5 Myths About Horse Racing That You Must Know

Published on: 22 February 2020 Last Updated on: 26 February 2020

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports around the world and has a huge following from England to Dubai and everywhere in between. But, there are a lot of assumptions made about the sport, so let’s set them straight. Here are the biggest myths people believe about the sport of horse racing.

5 Myths About Horse Racing:

1. Any Old Horse Can Win or Run in a Race

Old Horse

Thoroughbred horse racing is just that, exclusive to thoroughbred horses. These horses have a lineage traced back to one of three stallions and only then are eligible to compete. Not only are races limited to thoroughbreds, but the training required to turn a horse into a winner is second to none, being broken in at around 18-months-old, making these horses the only ones capable of running 1 ¼ mile in two minutes. So, next time you’re placing free bets at the races, you can be assured that it’s in their blood to race.

2. Whipping Hurts Horses

Whips are no longer used in the sport. A soft paddle called a ‘persuader’ is used to lengthen a horse’s stride and has been proven not to cause harm or pain to the animals.

People have used a persuader on a person to prove they are inflicting pain, but the skin of a 1,000 pounds racehorse can withstand more than the average human. The role of the paddle is to remind the horse to stay focused during the long track and not to lose focus throughout the race.

3. Horses Have no Value Once Retired

It is a common misconception that racehorses are sent to the abattoir (slaughterhouse) once they have seen their racing career through. But, again, this is not the case. Retired racehorses are very valuable and are often rehomed for breeding, for pleasure or equestrian use, as they are very athletic and can be trained to be riding horses and opposed to competitors.

4. Horses Do Not Enjoy Racing

Thoroughbreds are raised to race, it is in their blood to compete.

Horses that race weighs an average of 1,000 pounds, I’m sure you can imagine how impossible it would be for a jockey of around 55kg to force an animal of this size to run while on it back. It is not unheard of for a horse to decide they aren’t in the mood during a race; one horse, in particular, decided he didn’t want to jump while competing and planted his feet firmly on the track, refusing to continue; there wasn’t much the jockey could do about it.

Horses cannot be made to run in races due to their dominance of power against their jockeys and so when they do run it is through choice and enjoyment; they are doing what they know.

5. Horses are Mistreated

On average, horse races are sold for around $65,000. Not only are they an investment but they are how some people make a living and choose to spend their time (training, owning, breeding). Simply on that alone, it is hard to believe that they would be poorly cared for.

It is not uncommon for owners to fork out a fortune to transport and provide the best for their horses, often being referred to as living like kings due to their exercise and treatment is unparalleled to any other owned animal.

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

How does the Training of Defence Dogs Look Like?

