Harping On

OK so I am back onto the Grand National.

I have read that the owner of Sycronised will not put another horse through the traumas of the Grand National. As a horse liker I thank him for that and realise that it may be a huge gesture in the Horse Racing World.

However what I didn’t realise was this beautiful animal threw his rider prior to the start of the race!

Most of us have 4 legged friends with tails, know our animals speak to us in one way or another whether it be Cat, Dog, Horse, Pet Rat, Pet Mouse whether we understand them is a different matter.

From reading the press reports Sycronised was a long standing family friend, what I don’t understand is if s/he had thrown its rider immediately previous to the race, why wasn’t the animal’s instincts trusted and taken into account by those responsible.

However simplistic it may be if a Horse kicks it’s rider off there is a reason.

1. It doesn’t want to be ridden
2. It doesn’t want to race
3. It doesn’t want to jump
4. It doesn’t like what it is being asked to do
5. It’s spooked and not comfortable

Personally my gut instinct is point number 5

I don’t understand why anything is put to sleep in this day and age for a broken leg or displaced hip.

I am not a horse owner but I do think they are brilliant animals, so if you can point me right please feel free to do so.