Horse racing is one of the world’s oldest and most beloved sports, having been practiced throughout history by various civilizations. Both spectator and betting industries enjoy it; its basic principle remains unchanged throughout time – any horse that crosses the finish line first is declared the victor. While over time this form has developed from simple two horse contests into complex spectacles with large fields of runners, sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment, and massive sums of money involved, its core integrity remains undiminished.
Horses are powerful animals with instinctive protective instincts and understand self-preservation, yet horses found on racetracks are subjected to human riders on their backs who use whips to force the animals at breakneck speeds at which many injuries and deaths result. Unfortunately, these races will continue until an industry-wide cultural shift takes place that changes how it all occurs.
Restructuring will require both macro-business and industry levels, as well as individual stable levels; this will involve an introspective reckoning among horsemen and women as well as an overhaul in how horseracing is run, from breeding, training and race-day care. It will take public pressure for this monumental undertaking to happen.
There has been much discussion in the press regarding how journalists should cover elections differently–particularly when reporting polling data, an approach known as “horse race journalism” by critics who claim news outlets place too much focus on two candidates jockeying for top position at the expense of primary candidates and third party candidates. Yet another horse race can provide journalists with lessons: steeplechase racing history.
A steeplechase is a long-distance endurance race featuring obstacles for horses to jump over. Often considered one of the most difficult and dangerous horse races, requiring speed, stamina, agility and stamina from both horse and rider to successfully complete. Dating back as far as 5th century BC with modern technology improving the obstacles’ sturdiness but remaining an extremely demanding test of both physical and mental stamina; steeplechases remain popular sports today!
