The Unwanted Horse
Published by GHC • Jan 21st, 2008 • Category: Horse Advice, Junior Bloggers, Take a Stand, by Stargazerby Stargazer, age 11
The horse is the most beautiful creature in the world, inside and out. We love them! But in spite of this, the day often comes when we no longer want them or can’t take care of them. The unwanted horse becomes a problem for the owner, but an even bigger problem for the horse — it has become another unwanted animal, and there are already way too many.
Too many horses? That can’t be, you might say. But there can be, and there are. The problem is that there are more horses than people who want them. Thousands of horses are slaughtered in the USA every year, and even more are shipped across the border to be slaughtered in other countries. It is awful! So what do we do about it?
The way to fix the problem is for people to change the way they look at horses, not just as livestock or a tool, but how you look at your family pet. A horse is for life, and that is a big deal, since a horse can live for 30 years.
Before you get a horse, you need to consider the following. Horses can live for several years, so you need to think about whether you will be able to care for him that long. What will you do if you can’t? What happens if you move? Will you be able to bring your horse with you? Surely you can make that happen for the horse you’ve committed to and think the world of. If not, you’ll make sure to find a good home for it, right? By understanding what’s involved before getting a horse, we can help reduce the number of unwanted horses.
The fate of unwanted horses, a dreaded topic. Most unwanted horses suffer a horrible death in a slaughter house. Before going to the slaughter house, they are sold at auctions for as little as $25. Then they take an awful journey to the slaughter house, where they are killed in a violent way that I do not want to go into detail about.
So what if you have an unwanted horse?
- Sell your horse privately. Put up posters at feed stores, tack shops, riding stables, anywhere. But do not offer your horse free to a good home because you can attract people who will take your horse then sell it to a slaughter house at an auction to make some cash.
- Contact rescue groups. They may or may not have room, but it’s worth a try. But don’t think you’re doing them a favor by giving them your horse; because that is one less space they have for another horse.
- If all else fails, ask your vet to euthanize your horse. This is the hardest decision to make, but it’s far better than sending your horse off to a slaughter house. At least you’ll know your horse died peacefully.
Slaughter is horrible and cruel, but how can it be stopped without taking care of the unwanted horses first? It’s time to take action, and make life better for those wonderful and deserving horses.
For more information, go to UnwantedHorses.org.
Editor’s Note: We received two very similar blog submissions on the same day and decided to publish both. The information is summarized from UnwantedHorses.org, a site created by the people at Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary. Stargazer and Allison, thanks for bringing this to our attention.
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You’re absolutely right Stargazer. If I am to ever buy a horse I would head straight to an auction or shelter to save a horse in danger of being slaughtered. This blog kept my interest level boosted up to the very top, and you’re doing great on your road to a Jr. Blogger! Keep it up! :D
Again great blog on saving horses from slaughter! And welcome to the ranks of junior bloggers Stargazer! I am behind you 100% for this topic since one of my favorite lesson horses was saved from abuse and slaughter!
Thanks so much guys for all your support! I’m so happy & exited that I am a junior blogger! I hope to see that 10th slot filled soon…Thanks again!
Hey Leadmare, sorry if this is off subject, but how do I get my blog bio written? Do I need to submit anything?
we think my gelding was a bit abused from his very first owner coz he is scared of men and his first owner was a man…. he also is scared of dressage whips… there is probberly some relation to whips and men but thats not the point! lol. I love anything thats about horse (even animal) abuse! i think that it’s horrible!! so anyone that makes a blog that has anything to do with how bad abuse im happy with them and the blog! good job! congrates on becomeing a Jr. Blogger! i hope to become one soon too! :D
Congrats Stargazer!
And good question. You don’t need to submit anything. Sorry for the delay getting your bio posted (it’s always busy when submissions are open) but thanks for your patience.
Wow! This is a very meaningful blog. I can tell you are serious about this subject, we all are. This is the perfect blog to become a Jr. Blogger. I am proud to be on the team with you!
My family and I use our rescue ponies for programs on our small farm. 6 out of seven of our ponies have come from bad homes. I have read a few things about slaughter and think it’s horrible. My ponies and pets are the most important thing after my family and if we ever sell any of them I will make sure that they will go to the best homes they can get. :)