The whip does not hurt the animal and at most (mainly major tracks) the animals are treated humanely, however there are bad people everywhere and things do happen that shouldn't. Before a horse can go to post, they are checked by a track veterinarian, if they deem the animal to be unfit to run physically, or there is any indication that the horse is in ill health, the vet will scratch the horse from the race. This is a very strict standard. I love horse racing and work in the industry and believe me seeing any horse being abused in any way would send my blood boiling. I am happy to say that the owners and trainers that I know of all love and care for their animals and definitely would not do something to harm them. It's people like vets, myself and others like me that help keep the animals safe and healthy by reporting any type of abuse or inhumane treatment of these wonderful animals.