Animal sports, such as equestrian, often elicit a range of emotions from their fans. Why so? Despite the thrills it offers to the audience, the treatment of these creatures, both on and off, sometimes renders the sport indefensible. Many protests have already taken place due to the deaths of multiple horses at popular racecourses in the UK and the US, raising concerns about the safety standards in this multi-million dollar industry.

Recently, a similar case has surfaced, involving the entire equestrian industry. So what happened? Numerous horses, particularly racehorses, require specific attention following their retirement. However, the deplorable conditions at the retirement home led to the rescue of this particular horse, who had gained significant recognition during its competitive days.

A poor soul who desperately needed help

Remember War Envoy? Yes, the 2015 Royal Ascot winner in the Britannia Stakes, who was ridden by Ryan Moore and was trained by Aidan O’Brien. This was a horse that had brought a ton of fame to the humans surrounding it and lived gracefully with Coolmore Stud. Since his glorious victory, the horse has not received any major accolades throughout his career, which finally came to an end in 2017 after competing in the Breeders Cup held at Del Mar.

So how has his retirement life been? Indeed, it’s quite pleasant, isn’t it, for such a remarkable racehorse in that era? Obviously not! On X, a user who goes by @_ElManu showcased a harsh reality of the industry, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see a Royal Ascot winner for @coolmorestud in such conditions. He had a wonderful life until a couple of years ago, but look at where he ended up.” The pictures attached to the social media post showed a striking difference between War Envoy’s life as a racehorse and his retirement stable.

All the muscles and conditioning that he had were gone now. However, the smile that once graced his face has also disappeared. The horse’s condition deteriorated to such an extent that his ribs became visible, making him appear weaker than in his previous appearances. However, the social media user also had a message of relief, stating, “Thankfully, WAR ENVOY was rescued.” With this, they have also provided a donation link where fans can lend their goodwill to this retired and rescued gem.

Indeed, it is disheartening to witness a renowned racehorse endure such harsh conditions after retirement. What did it deserve to be left in such poor conditions? Nothing right? Do all equines face this fate after their tenure in the sport? Many questions were raised upon this horrifying scene, the moment the social media post reached traction online and went viral.

The equestrian community demands nothing but answers for the horse

It’s disheartening to learn that a racehorse like War Envoy, who has won at prestigious events like Ascot, is now in poor physical condition due to neglect on a farm in Kentucky. A racehorse like War Envoy deserves better, and it is also something that the community demands, as one user stated, “This is so sad. He deserves so much more. Thank God for his rescue.” Many more were just disappointed with the way the industry has been treating the horses, “Absolutely shameful.” Another fan had a similar reaction, stating, “Very very sad to see this Ascot winner to end like this.”

War Envoy has been involved in the horse racing scene since 2014. Throughout his stellar career, War Envoy has worked with numerous reputable trainers and jockeys, and he has visited numerous venues. Indeed, he was a horse of Aidan O’Brien, the Irish trainer who has trained equines to greatness. Eventually, their partnership came to an end in 2016 and was handed over to Shelbe Ruis. War Envoy had many more trainer changes throughout the rest of his career and ultimately retired from racing in 2017.

Having been a Royal Ascot winner and generating significant revenue for his owners, the horse has endured a great deal, and he shouldn’t have ended up in this state. Fans were just devastated by looking at his condition, as one stated, “The sad reality of a multi-million pound breeding sport is the thousands of horses who are ousted from it every year. Many are lucky enough to find a home for life, but how many are passed from pillar to post. The sport needs to change and owners held accountable.” Another user called out the industry, stating, “He didnt have a great life until a couple of years ago. He was rescued from neglect in 2019, then went back to stud in PA and then was neglected again. It’s a sickening cycle the industry pretends is a ‘scam’” “As a lover of horses both in racing and out of racing this is so sad to see. Whoever this horse went to needs stringing up!” another fan said.

War Envoy is now in the care of the Kentucky Humane Society Equine CARE in Simpsonville, a charity that assists horses in crisis and transition. The community’s support will enable the retired racehorse to thrive and recover from its previous homes.