Finland Doesn't Know How Many Horses Die or Why

The Finnish equestrian community faces a significant data gap regarding the fate of horses after their racing careers. There is a lack of reliable statistics on how many horses die and the specific reasons behind their deaths, making it difficult to track their well-being post-competition.

Jukka Niskanen, head of information management at Hippos, the Finnish Equestrian Federation, stated that reporting horse deaths is not mandatory. While Hippos recorded 3,500 horse deaths last year, this number is not considered a dependable count. This lack of comprehensive data hinders efforts to ensure the welfare of retired racehorses.

In practice, many former Finnish trotting horses find new careers in riding schools. The article highlights Tuuli Kevätön, a popular mare at Kotikulma stable in Talma, Sipoo, who is a favorite among riding school students. Originally from a strong trotting lineage, Tuuli Kevätön was sold by her owners after a trial run, as pursuing a racing career would have required significant time. Her current owners purchased her based on her pedigree and a photograph, and she now serves as a riding school horse, having also produced offspring.

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Tuuli is a Finnish horse with a top trotting pedigree. She did a trial run, but a racing career would have required time, so the owners wanted to sell her. My mother bought the horse for us based on a photograph and her lineage.