How To Make Horse Racing More Sustainable: A Challenge For The Future

When it comes to making sports more sustainable, horse racing isn’t the first sport that comes to mind. Most people think that horse racing, just because they use animals is an eco-friendlier sport than others like F1 for example. That may be true, but the environmental impact of horse racing is still quite large.

Why? Well, as you probably already know, horse racing is a global sport, and big events are happening on all continents. This means that there is a lot of traveling involved, which of course leads to carbon emissions. But that’s not the only problem with horse racing. As the popularity of horse racing events grows bigger, they become larger energy consumers, and most of them don’t have clean energy.

Lastly, we have the problem of water usage and waste management. So, obviously, there are a lot of things that can be improved just so the sport will have a more sustainable future.

But is it really possible? Let’s find out.

What’s The Real Impact of Horse Racing

To the naked eye or casual horse racing spectators, the sport might seem pretty harmless. After all, it’s just horses running, right? Not quite.

The carbon footprint of horse racing is quite big, and the majority of it comes from transportation. As we mentioned earlier, horse racing is a global sport, and events are happening throughout the entire year, where teams along with their horses often need to travel thousands of miles to participate in a race.

But it is not only about the racehorse owners themselves. We also have thousands of fans who love horse racing tourism and travel all over the world visiting different horse racing events. 

After all, events like the Kentucky Derby gather more than 150,000 people in two days, and these people need to get there – which means a lot of carbon emissions. We also have the same scenario with the Breeders’ Cup, but a bit worse. Why? Well, this is another quite popular global event, but it travels from one circuit to another every year.

Yes, it might be fun to check out the odds and place a bet on TwinSpires.com, but we shouldn’t forget about the environmental impact, right?

But the problem with horse racing is fixing this transportation issue. Unlike other sports like F1 where FIA is in charge of the race schedule and it is one organization overseeing the entire sport, horse racing events are independent. Therefore, there isn’t a regulatory body that can make a race schedule that reduces the miles traveled.

Additionally, these horse racing events are carefully tied to tradition, which often means that changing the date is out of the question. 

Add water usage into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a sustainability headache. Racecourses need to be meticulously maintained, and horses require loads of water for drinking, washing, and cooling down. All of this results in a pretty significant environmental footprint.

How Do We Fix This? Solutions on the Track

Now, you’re probably wondering, “Can horse racing actually go green?” Well, yes—but it’ll take some serious changes. Here’s a rundown of what’s being done and what more can be done to make horse racing as sustainable as possible:

1. Energy Efficiency: Solar Power to the Rescue

Many tracks have already begun tapping into renewable energy sources. Solar panels, for example, are popping up at racetracks, generating clean energy and significantly reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. 

One track, the Paris Longchamp Racecourse in France, has led the charge, showcasing a sustainable facility that generates part of its energy needs with solar panels. More tracks are adopting similar methods, aiming for greener operations.

2. Reducing Carbon Emissions from Travel

Let’s face it—travel is the elephant in the room. Horses, trainers, and fans rack up serious mileage going from event to event. One solution? Streamlining the racing calendar to reduce travel. If races in close geographic areas were scheduled consecutively, horses wouldn’t need to jet around as much. This has worked in Formula 1 and NBA schedules, and it could help horse racing cut back its carbon emissions.

Some organizations are also experimenting with virtual races or betting opportunities that allow fans to participate without physically attending. Plus, encouraging fans to use public transportation or carpooling options can cut down on emissions from the thousands who flock to big events.

3. Water Conservation: Smarter Use

Water is life in horse racing—tracks need to stay in prime condition, and horses need hydration. Yet, there’s hope! Many tracks are now using smart irrigation systems that limit water use and reduce waste. 

For example, Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, has implemented water-saving technologies to reduce water usage for its 147 acres. Rainwater harvesting systems are also becoming a standard feature, helping conserve this precious resource by recycling it for track maintenance and horse care.

4. Waste Management: From Manure-to-Manure Magic

Racehorses produce—you guessed it—tons of manure. Historically, that waste has been a problem, but innovative tracks are finding ways to turn horse manure into a resource. Composting programs convert this manure into organic fertilizer, helping local farms and reducing landfill waste. Plus, tracks are getting better at recycling and reducing single-use plastics at events.

5. Building Sustainable Facilities

Many racetracks are now looking to the future by building sustainable structures. This includes using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and natural ventilation systems. By designing these facilities with sustainability in mind, racetracks can cut down their environmental impact for years to come.

Why Does Sustainability in Horse Racing Matter?

You might be asking yourself, “Does it really make a difference?” Yes! Racing has a global audience and influence, which means it can set an example for other sports to follow. 

Additionally, fans are becoming more environmentally conscious, and a sport that adapts to these concerns will likely draw more support. If we want to keep this historic sport thriving for future generations, it’s crucial to make these sustainable changes now.