From FJJ:
Rabbi Avrohom Lefkowitz
Rav & Rosh Kollel, Kollel Bnai Torah Lakewood, NJ
“SHABBOS AND THE AMERICAN PHAROAH”
own a horse that races on Shabbos. There are four Halachic issues that one must consider when discussing this question.
1) Shvisas Behemto – the requirement that ones animal should rest on Shabbos
2) Mechamer Achar Behemto – leading or following an animal on Shabbos
3) TheIssur of riding a horse on Shabbos
4) Sechar Shabbos – earning money on Shabbos
Let us review these issues and see if they apply to the case of the horse American Pharoah.
1) Shvisas Behemto:
2) Mechamer Achar Behemto:
3): The Issur of riding a horse on Shabbos
The Mishnah in Beitza 36b says: One is not permitted to ride an animal on Shabbos and Yom Tov. The Gemorah explains that riding an animal on Shabbos and Yom Tov is prohibited because of a Gezerah, one riding an animal may lead to cutting off a branch, (a Melocha of Kotzer) to use as a whip to move the animal along.
4) Sechar Shabbos: