Mr. Knowlton's statement regarding horse slaughter is incorrect.
Approximately 100,000 US horses are sent to slaughter each year. Some 17% are (or I should say were) Thoroughbreds. According to the USDA's reports of horses slaughtered in the US (prior to 2008) over 92% were young and in good physical condition. Slaughter has never been reserved for strictly old horses. Pregnant mares are also slaughtered along with their foals.
As an owner/trainer Mr. Knowlton has a responsibility to the horses that are no longer in his charge. His responsibility is to assist with placement of the horses after they leave the track and support those that are given to rescue groups. I do not know Mr. Knowlton but I hope that his horses mean more to him than just a paycheck.
In addition to improving racing surfaces the industry needs to address the issue of where the horses end up once their racing/breeding days are over. Slaughter is an option that must be taken off the table. I challenge all tracks, owners and breeders to create a fund to help support former racehorses or to provide for euthanasia should the horse no longer have an acceptable quality of life.
I further challenge breeders to breed for substance and longevity and stop pushing young horses beyond their limits. Safer racing surfaces will save lives, but without improving the quality of the Thoroughbred we can only expect that career-ending and fatal injuries will continue to occur.
Posted on May 7 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Knowlton's statement regarding horse slaughter is incorrect.
Approximately 100,000 US horses are sent to slaughter each year. Some 17% are (or I should say were) Thoroughbreds. According to the USDA's reports of horses slaughtered in the US (prior to 2008) over 92% were young and in good physical condition. Slaughter has never been reserved for strictly old horses. Pregnant mares are also slaughtered along with their foals.
As an owner/trainer Mr. Knowlton has a responsibility to the horses that are no longer in his charge. His responsibility is to assist with placement of the horses after they leave the track and support those that are given to rescue groups. I do not know Mr. Knowlton but I hope that his horses mean more to him than just a paycheck.
In addition to improving racing surfaces the industry needs to address the issue of where the horses end up once their racing/breeding days are over. Slaughter is an option that must be taken off the table. I challenge all tracks, owners and breeders to create a fund to help support former racehorses or to provide for euthanasia should the horse no longer have an acceptable quality of life.
I further challenge breeders to breed for substance and longevity and stop pushing young horses beyond their limits. Safer racing surfaces will save lives, but without improving the quality of the Thoroughbred we can only expect that career-ending and fatal injuries will continue to occur.
On Artificial turf considered for Saratoga track