A horse race is a competition between humans and horses in which each is driven by its jockey or driver, known as jockeying or driving. Competing requires skill and physical ability as well as being an exciting spectacle to watch. Horse racing has long been popular around the world; sprints and long distance races alike feature in various forms across multiple nations; some races measure speed while others test stamina; also important are trainers, jockeys and owners as part of its essence.
As the first step of horse training for racing, selecting one with an ideal build should be your priority. A horse must possess certain attributes – size and gait type are crucial in competing at higher levels – in addition to possessing an impeccable pedigree established by its sire and dam.
Once a horse has been chosen for racing, it must undergo extensive training and conditioning in order to prepare it for its big day. Racehorses often push themselves beyond their limits during races, leading to injuries which often prove fatal for them. Horse injuries during horse races are all too often caused by excessive wear on feet, poor track conditions or lack of exercise – factors which often play into this equation.
Horses trained to race at high speeds are often given both legal and illegal drugs to ease pain, prevent injuries, and give an edge against competitors. Some are calling for the ban of horse racing due to this practice, citing this use of drugs as one of their key arguments against it.
Some drugs are even being taken by horses to increase speed, which can have serious repercussions for their health. One such medication used on race horses to increase speed is Lasix; this drug has been known to lead to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage which poses great dangers.
Even with its many criticisms, horse racing remains widely practiced in the US and other countries. To understand horse racing’s many complexities without being misled by media-promoted myths and falsehoods is essential. There are numerous online resources that provide useful information about this form of entertainment; these sites can help make informed decisions on attending or not attending horse races as well as give updates about current news and events taking place in horse racing as well as its history over time.