What Happens During a Horse Race?
A horse race is a competitive event in which humans ride horses to win wagers. The event is most commonly contested over flat distances of one to four miles, although it can also be held over jumps. It is a popular sport in many countries and is a major source of income for the horse industry.
During a horse race, jockeys sit on the back of the horses they are riding and guide them through turns and speed changes. They also communicate with the horses through hand signals. The jockeys are often wearing colorful uniforms and use special whips and padded stirrups to help them ride the horse better.
The sport of horse racing has a long history, with some of the world’s most famous races such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Melbourne Cup being run over distances of one to two miles. Most races, however, are run over a distance of less than one mile, and are considered tests of speed rather than stamina.
Most races are held in horse-racing facilities, which have stables for the horses and a track. The facility must be licensed by a government agency in order to hold a race. It is important to ensure that the facility is inspected regularly, since horses are susceptible to injury and disease from conditions in the barns. The track must also be in good condition to provide a safe course for the horses.
For a horse to be eligible to race, it must have a pedigree that shows it is of the required breed. In addition, horses must be able to trot or pace a mile in a certain time to qualify for the race. These horses are called Standardbreds.
To improve the chance of winning, jockeys may apply a special substance on the horses’ legs to make them look more alert and glossy. This substance is known as a “shining powder” and is typically applied just before the race starts. This helps the horses to attract more attention from spectators, and it also helps them appear more appealing to potential investors.
During the race, jockeys use their whips to spur their horses on and encourage them to keep up the pace. They may also use the whip to discourage other horses from passing them, and they may kick a horse that is out of control or showing bad behavior.
Some trainers train their own horses while others hire catch drivers to drive them during races. The catch driver is not a professional jockey but has a license from the horse racing authority to drive the horses for them. In the United States, the catch drivers are employed by the track owners while in Europe, trainers employ them.
The concept of naturalness has a critical role in thoroughbred racing discourse and is used to guide breeding regulations and influence the horses’ husbandry, handling, training and racing practices. Using semi-structured interviews and photo-elicitation, this study explored how key industry and animal advocacy informants conceptualised naturalness in relation to common racing practices that potentially impact the animals’ welfare.