The horse racing industry has been under fire for a variety of management practices - including the use of performance enhancing steroids, whips, and the young age at which Thoroughbreds are raced. And now, with last week's congressional hearing on such industry practices, the issue has become a nation-wide topic of conversation.

What are your thoughts? Do you think these "common practices" are legitimate or need to be regulated? Do you think the government is necessary for monitoring these issues, or can this debate be solved by the industry without government involvement?

Your opinions and comments are welcome. This is an opportunity for us to learn from one another and share our knowledge and experiences. Please refrain from abusive or offensive language, as any posts containing such items will be removed.

I am so thankful that I have this oppertunity to express my opinion on these issues. I don't think that the government should get involved, I think it should be resolved within the horse industry.Most of the people outside looking in don't know enough about performance horses to be giving thier opinion to start with. Now, this is going to step on some toes and cause some uproar within the racing industry let's start with the derby and the filly that broke down at the end of the race! Remember what I just said the end of the race, I hope that what I am about to say hits home with some people in the industry.I watched the video of her as she was starting to be pulled up, this filly tried to SWAP LEADS and got crossed up and this is when I believe her right front ankle rolled under and gave way when it gave way of course her other ankle couldn't hold up! I have had the opprtunity to train many barrel racing horses that came straight from the track as two year olds, Most of these horses were not (broke enugh) they were'nt trained well enough to the point that if they were running wide open and you try to pull them up that they don't know how to use themselves well enough to do so!!  So yes I do agree that they may be two year olds are a little under developed, but I really believe that the biggest issue that has been overlooked is the fact that, are these horses trained to the bit well enough before they are raced! My opinion is most of them are NOT!

    THANK YOU!