Horse races have a long and varied history. Originally they were four-hitched chariot races, then as equestrian culture spread throughout the world they evolved into the bareback racing that is popular today. The sport is a combination of art, science, and skill. It requires an athlete on a horse to race at high speeds and make precise steering movements while navigating obstacles. It is a demanding and challenging sport that has become a global phenomenon.
In the United States horse races are held on dirt, grass, or synthetic tracks. They are open to the public and have large crowds. Many people bet on a particular horse to win or place. A wager can be made on the winner of a single race, the entire series of races (an accumulator), or multiple runners in one race, known as an exacta. A runner can be a horse, dog, or person.
Some people have concerns about horse racing and its impact on animal welfare. These concerns include the fact that a horse’s natural instinct to run is suppressed by training and confinement, which can lead to injuries or even death. In addition, the unnatural training environment can contribute to mental health problems such as cribbing, which is a compulsive behavior in which the horse bites on its gate and contracts its neck muscles while pulling backward and grunting. Lastly, some people have concerns about the safety of jockeys and horses. On average, two jockeys die and sixty are paralyzed each year.
Another concern about horse racing is the use of drugs to artificially enhance a horses performance. These substances, called performance enhancing drugs or PEDs, are often used to help the horse finish faster in a race. Moreover, the effects of these drugs last only a short time and can have harmful side effects. The practice of using PEDs in horse races has been banned in several countries, including the United Kingdom.
The board and current CEO must decide whether or not an overt horse race is appropriate for their organization. It will depend on the company’s culture and structure, and how comfortable the organization is with competition. For example, if the company relies on strong internal collaboration and teamwork, an overt contest may be counterproductive.
An executive search that includes several candidates with strong potential for the top job can motivate other employees, as they know they will have a chance to vie for the role in the future. In addition, it can demonstrate that the board and senior management have invested in developing high performers through a range of functional assignments and stretch opportunities. The process also ensures that the leader who emerges at the end of the horse race is the best candidate for the position. Moreover, the process can reduce the amount of uncertainty and fear in the company during the transition period.
