Some of you have asked for clarification on the infamous “Suicide Race” taking place every year at the Omak Stampede.
Horses are forced to run a VERY steep down hill track. They often tumble, end over end, and are crippled and killed in the process. Should they survive, they are required to perform the same brutal and irresponsible spectacle the next day! And people pay money to watch this abuse; that disturbs me almost as much as the terrible danger the horses are subjected to.
Horses are, obviously large. They fear few things more than falling, because they’re vulnerable when they’re down. Their own weight works against them. They are prey animals, remember.
They are also magnificent creatures, with truly amazing spirits.
Some people actually argue that they enjoy the race.
Horses are sporting animals. Some of them do love certain rodeo events, such as barrel-racing. I have several rodeo cowboys in my family–father, brother, uncles–and I am NOT opposed to rodeo, as long as the animals involved are treated humanely. The Suicide Race at the Omak Stampede certainly doesn’t qualify as humane–it is brutal, primitive, and absolutely insane.
The riders have a choice. I don’t have much sympathy for them.
The horses DO NOT have a choice. And they have no voices.
Is there an event like this in your community? Speak out, and whatever you do, DON’T buy a ticket. This is all about money.
If you live in Washington State, write to your Senators and Representatives. All that is necessary for evil to flourish is for good people to remain silent, to do nothing.
Remember–those who will mistreat animals will mistreat children. Brutality is brutality, and abusing the helpless is WRONG, whether the victim has two legs or four.
