Research Paper - Help me out here if you can...

[Annie&Dixie]

Ok, so we're doing a research paper in my advanced composition class. It have to be objective, meaning I've got to write about both sides of the story. I'm really hoping that I could do this on racing thoroughbreds at 2 years old, the pros and cons.

What are some good resources for finding information on this? Also, is there really a lot on the other side, I know about the side that they shouldn't be racing that they're too young but do you all think there is enough on the side that they should be racing to write a 4-page research paper about? I have plan B just incase there isn't.

Thank you!

ETA - ok, you TB racing people, what does bleeding for a TB mean? In an article that I'm reading, it mentions the use of Salix or Lasix and the fact that it stops bleeding. How are they bleeding? From where?

[WashingtonBay]

There have been several studies that show that bone density in young horses who are given hard exercise and 'tested' grow denser bone than those who are restricted or not exercised enough.

I have googled around just briefly and didn't find the study but I found references to it. I know it's out there. Google things like bone density study development horse

The conclusion was that horses who are too pampered when they are young do not grow as strong as those who have some amount of hard, impact exercise. They're hothouse flowers. Work and impact and the stress to the bones of developing horses causes them to grow stronger than they would have otherwise.



The other angle, of course, is that it's profitable to race them young, even with the risks. You didn't say 'who' the pros and cons were supposed to be good for.

[Annie&Dixie]

Thank you WB! That's the kind of stuff that I was looking for. I think I might have enough to write this paper. I've got plenty against young horse racing of course, there just doesn't seem to be a whole lot for it.

Oh and as for the pros and cons, I just meant pros of racing a two-year-old(good for anybody involved, the owners/trainers, the horse himself, etc.) and the cons of racing them.

[WashingtonBay]

ETA - ok, you TB racing people, what does bleeding for a TB mean? In an article that I'm reading, it mentions the use of Salix or Lasix and the fact that it stops bleeding. How are they bleeding? From where?

The lungs, I think. Ruptures in the tiny capillaries of the lungs.

[Horserider]

Aw that sounds like fun. To me anyway, but I like writing. Yeah I could probably write a 4-page essay on this. Double spaced right?

http://vip.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/contentUpload/content_2713/Sullivan.pdf

http://vip.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/contentUpload/content_2701/Reed.pdf

I didn't really read those, but they looked promising.

[Annie&Dixie]

Thank you WB (again :) ) and horserider! HR, the paper is actually 6-8 pages double spaced, 3-4 single spaced approx.

Those articles do look extremely promising, I will be sure to read them later tonight. I'm not in school mode for a while, I've got to have my fun!