A new documentary from FX about horse racing will air next year, contending that fans “increasingly wonder how long one of America’s oldest sports can continue to have its social license renewed.”
Called “The New York Times Presents: Broken Horses,” the documentary will examine “the systemic issues, questionable practices and urgent calls for change that have shaken horse racing to its core.”
Citing the series of horse deaths before the 2023 Kentucky Derby and afterwards during the Triple Crown series, an investigative team looks into why horses on the track break down so frequently.
This is the type of exposure that was discussed during the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s annual meeting this month, underlining why even in non-racing horse sports, there is a need to insure that the welfare of horses is put above everything else in pursuing these activities. Those commenting on the subject advised everyone to remain aware that in the era of videos, nothing goes unnoticed.
The FEI’s (international equestrian federation) Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission presented its final report at November’s General Assembly. It will serve “as a blueprint for future-proofing equestrian sports,” and offers 30 recommendations toward that goal.
But if you take only one thing from the commission’s work, it is this: “Everyone is responsible for the future of equestrian sports. All equestrians need to optimize and prioritize equine welfare and be seen to be doing so.” (Emphasis mine).
Think about the fallout this autumn from the undercover documentary on training methods at Helgstrand Dressage, even though that was not officially aired outside Denmark.
In its statement, FX called its production, “a story of reckless breeding and doping, of compromised veterinarians and trainers…”.
The FX racing documentary will offer “confidential documents, recordings and exclusive interviews, to provide “a vivid tour of the business and political forces that control the Sport of Kings and resist measures to implement changes that could decrease horse deaths.”