IT’S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE STOOD UP FOR THE HORSES

I SUSPECT Karen Matthews is going to be inundated from both directions on this topic.

I’ve never written in before but just wanted to thank you for putting forward this perspective and including the horrifying statistics on racehorse deaths on the track.

There is also the sad background of the large number of horses dying in training, unseen by the public, or being sent to the knackers for having persistent injuries.

I find the facts of horse racing are generally unpopular and those of us who stand up for horse welfare are referred to as “bleeding hearts” etc.

As a former horse rider and trained therapist in equine therapy I am very aware of the magnificence and intelligence of horses, and how they strive to do what we ask of them.

It’s so sad that they are dying in the process, and lets be blunt, the whole industry is a huge money making exercise for the owners, trainers, jockeys, bookies, sponsors, and sometimes the gamblers.

If there wasn’t such big money to be made there would be no racing, however much the public likes a chance to dress up and drink champagne.

So thanks again for putting forward the rarely heard case for the horses’ welfare.

I’m sure the racing industry will live on but there must be better ways to ensure the horses live too. Alison Girvan, Highton