Act locally - Change globally

[dray33]

The problems we are facing with our sport today are only here because we, over the long-haul, suck. Somewhat worthless and impotent to boot. Not each of us separately, but collectively and as a sport, our leaders have been either lunatics or business-as-usual types... and we/I haven't been vocal enough to cause change. So now, after the Eight Belles tragedy, our words just seem so hollow and empty. Decades of lethargic "do-nothing-ism" has reduced us to reactionaries. Blah blah, here's what we need, more of this, less of that, maybe we aughtta... and then *poof*, nothing. Uniform drug regulations, control the use of the whip, regulate vets, safer racing surfaces, slow down the breeze times at juvenille sales, better breeding practices, outlaw steroid usage, blah blah. If we truly did everything we could for the welfare of the horse, then when things like this happen, we are backed with the fortitude of years of doing whatever it takes to make the horses safer. Statistically, we should be improving the breed, and the lives of these animals. We're not.

I know that far more horses die from colic than on the race track. I know that many of our horses get exceptional care. I know that the people on this forum, and many other forums LOVE their animals. When a horse dies, even ones that have lived 30 years, I am forever impressed that on one forum, or all forums, we pay homage to the fallen, grieve when others have forgotten. We are not heartless &*$'s who breed, sell and race just to abuse animals. And yet look at the situation we face now. So tell me, friends... Who's in charge? Does anyone know? I don't. Who leads US? Who is our PETA? I have always been a bit of a "decision junkie", meaning I would rather someone in charge make educated choices rather than languish in more of the old bull*^^%. Who do we have?

Excerpt From the TDN of 5/08/2008 page 8:

RACING'S RUDDERLESS SHIP

"The real problem with the horse industry is that nobody is in charge. We are a rudderless ship and the way we are going, we will end up on the rocks. Our ship has many captains, and they all have a different agenda... We are composed of too many "fiefdoms" and each one is led by a nero-like chieftain who had rather do things his way then help the cause as a whole... How many fiefdoms are there? You can start with each and every state which has its own racing commission and its own chairman. Then you have the Jockey Club, the NTRA, the Jockeys Guild, the HBPA the TOBA, the Breeders Cup, the American Horse Council the AVMA, the AAEP, KEEP and the KTA, the TRA and on it goes. There are dozens of organization in addition to the states, and getting them to all work toward the same end is like trying to steer a herd of stampeding buffaloes. It is impossible and cannot be done except in one way-and one way alone."

I have seen some very promising signs over the past few days, as if something is about to happen... I read the Recommendations of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit document, it seemed very smart. I look forward to the upcoming between with the Jockey Club and NTRA and many of racings elite ( http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/45103.htm ). Let's hope they can get things rolling. Besides being an exceptional filly, maybe the legacy of Eight Belles will be: she was the horse that sparked national change for the betterment of the thoroughbred. That would be okay with me.

One last thing, then I will vacate the soapbox, sorry for the interruption . I understand the "think globally - act locally" mentality. I try to do that, and I know many of us do. So maybe we should use the greatest social tool known in history to try and effect change. Maybe we should flex our muscle using the internet as our communications tool. Do we support the Regulations set forth by the previous summit meeting, or the new one? Over the next few days I will look into what can be done, making calls and asking questions. Maybe someone can help or guide me as I dig deeper. Any ideas? PM me if you're interested. Maybe together we can make a difference. Maybe not, but I'm gonna try. Best to all...

Here is the link to the the Recommendations of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit document:
http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/summitDisplay.asp

[Equipoise28]

Over the past few days I have been venting on this board (sorry everybody) that the industry needs to do something about the increasing number of breakdowns that are affecting the image of the sport. The Jockey Club/NTRA commission is a good start that I hope leads to a better future for racing.

Good luck to you, Dray.

[majxmom]

The problem is, the last time we had a "commissioner," he sucked off a huge amount of money and had zero power to do anything. It was absolutely and totally a failed experiment. It would great if the idea worked, but I've still got a bad taste in my mouth about it.

