Here are just a few of the animal welfare issues associated with horse racing: Racing puts horses at danger of serious damage and, in some cases, death due to trauma (e.g., broken neck) or emergency euthanasia. In the racing industry, the odds are stacked against horses. They are overmatched by their competitors and subjected to rigorous training programs that often include the use of drugs and painkillers. Horses are also subjected to the risk of being forced to race when ill or injured, which can result in additional health problems down the line. Horses are intelligent, sensitive creatures who experience fear, anxiety, and stress just like humans do. Racecar drivers report feeling nervous before each race and experiencing adrenaline rushes during the event. However, there is no way for a horse to avoid the racecourse environment; they are trained using electric shocks and other methods to keep them calm before they enter the starting gate. This makes them vulnerable to stress-related illnesses such as colic and heart attacks. Even if a horse races successfully, it still suffers from the stresses of the event; many finish runners suffer from respiratory problems or other injuries after the race. Racing breeds strength and speed above all else. It favors those animals who have these traits already and removes from competition those who don't. This leaves behind a population of horses prone to injury and illness.