Defence dogs have special features that make them suitable for this purpose. Before the dog is admitted to defence training, he has to complete a course for a 1st degree companion dog. This gives confidence to the trainer that the dog understands the basic commands such as summoning, fetching, "sit", "go", and walking on a loose leash or even without a leash. In addition, defence dogs should be very disciplined. The first step is, of course, to choose the right breed. The breed that has an internal defense reflex which tells them when their owner is in an emergency situation. The most popular dog breeds for defence include: Amstaff, Bullmastiff, Bulterier, Doberman, Boxer, German Dog, French Shepherd, and Caucasian Shepherd. Choosing a particular puppy can’t be a matter of chance. The animal should come from a registered kennel and preferably have a pedigree. The problem with these breeds is that they are prone to aggression, so it’s important to bring up such a dog using appropriate forms of training. A well promising defence dog shouldn’t show too much aggression. The training requires a lot of patience and commitment of the caregiver and starts only when the dog is taught obedience, walking by the owner's leg and self-control. The trainer takes part in the training together with is assistant. The dog is taught to attack when it hears the command "take". He cannot attack the assistant even if it’s against the owner's will. The only exception to this rule is the situation of a direct danger, for example when the assistant attacks the trainer, then the dog should throw itself at him. However when the assistant takes a defensive stance, the dog cannot attack him, but it has to guard him. Unfortunately, due to the natural aggression of these breeds, it’s sometimes really difficult to control them in such situations. Nevertheless, the defensive dog should stay loyal to his master, have sympathy, fidelity, and trust. The dog's behavior cannot be unpredictable, and that’s why dogs with a pedigree are chosen for this job because we can be sure that the animal will meet these criteria. Hidden aggression can never be directed towards the master. In addition, the dog must observe the surroundings and know for himself when the master is in an emergency situation and needs help. In addition, the external appearance of the dog, which is often able to scare the attacker just with its silhouette, shouldn’t be insignificant. Unfortunately, the dogs performing such a role are often poisoned, so well-trained dogs should only eat food given to them by their master. For defence training, apart from the dog, we need an assistant. He should be dressed in a special suit or hand guard. The purpose of the first stage of training is to irritate the dog to the point when he can learn the skill of grabbing a sleeve or a teether. The success of this exercise depends on the behaviour of the master, who must hold the dog on a short leash and encourage it to attack. He can do it by running, shouting, or waving a baton. Meanwhile, the assistant tries to provoke the dog to attack him. At this stage of learning, we do not use coercion. If the dog behaves correctly, the master praises him, which encourages the dog to continue the exercises. If the dog succeeds the master should reward him for that immediately. After a few lessons the trainer is able to control the dogs aggressive behaviour. For example, he can successfully command the dog to stop attacking the target. When the dog has mastered the "take" and "let go" commands, the trainer can move on to more advanced exercises. How to train defence dogs? - A dog that goes by the foot of his master has no right to pull itself forward, bark or behave aggressively. Training a dog requires a lot of patience and determination. - During the training, the trainer cooperates with the assistant. If he tries to run from the dog and the trainer does not give a direct order to attack, the dog cannot pull himself out and throw behind him in pursuit. - The dog cannot attack the assistant when we show a defensive attitude. When the aggressor is still, the dog will proceed to guard him until the master arrives. How to stop the dog from attacking someone: In the case of training a dog with an innate tendency to aggression, surprises can happen. The most important thing is to know what your dog can do. Stopping such a trained dog from attacking someone randomly on the street is really difficult and often ends in the death of the dog. When it happens, you shouldn’t try to kick the dog with your legs, because it will only enrage it more. That’s why the owner should learn how a stun gun works. It’s the best way to effectively stop the dog from attacking someone with the smallest chance to kill it. Characteristics of a good defence dog: When we buy a pedigree puppy from a proven breeding, we can be sure that it has an innate tendency to perform the function of a defensive dog. We should anticipate the behavior of the dog by which we must be sure that the dog will not hurt us. How to take part in defence training if we can't judge whether the dog will not direct the aggression towards us? We have to teach obedience to the dog. The biggest difficulty is to learn how to walk by the leg and stay on a loose leash. The defence dog must be vigilant and it should inform us about the dangers ahead. Even when the aggressor is still, the animal cannot stop watching him. Perseverance in battle and stubbornness are the hallmarks of defence dogs. A defensive dog cannot be bribed. The attraction with treats and distraction are common methods used by aggressors. How much does a defence dog training cost? Dog training takes place at the time set by the training centre and usually lasts for about 40 hours. The price of the courses varies between 500-1000 Euros. Read Also: Can Dogs Make The Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better? Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress?

