Prescribed Drug Abuse in Race Horses

Newsdate: Sat, 22 Sep 2012 - 04:14 pm
Location: TIVOLI, New York

Lifelong horse owner and former New York-Bred thoroughbred breeder graces the cover of today’s New York Times as the lead-in to a story exposing the excessive drugging of racehorses.

In the third part of the Death and Disarray at America’s Racetracks series by the New York Times the focus turns to the ethics of veterinarians.

Bourbon Bandit, owned by Susan Kayne, was repeatedly administered prescribed substances without her consent, by veterinarians she had never met or spoken with.

“I brought Bandit’s story to the Times to be a voice for the tens of thousands of racehorses who don’t have an advocate for their well-being,” said Kayne. “It is my deepest hope that this article, along with the others in the series by the New York Times will serve to effectuate a positive change for horses, who are innocent victims.”

Nearly one year after his injuries Bourbon Bandit is now ready for pleasure riding. "The overuse of prescribed drugs on racehorses not only endangers them during their racing career, but has long-term negative effects in trying to re-home and retrain them for other disciplines," Kayne noted as she recounted the many retired racehorses she has worked with.

Read the whole story in The New York Times online.

About Susan Kayne

Susan Kayne is an avid equestrian with a lifetime of experience in the saddle and a true love of horses. She is the creator of the award-winning TV series Unbridled and currently hosts Ireland Unbridled on HRTV. Susan is known for her in-depth interviews with really famous horse people. She has participated in most of the world’s major show jumping events and racing meets, through personal competition or press engagements.

About the Author

Flossie Sellers

Author picture

As an animal lover since childhood, Flossie was delighted when Mark, the CEO and developer of EquiMed asked her to join his team of contributors.

She enrolled in My Horse University at Michigan State and completed a number of courses in everything related to horse health, nutrition, diseases and conditions, medications, hoof and dental care, barn safety, and first aid.

Staying up-to-date on the latest developments in horse care and equine health is now a habit, and she enjoys sharing a wealth of information with horse owners everywhere.

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