The Racehorse Shelter Nonprofit Venture Essay Example

showcasing their role in eating, sacrificing, worshiping, and battling since ancient times. Horses' significance in mythology often stemmed from real-life events. The evolution of the modern horse took a considerable amount of time. An engraving on bone discovered at Susa from the third millennium BC is one of the earliest documented instances of humans riding horses (Edwards, 1985). As horses gained popularity, they gradually replaced reindeer and were utilized for pulling sleds in Northern Europe.

The use of horses as a mode of transportation replaced other animals and improved hunting efficiency. According to Roberts (1987), the introduction of non-human means of power was a significant historical milestone. Humans have domesticated horses extensively over time, resulting in the extinction of truly wild horses. However, descendants of domesticated horses can still be seen roaming freely today. Breeders who focus on producing Thoroughbred racehorses follow the motto: "Breed the best to the best, and hope for the best."

"Farms across the United States, from California to New York, Florida to Maryland, are endeavoring to replicate the enduring success achieved by Kentucky breeders in producing champion horses. The study of bloodlines is not only crucial for breeders' livelihoods but also a blend of artistic expertise, scientific knowledge, and a touch of luck. A prime example of this is Alydar, who finished second to Affirmed in every race of the 1978 Triple Crown yet went on to sire two Kentucky Derby winners: Alysheba (1987) and Strike the Gold (1991), while Affirmed has not yet sired a Derby winner. In addition, breeders commit to supporting race horse shelters by contributing with each registration of a thoroughbred race horse through the Jockey Association."

The Jockey

Association collects a fee of $200.00 that is sent directly to the shelter for the purpose of supporting the costs of providing food, shelter, and medical care for horses. Additionally, the fee covers salaries for team members. The Thoroughbred breed of horses originated from the Middle East, where Arab rulers centuries ago selectively bred their superior stallions with mares to produce faster and stronger horses.

The pedigree of a horse, which is its family history, is known as its lineage. Shortly after the horse is born, the owner and/or breeder registers it with The Jockey Club, the official organization for record keeping in horse racing. Once the colt (male) or filly (female) comes into the world, the breeder dedicates numerous hours of hard work to prepare the horse for racing. Although the majority of thoroughbreds are born from January to June, they all share a common birthday on January 1. This standardized approach simplifies the process of organizing races based on the age of the horses.

(For example, the Kentucky Derby is limited to three year olds). In the autumn of their first year, young horses are separated from their mother and grouped with other "weanlings" to continue growing and learning. In the following spring, these developing horses, now called "yearlings," start learning the ropes of the racetrack. This involves placing a saddle on their back and training them for a career in racing. The young horses undergo training at their "home" farm or get sent to a training facility to be prepared for riding and eventually racing. Developing a successful racehorse requires a significant amount of time and patience.

The training process for horses involves gradually introducing

them to track life through light jogs and gallops. This helps establish a routine and familiarize them with the track. As training progresses, longer gallops are incorporated to build up their endurance. Eventually, they reach a point where they complete a vigorous mile gallop within two minutes, known as the "two-minute lick".

Upon reaching their second birthday, horses leave behind the relaxed farm lifestyle and begin participating in workouts. These workouts start with a 1/8 mile run, referred to as their initial "blowout", and increase in distance as they approach the transition from the training center to the racetrack.

In modern times, Thoroughbred racehorses typically commence their racing career at two years old (all racehorses share January 1st as their universal birthday). They continue racing until they are no longer competitive or retire for breeding purposes. Despite starting at such a young age, Thoroughbreds do not fully mature until five years old. Therefore, when they begin racing at two or three years old, they are still in their developmental stages like children and teenagers. This period entails significant growth challenges and transformations for the horses.

Despite the large number of two-year-olds that are considered potential favorites for the Kentucky Derby, only a maximum of 20 out of the 35,000 foals born annually in the United States manage to qualify and compete in this prestigious race held on the first Saturday in May. However, even if a horse fails to make it to the Kentucky Derby, there are still numerous opportunities for success on various racetracks.

As horses mature and develop, they typically acquire their own unique racing style. Some excel as frontrunners, while others perform better when coming

from behind. Additionally, certain horses display a preference for either turf or dirt tracks. Nevertheless, there are exceptional horses that can adapt to any race conditions or track type and thrive regardless. Bettors must assess each horse's abilities and compare them with those of other competitors in order to predict how a particular race may unfold.

