Horse racing is more than just a sport; it’s a rich tradition steeped in elegance and spectacle. From ancient chariot races to modern-day events, the sport continues to draw in millions of fans for a chance to place a bet and enjoy an afternoon at the track. But the race can also be brutal, with countless horses suffering injuries and even death as a result of the demands placed on them. The enduring popularity of the sport is a testament to the human and equine spirit.

The racetrack, the location of the race, and the weather can all greatly impact a horse’s performance. A muddy track, for example, can slow the horses down significantly. Likewise, a dry track will allow the horses to run faster. The type of surface the race is run on, whether dirt or synthetic, can affect a horse’s footing as well.

A jockey’s riding style can significantly impact the outcome of a race, as can a trainer’s feeding and training methods. Horses are also subject to a number of superstitions and long-held traditions. For instance, some horses are believed to be lucky if they wear certain colors or follow specific routines before a race. And the winner’s circle, the area where the winning horse and its jockey are celebrated after the race, holds a lot of meaning for many in the racing world.

According to the advocacy group Horseracing Wrongs, over 10,311 horses have been killed at U.S. tracks and training facilities since 2014. This figure, though staggering, is not surprising to casual racing fans. In the same way that baseball, football, or gymnastics are often treated as a violent spectacle that’s not inherently harmful to people but is nevertheless “entertaining,” so too is horse racing under current rules.

As with any sport, there is a great deal of money at stake in the horse racing industry. And the pressure to win can lead to dangerously high doses of drugs, which can have serious health effects for the animals.

But it’s not just the narcotics that can harm racehorses, but the stress of being confined in a small space with other horses that are constantly attempting to assert dominance over them. This can cause them to develop mental problems, including obsessive compulsive behavior like biting or cribbing. These coping mechanisms are a result of the horses’ unnatural training and confinement and can lead to physical and psychological suffering.

The most common types of injuries in horse racing include lameness (limbs that are unable to move), fractures, and cuts from whip strikes. Injuries can also lead to a horse being retired from the game, which can be emotionally devastating for the animal and its handlers.