‘Frequently Asserted Nonsense’ in the Horseracing Industry
Posted on October 10, 2025
With 6 thoroughbred deaths on New Zealand tracks in the last six weeks, and 46 horses injured, we’re turning the spotlight again on horseracing. Those who campaign hard for the end of this cruel ‘sport’, including Elin Arbez, hear the same comments over and again from those who defend this Industry. This is her response.
Elin is an animal rights advocate who works in the Healthcare Industry.
Often when I post about horse racing, the same barrage of repetitive, inane comments gallop in from industry members and defenders. If I spent my time and energy replying to each comment individually, my brain cells might deplete to the point where I actually start enjoying horse racing myself. So, to preserve what’s left of my sanity, I’ve compiled this guide to the most Frequently Asserted Nonsense that we’re constantly subjected to.
“Horses love to race”Horses are herd animals who enjoy running together for short bursts in open spaces – not under whips, pushed to their physical limits. What they “love” is movement, not competition or coercion.
“This is what they’re bred to do”Breeding for performance doesn’t make the use ethical. We once bred circus elephants, and dancing bears for human entertainment, too. Being bred for something doesn’t equal consent to it.
“It’s tradition”Many traditions, from animal fighting to child labor, have ended because we learned better. Tradition isn’t justification for continued harm.
“They wouldn’t exist without racing”That’s not an argument for exploitation; it’s an argument against breeding animals into a system that depends on exploiting them to survive.
“What would happen to all the horses if racing stopped?”The majority of horses at risk exist because of the racing industry’s constant breeding cycle. If racing phased out, breeding would slow, and existing horses could be rehomed or retired. The real issue isn’t ending racing – it’s overproduction for profit.
“Injuries and deaths are no different than those that happen in human sports”Human athletes choose their risks. Horses don’t. Six horses died in six weeks already this season. They can’t opt out, sign a waiver, or understand why they’re being pushed beyond their limits.
“We love our horses”Genuine care doesn’t include forcing animals to race, whip use, or sending them to slaughter when they stop earning. Love respects life, not profit.
“You’re scaring the horses by protesting”Protest signs are only held for passing traffic between races. When horses are present, I’m quietly taking photos and videos. Horses are far more distressed by the noise, whips, and confinement of the starting gates than by my silent presence.
“Get a job/Get a life”Like most animal advocates, I am employed. A full life includes compassion, and speaking out against cruelty is a moral obligation.
“Protesting is not effective”Every major social change, from civil rights to environmental reform, faced that same criticism until it succeeded. Protests raise awareness, shift culture, and put pressure on systems that rely on silence. If protest wasn’t effective, industries wouldn’t try so hard to silence it.
“You’ll never stop it”Many once said the same about whaling, circuses, and greyhound racing. Cultural change happens slowly, then suddenly. Persistence, not silence, is what ends exploitation.
“There are bigger problems in the world”Systemic cruelty toward animals reflects how we treat vulnerability in general. Compassion isn’t limited, caring about one injustice strengthens our response to others.
There is no excuse for animal abuse. For more information on what really lies behind the Horseracing Industry go to http://horseracingkills.com
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