The trainer holds the utmost importance in a racehorse's life, despite fans often connecting more with the jockey. Trainers earn money by charging owners a daily training rate and receiving a percentage of the owner's winnings when their horse triumphs in a race. They function as coaches for teams, consistently collaborating with various talented horses to produce victorious outcomes. The trainer instructs horses on racing techniques, enhances their speed and stamina, attends to their well-being, and seeks assistance when injuries occur. Each horse possesses a specific level of capability that determines the races they can excel in.

When a trainer begins working with a horse, they assess its level and train it accordingly. For enthusiasts, training is similar to practicing. Horses go through training sessions nearly every morning as they are taken to the racetrack for activities like walking, jogging, galloping, or exercising based on their schedule. The exercises are the standout feature of the training regimen.

Short workouts (under a half mile) aim to improve speed, while longer ones enhance stamina. Like human athletes, horses also face physical issues. The expertise of an experienced trainer plays a crucial role in the career of a horse. Racehorses are naturally fragile, so a vigilant trainer who identifies and treats injuries early can prevent major problems for the horse, owner, and themselves.

Trainers rely on

veterinarians for medical problems at racetracks. These veterinarians travel in their vehicles and provide care to their clients' horses in the barn area. Even after this, trainers are responsible for choosing the races for their horses. They use the condition book, created by the Racing Secretary, to select the appropriate race type for each horse. For instance, a horse that hasn't won yet would be entered in a "maiden" race alongside other non-winners.

"The key to success in horse racing is to surround oneself with good company while keeping the horses in less desirable conditions," as the saying goes among experienced horsemen. While this may seem challenging, some trainers have mastered this skill. For bettors, it is crucial to observe trainers and identify the ones who consistently achieve success. The track program provides a statistics page dedicated to trainers, offering all the necessary information to analyze their performance patterns. Recognizing trainers' streaks of both victories and losses is fundamental for making successful selections at the track. Additionally, whenever a thoroughbred race horse is registered for racing, the trainer contributes $100 to a race horse shelter."

The race track collects $00 and sends it directly to the shelter, which helps cover the costs of providing food, shelter, and medical care for the horses. The fee also supports the salaries of the team members.

During morning training sessions, jockeys typically receive their mounts in races. To secure the best horse for each race, a jockey hires an agent who works for a percentage of the jockey's winnings. However, this agent faces challenges when multiple trainers want the jockey for the same race.

Just like any bettor, the jockey's agent

handicaps the horses and chooses the most likely winner for their rider. Racing on a Thoroughbred at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour for a mile or more requires incredible athleticism and concentration. The best jockeys are skilled strategists and adept at maximizing their mounts' abilities. They also possess knowledge about the other horses in the race. Adding to the physical demands of racing, jockeys must also maintain a specific weight range, typically between 100 and 115 pounds.

Strict dieting and conditioning programs are a constant concern for the majority of riders. The jockeys will serve as caregivers and exercisers for the horses residing at the race horse shelter, and they will be salaried employees of the team. After their racing careers end, many jockeys struggle to find employment. However, the race horse shelter will offer job opportunities for these retired jockeys. The racehorse industry has shown significant success and has had a notable influence on the market as a whole.

According to a 2003 summary report from Louisiana State University, the horse industry had several successes and contributions. The report stated that there were 1,178 breeders who owned 10,161 mares, resulting in the production of 5,971 foals that were sold for $35.8 million in 2003. These breeders also owned 1,977 stallions that were bred to 5,313 mares, earning $13.3 million in stud fees. Overall, the racehorse production generated a total income of $49 million.

In 2003, the total value of racehorses owned by 2,229 racehorse owners was $109 million. Additionally, their activities had an overall impact of $158.1 million.

The show and competition horse industry consists of 2,600 breeders who possess 7,847 mares that gave birth

to 4,901 foals. These foals were then sold for a total of $14.7 million. Additionally, these breeders own 718 stallions which bred 8,351 mares. This resulted in $12.5 million in income from stud fees. Overall, the total income generated from the production of show and competition horses was $27.2 million. Furthermore, there are 4,634 owners who participate in competitions with their 14,901 horses, which are collectively valued at $59.6 million.

