Looking for thoughts on Eight Belles especially from you horse people.

It is awful what we do to animals in the name of entertainment. These animals are bred for speed, disregarding what we are doing to the animal itself. Eight Belles should have never died. Neither should all the horses that have come before her. The only highlight to her death is that it is now spotlighting the cruelty of racing. Sure maybe they like to run, but to be run to death, I don't think so. If a horse runs to run great, but it should not be done with someone forcing them past their boundaries. It should not be done for entrainment, sport, or profit. These horses have no say in participating, and should not be exploited in this way. Horse racing as a sport should end, let the poor horses run on their own terms.

I think it's just absolutely horrific, it brought me to tears when I saw it. It brings to light 2 things, #1, they are most definately and without a single doubt started way too early, most horses don't even get someone on the saddle at the age they are racing, and #2, since it's a racehorse, there was not even one single thought to see if maybe she could have survived, they just immediately euthanized her. Maybe that was the right thing, I don't know, but in a race world's eyes, since she can't race anymore she's good for nothing and wasn't even given the chance, and I think that is a terrible tragedy in itself. And yes, I am a horse owner.

Race horses are bred for specific qualities - qualities that 'man' wants, not what is good for the horse. Look at what "man" has done to the popular dog of the time! Now think about carrying a 2000 pound body on legs with ankles that are no bigger than yours! I cry for the horse and I have nothing but distain for the breeders and their like. It has to stop somewhere. Animal usury is rampant, breeders are out of control with their 'wants' and the only one who pays for this is the animal.

There are reputable breeders, but, as long as the mighty dollar is involved, there are too many that would 'breed' for specifics instead of taking the animal into consideration first.

As a past owner of a horse, I find it hard to believe that you can make a horse do anything that it doesn't want to do. I am also upset over the terrible outcome. I agree with what some are saying that they are breeding for speed, and not endurance. Horses aren't racing as many races as they did years ago because of the huge stud fees that can be had.

Last time I was at the track the horse died in the winners circle and was dragged off by a tracter. Haven't be there since. I don't own a horse, but I like to ride and love horses. I think they are the most beautiful and graceful animals. I know they love to run, but sometimes I wonder if racing like that under so much pressure is something they really like.