Seven horses died at Churchill Downs in the 10 days leading up to the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Another was injured, and euthanized, on Preakness day. Even though statistics show that horse racing deaths have declined over the past four years, these recent deaths made headlines. And public outcry over horse welfare in the racing industry was, and continues to be, widespread.
Think this doesn’t have anything to do with you? Think again. Public acceptance of any industry or activity is crucial for its preservation. Public rejection can mean the end. And the public doesn’t necessarily recognize the difference between horse racing and reining, Western pleasure, or even trail riding. That’s right. We’re all in this together, and we would all be wise to recognize that public perception matters. Maintaining the support of society, or the “social license to operate” is crucial for the longevity of all equestrian activities.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of social license to operate and see how it has impacted other animal industries. Then, we’ll look at the common missteps we, as horse owners, need to avoid when faced with