The total economic impact of the show and competition horse industry is $86.8 million. A significant portion of the horse industry is focused on recreational activities, such as using horses for comfort, exercise, and enjoyment. In 2003, approximately 20% (8,570 individuals) of recreational horse owners bred a total of 21,554 mares and sold 11,392 foals, generating a revenue of $17.1 million. These horse owners also possessed 933 stallions that were bred with 5,924 mares, resulting in $592,400 in income from stud fees.

The recreational horse industry generated a total income of $17.6 million in 2003. Additionally, there were 25,453 recreational horse owners who collectively owned 61,366 horses valued at $61 million. In Louisiana alone, there were 129,022 registered horses, owned by 45,331 horsemen, with a combined value of $324 million. Furthermore, an extra 70,000 grade and other equines were owned by 25,000 individuals, contributing a substantial $210 million impact on the economy.

According to LSU, the horse industry in Louisiana has a significant economic impact. It not only involves the production and maintenance of horses but also generates a substantial amount of money. The four racetracks alone employ 3,000 people and contribute approximately $1 billion in annual expenses. Additionally, the show and competition sector hosts about 500

events each year, resulting in $12.5 million in expenditures. When considering the value of horses, expenses related to their care, and various associated activities, it is estimated that the overall impact of the horse industry in Louisiana reaches $1.6 billion annually. Therefore, it appears that the industry is experiencing positive growth.

Improved regulation is essential for the horse industry, particularly in establishing proper business ethics. The presence of sound business ethics plays a vital role in achieving success within organizations. As part of their corporate strategy, businesses involved in the horse industry should actively support legislation that effectively safeguards consumers, business owners, and horses. In the United Kingdom, a law was put into effect on 31 December 2003 requiring all horses to possess a passport; similar regulations exist in other European countries.

Previously, horse owners registered horses voluntarily for those born after 1 January 1998. The new rule now mandates that all horses, especially those bred for slaughter and consumption, must have a passport detailing their veterinary medicine history. This requirement prevents certain medicines from entering the human food chain. Additionally, it is a more effective method of controlling overbreeding in specific areas (Defra, 2002). Policies like these serve as valuable guidelines for conducting business, ensuring managers adopt proper strategies across the industry. Organizations must uphold these business ethics and rights not only for employees but also for livestock in the agriculture or farm industry. This safeguards their needs, promotes a friendly working environment, and boosts the industry.

According to Jonash (2005), managers should recognize that there will be challenges in implementing principles that contribute to organizational success. He advises business owners to be prepared for the difficulties

that come with making tough decisions and strategies. Achieving short, medium, and long-term success is not easy and there are no quick fixes to organizational problems. Managers should be willing to follow tested and proven strategies, even if they appear difficult to implement. The aforementioned statistics indicate that the system is working well in the US and can improve further with the adoption of proper policies and procedures in the racehorse industry. Slaughterhouses have a history of slaughtering horses that are no longer useful or in poor health condition for consumption. The origins of horse slaughter dates back to the 8th century when Pope Gregorio III condemned the consumption of horse meat as abominable (Martuzzi et. al.).

, n.d.). He also proclaimed those who consume it as unclean individuals. Nevertheless, horse meat remains widely prevalent today. Those who incorporate horsemeat into their diet acquire large quantities of the butchered meat (House of Commons Hansard, 2002). Horses are slaughtered for their meat and marketed in France, Belgium, Holland, Japan, and Italy.

The horse slaughtering houses, which are found in abundance in Europe and America, are the primary source of this issue. The prohibition on selling horse meat was established in 1928, but the subsequent repeal of this law may have led to the rise of horse slaughtering houses. From 1995 to 2000, both the number of horse slaughtering houses and horse consumption experienced an increase.

In 1999, a decline in the trend was identified, primarily due to BSE, an animal meat-related disease. Furthermore, in 2005, approximately 100,000 horses were slaughtered annually in the United States, with 20,000 exported alive to countries such as Japan, Mexico, and Canada (Meszoly, 2006;

Reeves, n.d.).