Ways to control and get rid of pests

Pests are common but they can be troublesome as well. Even though not all pests are dangerous and harmful, they do not spread diseases, however, it is difficult to distinguish between them. Most of the pests can be harmful to your garden, your own self, as well as the things in your house especially the wood. Getting rid of pests is every individual’s first priority especially if they are moving into a new house. Mentioned below are some of the things people should consider doing or not doing so they can avoid and get rid of pests. Ways to control and get rid of pests: 1. House Inspection: The first and foremost thing one should do is to get the house inspected by professionals. One of the best pest services is provided by Amco Ranger Termite & Pest Solutions and they provide free inspection and consultation for all types of pests. Obviously, there are other really good pest control services as well so do check all of them out. 2. Know the type of pests: You should know the type of pests you are dealing with so you can use proper prevention solutions for them. For example, the skunk creates havoc in your garden. Know how to get rid of skunks. They can be stopped and come across with them reduced on your property by taking steps such as locking up trash cans, removing food sources, and setting humane traps. 3. Stagnant water: Even if you do not have the pest problem, you should not leave stagnant water anywhere in your house or even the garden. Stagnant water welcomes all types of harmful pests and those pests will cause harmful diseases. 4. Cover: It is extremely important that you cover the eatables. Do not throw the bad or leftover food in the dustbin or fruits that have gone bad in the trash. Properly cover them in a bag and then throw it away. Keep your fruits in the refrigerator, food in covered containers, water in a jug or dispenser. 5. Clean: Cleanliness is important. You need to always keep your kitchen clean no matter what. A dirty kitchen is the best place for pests to attack. It is also important to keep your rooms, drawers, cupboards, and every nook and corner clean to keep the bugs away. 6. Lock: It is for the best that you keep your windows locked at night and your door closed as well. All kinds of insects can enter the house without you being aware of them and reproduce in corners you did not even know existed. 7. DIY Solutions: Try to use do-it-yourself methods to prevent and get rid of pests. However, if everything fails, then use harmful products or pest control services. DIY methods are really eco-friendly and safe to work with as well so they do not cause any harm to either your furniture or your family. 8. Pesticides: Try to avoid harmful pesticides as much as possible. Only use them when it becomes a necessity because the chemicals inside the pesticides can be injurious to your health and can cause diseases. 9. For the Garden: Also, keep in mind that you should not forget your garden or yard, and make sure that you clean it every other day and keep an eye out for grass, insects, and bushes. 10. Pets: Last but definitely not least, make sure that your pets are clean after they spend the day in the garden or park playing and bathe them every other day. Brush their entire body and keep a check on the dogs specifically if they are excessively scratching themselves. Read Also: What you should expect from a pest control visit 5 Tips to Keeping Animals Away From Your Garden

