o Horseracing, Please

ome time ago Baron Von Lodge was the head of a small country near Switzerland known as Lilliland.

Horseback riding, especially along the bridal trails, was very popular in Lilliland.

Occasionally some group of businessmen wanted to build a racetrack. “Other countries have racetracks, why not Lilliland? It would be good for the tourists as well,” they claimed.

But when the issue was presented to the Baron, the answer was always the same. “No, thank you. Horseback riding is meant to be a relaxing sport done at an easy pace. There are too many accidents when people challenge each other on horseback. Usually it is the innocent bystanders that cannot get out of the way fast enough.

“Most racetracks have betting and that is basically gambling. Sometimes people place bets with money that they cannot afford.

“Steeple chase contests endanger too many horses. When the horse falls, he is often not able to get up on his legs and has to, sadly, be put to sleep. The loss of a fine horse, just for a contest, is totally too dangerous.

“Horses are very beautiful animals and should be given every opportunity to live a long life.

“When horses are used for racing, they are expected to win and produce money for the owners, but when they slow down, so much of their value diminishes. If they continue to lose, their value sinks so low that they are discarded. This is a very sad and cruel situation that should not happen,” the Baron concluded.

“So that is why we have no horseracing in Lilliland.”

Lady Angela of Alpine Castle said that she agreed completely with the Baron’s point of view.

That is why horses in Lilliland are cherished and deeply respected.