Objective To discuss thoroughbred horse racing in New Zealand today. To outline the musculoskeletal growth of young horses. To investigate the ethical problems of racing two year old horses.

Thoroughbred Horse racing in New Zealand today: The sport is a multi- billion dollar industry Total participants in the industry – 30,554 Total breeders in New Zealand 2,791 Number of registered broodmares 7,350 Number of registered stallion 171 Total expenditure by breeders $338,308,114 GDP 1.3 =1.4 billion in revenue generated uvenile+Racehorses&oq=Young+Blood%3A+Fatal+Breakdowns+of+Juvenile+Racehorses&gs _l=youtube j8j0j1j ac.1j2.1 1.youtube.q3EU2Cur0-Q

The relationship between growth, nutrition, bone strength, development, body weight and forces applied to bone must be maintained to allow optimal growth. At birth horses have only 17% of their mature bone mineral content and only 10% of their final body weight. Bone development begins from birth and continues beyond 18 month of age. the long bones develop from cartilage by a process known as ossification. Growth plates Musculoskeletal growth of young horses:

Disadvantages and advantages of racing young horses: Advantages: For the horse: exercise improves strength and bone density during skeletal development. For the owner: high prize money, early returns on investment, advertisement for breeding purposes. Social impact: attracts tourists, buyers, breeders, builds communities, provides education and training, entertainment, employment.

Disadvantages and advantages of racing young horses: Disadvantages: For the horse: Causes unnatural stress on developing musculoskeletal systems, which leads to an increase of injury during training, racing and a shorter racing career. Abuse of drugs for treatments of injuries. For the owner: injuries are the cause of income loss, high cost for treatment, loss of reputation, long periods of rest and less than 50% of horses return to the track. Social impact: economic impact, Training methods.

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