Just like any sport in the world, horse racing also has an impact on our planet. After all, we are talking about horse racing events where contenders from all around the world travel to one place just to race.
In order for sports to survive in the future, they must go green! We see this trend with every other sport in the world. NBA has changed its schedule to reduce travel emissions, and the same goes for Formula 1.
Horse racing is in the same boat, and there are many different practices that can help the sport become more environmentally friendly.
So, in today’s article, we will take a look at all the things that can change for horse racing to reduce its carbon footprint and what can we as fans do about this problem.
Let’s find out.
Contents
How Horse Racing Impacts the Planet
Before delving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand the environmental challenges posed by horse racing. Every sport in the world has its carbon footprint, and horse racing too. But in order to fix the problem we first must identify what are horse racing’s biggest impacts on the planet.
From the carbon footprint of racecourses to waste management issues, the industry faces several sustainability hurdles that must be addressed.
Carbon Footprint
One of the primary concerns is the carbon emissions associated with horse racing events. Horse racing is a global sport where we have horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby in the USA, the Melbourne Cup in Australia, the Epsom Derby in the UK, and the Dubai World Cup.
Obviously, there is a lot of traveling in the horse racing calendar, and this increases carbon emissions and impacts the planet. This is without the primary concern that should be addressed when we are talking about horse racing going green.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most anticipated upcoming races with contenders from all around the world. There are many Kentucky Derby hopefuls this year, but most of them have to travel thousands of miles just to compete in the Derby.
This includes not only the transportation of horses and spectators but also the energy consumption of racecourses and facilities. Implementing carbon offset programs and investing in renewable energy sources can significantly reduce these emissions.
Waste Management
Another significant issue is waste management, including the disposal of horse waste, plastic waste from packaging and concessions, and general littering at race venues.
The only thing that makes horse racing different from other sports is the waste management of horses. If not properly recycled, this waste can have an impact on our planet, which is why most stables are investing in eco-friendly waste management practices, where they turn the waste from horses into fertilizer.
Implementing comprehensive waste management plans, including recycling programs and reducing single-use plastics, can help minimize the environmental impact.
Water Usage
Water usage is also a concern, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. Horses drink a lot of water (approximately 30-50 liters).
So, can you imagine how much water a horse stable with 10 horses needs just for one day? And bear in mind we are only talking about drinking water. But we still have water for track maintenance, grooming, and other operations.
Implementing water conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, and water recycling can help reduce water usage and minimize environmental impact. We’ve already seen this becoming a practice, especially for some of the biggest horse racing venues across the world.
How to Reduce the Impact of Horse Racing on Our Planet
There are quite a few challenges that need to be overcome in order for horse racing to go green and to reduce its carbon footprint. Fortunately, the industry is on the right path since we are already seeing horse racing venues that implement green practices to reduce the negative impact of the sport on the planet.
There are a few ways horse racing can become greener, such as:
Renewable Energy
First and most importantly, horse racing needs to become more energy efficient in order to grow into an environmentally friendly sport. Tracks need to utilize green energy solutions such as solar and wind power, which will eventually reduce the carbon footprint of racecourses.
Some racetracks already transformed their roofs into solar power energy machines, which creates enough power for the tracks to run independently without the use of any traditional fossil fuels.
But investing in such technology is still too expensive, and this change won’t happen overnight. However, as more racecourses jump on the solar trend, others might get inspired to do the same thing.
Water Conservation
This is an easier solution to renewable energy. The goal here is to create water conservation rules that will help the racetrack manage its water reserves and reduce water waste. Every racetrack needs a lot of water, and therefore adding a water collecting reservoir, separating drinking from water used for maintaining the track.
On top of that, we are seeing technologies that can help these tracks transform wastewater into clean drinking water, and this is called water recycling.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Waste is a problem that this world has been facing for a long time and the only way to deal with it is to jump on the recycling trend together. Horse racing events should start thinking about reducing their waste by including biodegradable packaging, avoiding plastic, and installing smart recycling solutions.
Green Racing Initiatives
Promoting green racing initiatives such as eco-friendly track surfaces, electric or hybrid vehicles for course maintenance, and sustainable landscaping can further enhance the industry’s environmental sustainability.
The Role of Technology
Technology plays a crucial role in driving sustainability in horse racing. From advanced track monitoring systems to eco-friendly equipment, technological innovations can revolutionize the way races are conducted while minimizing environmental harm.
Track Monitoring Systems
Advanced track monitoring systems can optimize track conditions, reducing the need for excessive watering and maintenance while ensuring the safety of horses and riders.
Eco-Friendly Equipment
The development of eco-friendly equipment such as electric horse walkers, solar-powered grooming tools, and sustainable track materials can contribute to a more sustainable racing environment.
Final Words
Horse racing has a long road ahead in order to become a fully green sport. We have challenges that we must overcome, but with the right spirit, anything is possible.
It is safe to say that the sport is on the right path to reducing its environmental impact on the planet, and we as fans must appreciate their efforts and try to do everything in our power to help the process, especially when we are attending a horse race.