Quote:
Originally Posted by v j stauffer
I've been around gate schooling hundreds of times. These sessions can often times be even more dangerous than the starts in the afternoon.
In my 45 years of observing this work I have NEVER witnessed animal abuse in any shape form or manner.
I have seen multiple instances and examples of just how dangerous "schooling" can be in the form of horrible injuries to horses, exercise riders and assistants.
However the work goes on so the bettors can be afforded the cleanest and fairest possible starts to the races in the afternoon.
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I believe you...but after reading post #60 of this thread, am I forgiven for getting a little queasy in the stomach area? Look...I've been a horseplayer for almost as long as you've been...and I have no delusions about the "realities" of the sport, in front or BEHIND the scenes. It's a cruel sport...and these horses are bred solely as "money-making mechanisms". But when we see a sorry spectacle such as this one here, the stark reality of the game slaps us right in the face...and a sour taste forms in our mouth. How could it be otherwise?
