(04-06-2014, 03:11 AM)LPC Wrote: Catherine, the danger is mostly that the horses have to jump hedges and in past years it was commonplace for several to have to be euthanised because of injuries resulting from falls. Sometimes, the falls were not fatal, but the owners just didn't want to pay expensive vet bills for treatment, knowing that the horse could not race any more and would therefore be (in their view) a financial liability.
The course was revised a year or so ago and this has resulted in fewer horses being euthanised, but I still don't like the Grand National.
No I don't like it either. I had forgotten it was Grand National as I don't have a TV.
To my view, it is just an example of the human tendency to use animals without true concern for them, in order to make money, or for a commercial venture. Animal Rights pressure has forced the organisers to consider the safety of the horses more than they used to. But without that pressure, I truly doubt there would have been much change, sadly.
"Oh we have to do it. It's a Tradition." We hear again and again, when animals get the dirty end of the stick, and are subjected to humans' will. Usually, we find, this has to do with either money, or inability/refusal to empathise, and a shutting down of feelings. Or often, both. In my opinion, owners/trainers/organisers shedding tears over broken horses is not good enough
