Used to work in the racing industry many moons ago as an exercise rider and stable hand, and got a deep look at how things worked. Then I was a professional 3 day eventer and show jumper for nearly 15 years. Most of my own horses were survivors of the racing industry. Yes, there are some survivors, and the ones that do survive are amazing horses. But the racing industry itself is an alternative universe with its own customs, rules and laws. Which may or may not be congruent with the law of the land. I'm glad I did it, but once I left I had no desire to ever go back. Besides, eventing was much more fun.