Why don't we race cats, racoons, deer and cows, too?
Imagine if horse racing never existed and somebody just came up with the novel idea for a new sport right now, here in 2008. "Hey, you know horses look pretty athletic. Why don't we race them around a track and let people bet millions and millions on them?"
Think it would get passed? I doubt it.
I have a lot of friends who like horse racing, and I mean no disrespect. But, seriously, were horses placed on earth to race for humans' enjoyment (and monetary gain)?
Obviously, I ask in light of watching the horse Eight Belles get put to death after breaking her ankles on national television. I'm not a fan of boxing, either, but at least the humans who step in the ring know they run the risk of permanent brain damage. Did Eight Belles have any idea she was running for her life?
Oh, right, she's just a horse.
Comments (1)
I can tell you that my 14-year-old, who rides and competes but does not race and opposes risky jumps, etc., was asking the same questions.