Dear      : I was very disappointed to learn that [name] is promoting the cruel "sport" of horse racing. The horse racing industry puts profits first. The majority of horses lead stressful lives, which all too often involve crippling injuries and premature deaths. Horses are often run at 2 years of age, before their bones have fully matured, and are often injured as a result. The American Association of Equine Practitioners says 60 to 90 percent of racehorses are "significantly lame." Regardless of their success, racehorses commonly end up at the slaughterhouse once their owners can no longer profit from them. Horses who fail to bring in winnings are rarely rewarded with an easy retirement; more likely, they will suffer an unceremonious early death, and their flesh will be sold overseas for human consumption or rendered into dog food or glue. Trainers and even some veterinarians frequently provide drugs to keep horses on the track even when they shouldn't be racing. Commonly used drugs such as Lasix (furosemide) and Bute (phenylbutazone) relieve symptoms like pain and bleeding but don't treat the underlying disorders. Horses are forced to race with hairline fractures that would, without drugs, be too painful to run on. As a result, injuries and chronic lameness are common. I strongly urge you to make the compassionate decision and refuse to support this very cruel industry. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,   [Name] [Address]