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act was implemented to put an end to horse slaughter for human consumption. On August 2, 2007, an amendment to the 2008 Agriculture Appropriations bill was approved as another step to prevent horse slaughter and eradicate its past, present, and future actions. The Humane Society defines "humane" as showing mercy, sympathy, and benevolence (HSI Europe, 2008).

The humane society is a collective effort of an association to promote mercy and kindness among the local people, not only towards their fellow humans but also towards all living beings in the vicinity. This includes animals, birds, and even plants at times. The modern humane societies also address the issue of altering animal genes through genetic engineering for experimental purposes. The main goal of humane societies is to prevent cruel and inhumane behavior towards both humans and animals.

Today, humane societies for animal protection are commonly known as "societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA’s)" (HSI Europe, 2008). The primary goal of these organizations is to prevent cruelty against animals. Just because animals are unable to articulate their needs and speak out against the abuse they endure, it does not give humans the right to exploit them and rationalize their cruel actions. Other significant objectives include addressing issues related to animal shelter, adoption, and euthanasia.

Euthanasia is used to address the issue of unwanted animals and prevent overcrowding in animal shelters. However, some SPCA organizations have a policy of not euthanizing animals, except for extreme situations. Internationally and nationally, numerous organizations fight for the rights of wildlife and work animals, as they face mistreatment from poachers, smugglers, hunters, and those who exploit

them for economic gain. The history of humane societies dates back to England, but countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand quickly established their own.Henry Burgh established the first humane society in the United States, called the "American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)," in 1866 in New York. In 1877, the Humane Society of the United States and American Humane were founded as a network of local organizations aimed at preventing cruelty to both children and animals (HSI Europe, 2008). Numerous other local organizations were also created with similar goals, such as ensuring animal safety, providing sanctuaries and adoption opportunities for animals, and addressing the issue of unwanted animals through controversial methods like euthanasia or implementing a "no kill" policy (HSI Europe, 2008).

No kill means reducing euthanasia to certain circumstances. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Humane Society, founded in 1774, was the first humane society that recognized and rewarded individuals for rescuing or reviving human lives. The Glasgow Humane Society, following the footsteps of the Royal Humane Society, was established in Glasgow, Scotland in 1790.

Since then it has been acting as an organization for the" prevention, rescue and recovery group set up for Greater Glasgow, Scotland (HSI Europe, 2008).

An organization specifically for animal rights was established in 1824, called the "Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to animals (RSPCA), followed by Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to animals (SSCPA) and Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to animals (USCPA).

An organization for treating animal illnesses and injuries of wildlife and the pets and working animals of the local poor people, known as the People’s Dispensary for Sick animals, was

founded in 1917 (HSI Europe, 2008).

Canada: The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is a federation which represents a total of 123 humane societies across Canada. However, in 1869 in Montreal, the first ever humane society of Canada was established, known as the Canadian SPCA (HSI Europe, 2008).

Australia: The first Australian SPCA was founded in 1871 in Victoria based on British RSPCA.

Later, similar organizations were established in other states including Tasmania in 1872, New South Wales in 1873, Queensland in 1883, and Western Australia in 1892. These organizations, however, were not connected to the RSPCA in the UK and were granted the Royal Warrant in 1956. In order to advocate for animal issues at the federal government level, the Australian RSPCA was founded in 1981 (HSI Europe, 2008). In Dunedin, New Zealand, the first SPCA was established in 1882, followed by the formation of other similar organizations shortly after.

Later they all combined into a union known as the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to work for unified goals and objectives (HSI Europe, 2008). Many SPCA's are also running successfully on an international scale, mostly in European countries. Humane Society International (HSI) is an eminent US-based SPCA that has been working successfully in Europe since 1990 (HSI Europe, 2008). At present, there are many non-profit organizations for horse rescue, all sharing the same goals and objectives. These organizations aim to rescue, rehabilitate, provide foster care, and create a positive environment for abandoned, abused, neglected, or retired horses and equines at risk of slaughter. Each non-profit organization for horse rescue has its own history. In the past, horses and equines were used

for transportation. However, in the 1950s, as motorized vehicles became more practical and affordable, horses were replaced by these faster and lower-maintenance vehicles.

Due to this situation, numerous horses were abandoned and neglected, leading to their slaughter. Consequently, a non-profit horse rescue organization called HorseWorld was established in 1952 to care for the working horses that lost their jobs to motorized vehicles (HorseWorld, 2008).

