Amidst Protests From the Equestrian Community, NYRA Organizes a Special Event for Retired Racehorses

The sport of equestrian is a beautiful exhibit to enjoy for individuals. But it has also often been criticized for the fatalities that happen during the events. Several animal welfare organizations have rallied behind the decision to ban the sport permanently. However, there are numerous initiatives taken every day to avoid any mishaps during the races, but the results remain bleak. Horses either sustain fateful injuries during equestrian races or die as a result of these injuries. Not many days have passed since the Triple Crown races came under scrutiny for the number of horse deaths this season.

One of the major concerns that raises an eyebrow is the euthanasia and treatment of retired horses. They are either put to death humanely after they are of no use or abandoned as stray animals. Amid these concerns about the ill-treatment of these beautiful creatures, The New York Racing Association has decided to take action for the retired horses.

A ray of hope for the equestrian events and horses

NYRA posted this news on their X handle (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Join us on-track THURSDAY for Thoroughbred Aftercare Day as we pay tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes & careers for retired racehorses!” 

Thoroughbred Aftercare Day will be paying tribute to the organizations that have helped the retired horses find new owners and a new career.

On Thursday, the main equestrian event will be the Rick Violette Stakes, which is organized to pay homage to Rick Violette, who was one of the founding members of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Violette was also the former president of the New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association (NYTHA).

These steps were taken after the popular equestrian racetrack, Saratoga Race Course, witnessed protests against the racing events. Animal welfare organizations like Horse Racing Wrongs and Western Mass Animal Rights were protesting against the races at Saratoga in the streets. They were raising their voices against the deaths of the horses that take place during the races at Saratoga.

In a report published in Spectrum News, Patrick Battuello, the founder of Horse Racing Wrongs, said, “We’re here to make them understand that by entering through those gates, paying the admission fee, betting on the races, or even watching them on TV, they are inadvertently supporting animal cruelty and the killing of innocent animals.” According to the animal welfare organization, an estimated 10,000 horses lost their lives during the equestrian races in 2014. The number of these deaths are only increasing, and Saratoga has been a vital part of these unfortunate equestrian deaths.

Recent deaths at the Saratoga

Because of the rapid surge in equestrian fatalities, Saratoga had to move its races. Maple Leaf Mel, the horse owned by NFL coach Bill Parcels, met his tragic end when he fell to the ground in Saratoga and was euthanized later on. Dave Portnoy also shared the horrific news on the X account about Maple Leaf’s death. On August 6, another racehorse, Ever Summer, sustained injuries after a fall at Saratoga and met the same end as Maple Leaf Mel. Including these two, there were approximately seven horse deaths reported at Saratoga in recent times.

Read More: Days After a Horrific Incident Left the Community Reeling, Equestrian Body Announces a Quantum Jump for Horse Welfare

In the wake of concerns and protests surrounding the safety and treatment of horses in equestrian events, Thoroughbred Aftercare Day shines as a beacon of hope. This event, organized by the New York Racing Association, pays tribute to organizations working to find retired racehorses new homes and careers. Amidst calls for reform, it’s a step towards ensuring a brighter future for these magnificent animals.

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