Taking Responsibility: Fatalities at Cheltenham

In light of the fatalities at Cheltenham racecourse this week, I'm intrigued by the image this casts on the industry. 

In one of my vet-school interviews, I was grilled on whether I considered racing a welfare-friendly industry or not. The interviewer evidently thought not, and even if I had argued until I was blue in the face, she wasn't going to budge. But I answered honestly and expressed that I strongly believe that it is welfare friendly. Admittedly, and somewhat sadly, sometimes that may only be a consequence of money - the horses are so valuable that they have to be looked after to allow them to perform. But the fact remains - the majority of racehorses are treated well.

I think, as horse lovers, we want to believe that racing is a welfare-friendly industry. I wouldn't say we're turning a blind eye, but we cast off accusations of cruelty, adamant that everyone cares as much about their four-legged friends as we do. But, in accepting the sport for what it is, are we jeopardising the image of the entire equine world? Racing is the most publicised and best supported discipline. Having that frowned upon reflects on the rest of us even if it's not truly representative. For example, aside from the deaths, misuse of the whip has been a hot topic this week as several jockeys have been disciplined over the duration of the festival. Outsiders see any use of the whip as cruel, whereas riders see it as a back-up to aids when used appropriately. Showjumping in particular is struggling because of lack of public interest - we cannot afford to lose any more support than we already have, and so the image of the horse world is paramount. 

There have been accusations that one of the races that caused 2 deaths on the first day of the festival should have not been run due to the ground conditions. This is debatable - officials claim it was 'good to firm' going but a representative from the RSPCA claims otherwise. Cheltenham Festival itself is taking the brunt of the blame for these unfortunate deaths but I'm not sure that is entirely fair. Are they entirely responsible? If you took your horse eventing and found the ground unsatisfactory upon walking the course, would you still run the risk of injury simply because the event is still going ahead? Or would you pull out, not happy, in your opinion, with the going? 

People are quick to condemn the organisers of these events, but the question is, who really is responsible for the welfare of the individual horses? The British Racing Association as a whole? The owners? The jockeys? The vets on site? Welfare campaigners such as the RSPCA? Or are we, as everyday horse owners, responsible for letting things happen in front of us?

Are we responsible for the deteriorating image of the equine world? 

J.