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Common Injuries and Ailments of Race Horses - Despite their power and grace, race horses can be amazingly delicate creatures. Race horses are susceptible to injury because of the stress and strain of racing. While some ailments are minor, others can end careers and even lives. Trainers and jockeys keep a close eye on race horses, examining them daily for signs of injury. Common Injuries - In horse racing, race horses are prone to muscle and tendon strain. Generally, the discomfort is quite mild. Treatment involves rest, combined with heat or cold therapy. Over time, horses may also develop joint injuries. The cartilage in their joints breaks down, and arthritis in older horses is common. Sometimes, cracks develop in the hoof wall. The healing process is slow -- the horse must grow a new hoof from the top down. Equine vets and farriers (horseshoers) often patch the hoof to prevent the crack from spreading. Horses may also need special shoes to reduce the pressure around the injured area. Hoof abscesses are caused by a pocket of pus deep within the hoof. As the pressure builds, the race horse becomes very lame. Eventually, the pressure becomes so great that the pus is forced through the hoof wall or sole, making a gooey mess that provides instant relief to the horse. Often, the horse’s hoof is soaked in Epsom salts and warm water to draw the infection out. Poultices are also commonly used for the same reason. Bowed tendons most commonly affect the front legs, since horses carry most of their weight in the front. Stress and wear may cause these tendons to bulge outwards, looking like a curved bow when viewed from the side. The only cure is rest, with cold therapy to reduce the inflammation. Bowed tendons may become a chronic condition. For any horse, the most catastrophic accident is a broken leg. Horses are unable to lie down for long periods of time – the weight of their massive bodies crushes their internal organs. Unlike a dog, a horse cannot survive on three legs. The remaining legs are simply unable to take the additional strain. A broken leg is usually a death sentence.

The Triple Crown - In Thoroughbred Racing, the Triple Crown is a trio of races for three-year-old race horses. The Triple Crown consists of three races – the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky; the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Maryland; and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York. The greatest accomplishment of a young race horse is to win all three horse races, a rare feat. In the 125-year history of the Triple Crown, only eleven horses have won all three races. The first winner was Sir Barton in 1919.Other winners include Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), and Affirmed (1978). In 1978, Alydar became the first horse to place (finish in second place) in all three races. He was defeated each time by the mighty Affirmed, losing by a combined total of two lengths.