Horse racing is cruel and inhumane, and it is time we made it illegal in this country. The images of people dressed in fancy clothes and stories of horses overcoming the odds are just a veneer. Behind the scenes, horse racing is an industry fueled by abuse and death. 

In the past few years, thousands of horses have died while racing or training at state-regulated tracks. Investigations have found many horses are pumped full of drugs to keep them racing longer. When horses are no longer of use, they can end up euthanized or sold for exportation to slaughterhouses. This is the horrible side of horse racing most do not see.

The Del Mar race track in California is among the most notorious. In 2015, at least 17 horse died over the course of the summer, spurring public outrage. On July 15th, people will gather at Del Mar and celebrate opening day. As an animal advocate and rescuer, I cannot remain silent. Until horse racing is abolished, we must fight back anything that promotes or glamorizes the sport.

I’m calling on Ranch and Coast Magazine to cancel their Del Mar opening day event “Hats, Heels, and Hooves.” The event is an example of glossing over the horrors of horse racing. Canceling the event would send a message that we cannot dress up and turn a blind eye to the death and abuse, and would be a first step in eventually ending horse racing in the United States.

Please ask Ranch and Coast magazine to cancel their event, and take a stand to help put an end to the needless suffering inflicted on innocent animals. Thank you.

Here is the event in question: http://www.ranchandcoast.com/2016/05/31/hats-heels-hooves-opening-day-after-party/