I've been out of racing for almost 40 years, but the problems Mike points out are obviously an issue in harness racing. None of us should be naive enough to admit that the almighty dollar doesn't takes precedent in the sport. But the cruelty to these noble animals who lost their ability to create income is heartbreaking. People asking "what's the solution?" know some of the answers themselves. To me it's twofold. Government, whether on a state or federal level must step in and enact legislation to criminalize any cruelty/harm to the horses. Secondly, and even more difficult to envision is the sport itself "cleaning up it's act". Without members of the harness racing community being directly involved with the safety and well being of it's horses, these horrible acts will continue. I'm sure many here on Plop have ideas how to help these horses.