In several states of America like Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming, many wild horses or mustangs, more accurately referred to as feral horses, freely roam on public lands. However, the population of mustangs has been decreasing over time. Mustangs are descendants of domestic horses that arrived in America during Christopher Columbus' voyage in 1493 (Lifesavers Inc., 1997). Many of these horses became free-roaming after being set free or escaping from early explorers and native tribes.

To protect and rescue these horses, the Wild Free-roaming Horse and Burro Act was passed by Congress in 1971. Various non-profit horse rescue organizations have emerged to safeguard, manage, and control wild free-roaming horses on public lands.

Among these organizations, the Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue stands out. Countless other non-profit organizations strive to safeguard and rescue not just horses, but also dogs and cats facing perilous circumstances. The true significance lies in these organizations offering these animals an opportunity for an improved existence. In doing so, they exemplify a deep regard for the well-being and fair treatment of animals. Additionally, equine rescue serves as a preferable alternative to horse slaughter.

The challenge presented by the fact that many rescue facilities rely on donations is that regulations may pose obstacles. It is important to avoid sending horses to slaughter simply because

they have become useless. Instead of overcrowding rescue facilities, it may be considered a better option to terminate these horses. This study aims to evaluate the necessity of providing an alternative to slaughtering racehorses. The focus is on rehabilitating the horses and giving them a purposeful life. The study involves surveying breeders, trainers, jockeys, and race track owners. The survey includes both qualitative and quantitative questions and aims to determine the need for additional resources for racehorses who can have a successful life beyond the racetrack. Both horseracing and horse slaughter are industries involving the use of horses, with both private and public sector companies having some involvement in either area.

Debate exists regarding the ethics of horseracing and horse slaughtering for consumption, as with any other animal group. Concerns are raised about the ethics of slaughtering horses that were previously used in the horseracing industry but are no longer useful to their owners due to various reasons, such as being diseased, injured, or ill with little chance of recovery. To prevent complete loss, racehorse owners sell these unwanted horses to slaughterers. There are individuals who strongly oppose horse slaughtering.

Horsemeat holds a similar status as the meat of other large animals like buffalo, goat, sheep, and pig in both America and European countries. As horsemeat remains a desirable part of the diet for people across the United States and Europe, the slaughter industry has its place. While some individuals oppose horse slaughtering, there are others who have no qualms about consuming horsemeat. Likewise, objections arise regarding horse racing, mainly due to concerns about animal cruelty and the administration of harmful substances and steroids to enhance performance.

The

horse industry is faced with a particularly challenging issue: the slaughter of horses that are no longer profitable in horseracing. This has sparked a debate that is raising doubts about the sustainability of the equine industry and leaving shareholders uncomfortable. Both the racehorse and slaughter industries are operating at maximum capacity both in the US and globally. In order to excel in business and cater to buyers and consumers, it is essential for these industries, whether private or public, to implement effective management strategies through proper training. Additionally, there is a growing concern about the welfare and appropriate treatment of horses, particularly since their primary use is for racing.

Despite the racecourse being the intended destination for horses, it cannot be ignored that the slaughterhouse becomes the eventual home for horses that are unfit for racing. The number of such unfit horses and slaughterhouses continues to grow each year. Both public and private sectors in the slaughter industry acquire these unwanted horses. Traditionally, the hunter-jumper market has been a primary destination for former racehorses without muscular-skeletal issues, while some standard-bred racehorses are repurposed for driving carriages. Horses that suffer career-ending injuries are no longer useful to their owners and are considered unwanted.

According to figures provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it is evident that the majority of horses (92.3%) that are slaughtered are actually in good health and not neglected.

An overwhelming majority of Americans and members of Congress oppose the slaughtering of horses for human consumption (HSUS, 2007). One solution to deal with these unwanted horses is to slaughter them and distribute their meat for consumption. The exact number of horses in this category is

unknown, but research suggests that around 100,000 horses are sent to slaughterhouses annually in the USA. However, the actual number of unwanted horses is likely much higher than reported. Keeping horses for farm use can be expensive for owners, particularly in terms of maintenance costs for food, waste disposal, and land use.

The horse slaughter industry appears to be the most appealing choice for dealing with these horses.