There will always be opinions and articles stating one way or another, but the real truth as I have learned through the years of watching horses in all types of events is that they are large, powerful animals and thus injuries occur commonly and are unfortunately commonly fatal. This is true in racing or even in a paddock. Steeplechasing is actually much worse with fatal injuries than flat track racing. It's also ironic to me that some people protest racing but have nothing against horse competitions in the Olympics. I have seen articles on Olympic competing horses with fatal accidents. Even a well known pony had a fatal accident. The beautiful dancing gray mare (Blue Hors Matine) that was a sensation on Youtube died as the result of an accident in the paddock:

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/01/134.shtml

And another:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/07/sp...mpetition.html

People of course generally already have their minds made up, especially if they have seen/heard a highly publicized tragedy, but I do think people should also be aware how easily this can happen in any activities with horses. There tends to be far more cruelty going on with other equine events that aren't generally considered dangerous, Tennessee Walking Horse showing has some of the most abominable.

Just some things to consider.. otherwise bowing out of this conversation .