Quote:
Originally Posted by troutman
Horses were domesticated in the ancient past to work for humans. It is a master/servant relationship, and the humans have all the power. The horses work for us, and in return receive feed, water, vet care and security from predators. I think it is okay that horses be expected to work, even if they may not totally enjoy it.
If some horses run faster than others, that has to do with breeding (natural and artificial selection). I don't think there is much "choice" in it for the animal.
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While all of that may be true, I still disagree that a throroghbred horse isn't happier racing than it would be doing other kinds of 'work'.
I think it is clear that artifically selecting horses that 'enjoy' racing would result in faster horses. Trying to imagine a miserable horse racing so fast it could kill itself is just strange. Some horses don't want to race, and I would imagine it's because they don't 'enjoy' it.
I'm sure if you asked all the drivers down at the chucks if they felt their horses enjoyed racing their answer would be unanimous .