Feline Feast: Exploring The Benefits Of A Raw Cat Food Diet

Cats are the most adorable pets for most of the cat owners. You should be well prepared to maintain the perfect cat diet that can boost the chances of your cat food to a greater extent. A proper dietary approach for cat food and diet can help you to meet your requirements with complete ease. Ensure that the cat food meets all your nutrient requirements. This can make things too complex for you if you cannot get the cat food on time. You should be well aware of the best cat foods that can assist you in meeting your cat food needs with complete ease. Benefits Of Plain Feeding The Cats There are several benefits of plain feeding the cats that you must be well aware of. You should not make your choices at the wrong end while reaching your goals with ease. Some of the core benefits that you must be well aware of are as follows:- 1. Evolutionary Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are well made to stick to a diet primarily consisting of meat. In the wild prey, it comprises raw meats, bones, and organs. Mimicking this natural diet can offer numerous advantages to domesticated cats, promoting optimal health & longevity. By offering the essential vitamins at a level close to what they would consume in the wild, you are feeding your cat a food plan that aligns with their evolutionary records and helps their overall well-being. 2. Nutritional Superiority Raw cat food diets usually include raw meat, organs, and bones. This aggregate presents a rich source of essential vitamins consisting of proteins, vitamins, and minerals that can be lost throughout cooking. A raw cat food diet program facilitates your cat to access these nutrients in their most natural and bioavailable form, supporting their overall health and vitality. The raw food diet plan gives a nutrient-dense option - making sure your cat gets a balanced diet. 3. Improved Digestive Health Raw diets for cats often contain a higher moisture content compared to commercial dry kibble. This increased water content can improve digestion and prevent constipation and urinary problems. In addition, raw meat and bones can help maintain good dental health, reducing the risk of dental diseases. The water content in raw foods also helps the kidneys function, which in turn helps the urinary system to function properly. Read Also: Top 7 World’s Most Beautiful Cats in 2020 4. Weight Management Obesity is a common concern for indoor cats, and a raw food diet can be beneficial in weight management. The high protein content of raw foods helps fish feel chewed, thereby reducing the chances of overeating. These both - the absence of fillers and unnecessary carbohydrates - promote healthy weight and muscle mass. Managing your cat's weight through raw meals supports - their physical health & ensures they maintain an active and playful lifestyle. 5. Allergy And Sensitivity Management Some cats may develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients generally found in commercial cat food. A raw cat food diet gives pet owners enhanced control over the ingredients - making it easier to identify & reduce potential allergens. This may be particularly beneficial for cats with meal intolerances or sensitivities. Moreover, a raw diet's limited and natural ingredients can reduce the risk of skin irritations and digestive problems associated with food allergies. 6. Increased Energy And Mental Stimulation Cats are natural hunters and a raw food diet taps into this instinct by providing physical & mental stimulation opportunities. The act of tearing and chewing raw meat and bones mimics the behavior of engaging a cat's senses, hunting prey, and offering both physical exercise and mental enrichment. This stimulation is particularly essential for indoor cats, who may be deficient in the opportunity to engage in natural hunting behaviors. By providing a diet that satisfies their instincts, raw feeding can stop boredom, lessen stress, and promote a happier cat. A raw diet nourishes their body and stimulates their mind, preventing boredom and promoting a happier, more fulfilled feline companion. 7. Enhanced Coat And Skin Health A raw cat food diet can improve your cat's coat and skin. The high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and vitamins in raw meat & organs may boost healthy skin cell regeneration and strengthen hair follicles, and lustrous coat and producing a shiny. The natural oils found in raw meat can also be used to enhance skin hydration, reducing the risk of dryness, flakiness & itchiness commonly linked with cat skin issues. By providing essential nutrients in their most bioavailable form - a raw diet supports the body's natural ability to maintain healthy skin and fur - resulting in a healthier and more radiant appearance for your feline companion. How To Prepare A Raw Cat Food Diet? There are several ways you can create a raw cat food diet. As it can make things happen in your favor. This can even boost the chances of your cat food meeting your daily diet needs and attaining your objectives. Keep the process in perfect order. 1. Recipe Selection Find the cat-safe recipes that are best for the cat food selection as they can nutritionally balance the cat food and diet with complete ease. There are many resources present online but consulting a veterinarian for complete guidance is completely crucial. 2. Ingredients You must gather all the necessary ingredients that are essential to mingle in the cat diet. Otherwise, things can become more critical for you to reach your objectives with ease. Ensure that things are fresh and appropriate for cats. 3. Preparation You should follow the recipe instructions carefully. This involves cooking, chopping, and mixing all the ingredients properly. Along with this, you must be well aware of situations that can assist you in preparing complete cat food with absolute ease. 4. Portioning You should divide the cat's prepared food using some appropriate serving size. All of that must be based on the cat’s age, activity level, and weight. Additionally, you must be well aware of the situation while meeting your needs with clarity, 5. Storage The storage of cat food is one of the prime concerns. You should be well aware of the scenarios while reaching your objectives with ease. Freezing can be an option for longer storage of the cat food. But you should consult a veterinarian for all the recommended thrawing methods. To Wrap Up Hence, these are some of the crucial facts that you must consider when selecting cat food. You must identify the perfect solution that can assist you in meeting your goals while feeding your cat a nutritious diet. You can share your views and comments in our comment box. This can boost the scope of your cat's feeding habits while meeting your needs with ease. Ensure that you do not make things too complex from your end. Cats are usually quite delicate animals. They require a carnivorous diet to survive and sustain for a long run. You must not make things too complex from your end while reaching your needs with absolute clarity. Without knowing the process you cannot make things happen in your favor. Read Also: Pets of Instagram Fame Is CBD Oil & Edible Treats Safe for Pets – Dogs & Cats Medical Marijuana Can Take New Dimensions in the Treatment of Pets

5 Myths About Horse Racing That You Must Know

5 Myths About Horse Racing: