amazing to get a horse in the show ring by the time they are 3 under saddle. Even when they do get in, the classes are very short and they are not putting that much strain on their bodies. A class takes maybe 5 minutes and they go pretty slow. Most 3 year olds go in in a buggy which is easier on them. By those that make it in by 3 are few and far between.

We need to look at what is happening with horse racing today. What is being done to these horses is just not fair. Is this worth a horse's life???