[MaryAinMI]

Dray - I am so with you on this. Nothing is more important than getting a ruling national body with the power to mandate rules for the entire racing industry. Trying to do it one track or one state at a time (doesn't mean I'm not gonna try - especially with the new thoroughbred track opening up here near Detroit in July) is almost certain to fail because every track and State that tries to mandate a change the owners or trainers there don't like runs the risk of those trainers and owners leaving for other tracks. Then the track or State that wanted to make the change can't fill it's racing cards and, effectively, is punished for trying to be proactive.

It is so incredibly important that we not let up on the pressure on the industry. In their calls to action, the most recent Summit for the Welfare of the Racehorse named as number 1 the adoption of the policy that every decision by the industry (I'm paraphrasing) be made with the welfare of the horse being paramount.

That Summit included breeders, owners, trainers, tracks, vets, everyone from the industry.

They either mean what they say or they don't. It's definitely time to insist the Summit decisions be acted upon.

Everyone, please do whatever you can to help the horse racing industry be the great sporting industry it can be.

[madelyn]

The first step might be to ban steroids.

[MaryAinMI]

The banning of steroids would be GREAT, but I'd like them to ban every single drug. And trainers found to be drugging illegally should have MUCH harsher penalties.

[dray33]

The first step might be to ban steroids.

Agreed. Although it doesn't have to be a full ban. If your horse needs (could benefit from the administration of) steroids, you should be allowed to use them. But naturally, using them should also mean your horse needs some time off. 60 day mandatory layoff? Don't know/care, as long as the horse in the race tests free of them.

[madelyn]

I agree. However, bad medicine, like Castor Oil, is best administered in small doses. Trying to an ALL performance enhancing or pain masking drugs in a fell swoop would very likely be squashed. It might be accomplished one step at a time.

[spex4me]

don't know if you guys already viewed this but I had put it in my favorites folder and thought you might find some benefit.
I like Rep Whitfield, even if he's a repub.

http://opinions.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=44131

[MaryAinMI]

The only problem I have with the national legislature getting into the act is the overlay of lobbyists they would have to deal with.

The entity that mandates the rules has to be utterly free of pressure from special interests.

JMO

[ratherrapid]

I'd say we need to keep the eyes on the ball. There are a lot of sub-issues brought up that have zero to do with the death of Eight Belles. i had to get off my own soap box and deleted my first post. If I have anything to add its that the real problem is how do you train a horse to avoid fractures. It can be done. And, this imo is what needs to be looked at.

[dray33]

If I have anything to add its that the real problem is how do you train a horse to avoid fractures. It can be done. And, this imo is what needs to be looked at.

The Recommendations of the Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit agrees with you. Point Four: Develop Continuing Education Programs for Trainers. The idea of how "best" to train a horse (a very good point), is fraught with OPINION and interpretation. Even how the trainer uses medications. Thats why it needs regulation.

I'd say we need to keep the eyes on the ball. There are a lot of sub-issues brought up that have zero to do with the death of Eight Belles. i had to get off my own soap box and deleted my first post.

This is not up for interpretation. Addressing things like track take-out, medications, etc... has nothing to do with Eight Belles. But it's the issues that damage the sport, and are brought out into the spotlight when something tragic happens. I don't know why it takes tragedy to make a difference, to get people off their tush, but it does. These are not secondary issues, they are exactly what the sport should have addressed years ago, but continue to drag it's tail. We're like the FAA waiting for an accident before fixing a design flaw on an aircraft. Like shooting someone and then yelling "HALT! POLICE!"

Like you said, keep the eyes on the ball. But instead of watching the pitch fly by, lets try swinging for the fences.

[dray33]

Things are looking up. I left a message, and Mr. Waldrop of the NTRA actually returned my call. They are of course under deluge, I appreciate that he took the time. Seems like a decent sort. I am going to email him and see how I can help. He seems very aware of the problems we face as an industry... including the lack of speed by which we implement change.

[Turn-To Fan]

Thank you for taking this on! Please keep us posted if you need any help.

[MaryAinMI]

He seems very aware of the problems we face as an industry... including the lack of speed by which we implement change.

That is so encouraging to me! Yes, please keep us posted.