While my horses don’t particularly like running at high speeds, there are many horses that absolutely love to run just as fast as they can. Horses also all have distinct personalities, and some are very competitive with other horses. All horses naturally have social behavior, play games with each other, and when in herds, have a leader, a few that step in as leader from time to time, and many followers. Race horses come from the thoroughbred line of horses, known for having tremendous energy and for being highly competitive. They do love to race, and often get very excited at the gate when they know they are going to get out there. The whips the jockey’s have are not used to actually whip the animal. Horse riders use many methods to communicate with a horse… their knees, the reins, their seat (how they are positioned in the saddle, or in the case of racing, not in the saddle at all but only in the stirrups), etc. One of the most valuable tools for communicating with a horse is sound. The whip is used to make a sound behind the horse, cluing the horse into the fact that their are others behind him or her that he or she needs to keep in front of. It helps the horse remain competitive throughout the race as the horse sees other horses in front of it that it wants to pass, and hears cues that there are others behind it to stay in front of. Basically… the whip is just a kind motivational tool… and by the way… it is actually a crop, not a whip. Most race horses, when done racing, are retired… this means a life of luxery on pastures where they can run at will, eat and drink as they please, and hang out with friends. The only time I think horse racing is cruel is when horses are doped to run when injured, or when a horse without the competitive nature and natural desire to run as fast as possible are used for racing even though it isn’t part of their natural character… it is like forcing someone with a great athletic build who hates sports to play football… all the work it takes to be successful just isn’t worth it if your heart isn’t in it… same for horses.