Horse Jump Racing Ban Clears Another Hurdle in Australia

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2009-12-04 07:00:00 UTC
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The Australian state of Victoria finally responded to the deaths of 20 horses in a two year period by putting an end to steeplechase and hurdle racing. When the ban goes into effect after the 2010 season, South Australia will be the only state left in the country that still allows the sport.

On a flat field, grass and mud make for an unpredictable and dangerous surface, especially at racing speeds. Unsound breeding and training to a point of brutal intensity also contribute to the potential for injury and death. When hurdles are added to the equation, the risks of serious injury and death are multiplied.

In addition, the jumping industry in Australia is especially inhumane. The climate and speed makes the track even more dangerous than it is in other countries. Also, Australian jumps horses are almost always animals bred to race on flat ground, then sent to jump once their racing careers were over, as a final attempt by owners to squeeze every last competitive dollar out of the horse -- at the horse's expense.

The RSPCA has been campaigning against jump racing for over 30 years and, recently, the public has become increasingly disenchanted with the sport. Earlier this year, a review of the industry led to new safety recommendations, but even after those were adopted, another eight horses died. The government responded quickly with an investigation, which led to the ban.

So far, South Australia isn't following suit. In fact, they're hoping to attract the soon-to-be trackless trainers and horses from Victoria. Hopefully, once they're the last hurdle standing, South Australia will realize the sport isn't worth it.

Photo credit: Jason Trommetter

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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