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Cultural Issues - We are a throwaway/disposable society.
We have learned to solve problems by getting rid of the problem.
If a horse cannot be ridden, cannot have babies, cannot be used
in some way, that horse is dumped. Of course, this also happens
to people in our society. Therefore as we address issues regarding
horses we are also addressing larger issues within our culture.
Riding - While we are not against riding, we do not believe
in valuing a horse only as long as he or she can be ridden. The
inability to be ridden is the number one reason horses are homeless
and why we have taken riding out of the equation at the sanctuary.
Lifetime Commitment - Part of valuing a horse, or any
animal we make part of our family, is a lifetime commitment. We
believe no one should bring a horse into their lives unless they
plan on providing for that animal for the rest of their lives.
This includes making sure the horse is provided for in case of
emergencies or death of the guardian. We do not believe a commitment
includes finding a horse another career, a euphemism for a disposable
relationship.
Aged Horse - Many horses, after spending years serving
people faithfully, are not humanely retired but disposed off.
They are sold to rental stables, research groups, and slaughter
buyers or just euthanized to make room for younger horses. This
is a violation of trust and we believe the aged horse deserves
retirement time. We also believe there should be a maximum age
beyond which animals should not be required to work.
Pony Rides/Pony Parties - Because we want people to value
the relationship they have with a horse over the horses' ability
to be ridden, we do not believe pony rides or pony parties to
be appropriate learning experiences for children. These activities
only perpetuate the idea that animals are here for our entertainment.
Both children and horses are better served if parents take their
children to a training stable where respect, proper care and safe
riding can be learned.
Rental Stable/Summer Camps - We are adamantly apposed
to rental stables. Being on a rental string is no life for a horse.
They spend all day being ridden by people who kick their sides
and pull on their mouths. Many rental stables lease their horses
from slaughter dealers and once the horse is no longer able to
work they go to slaughter. This also applies to some summer camps.
We ask parents to not send their children to summer camps who
do not have humane policies of care and retirement for the horses
that they may have in their employ.
Carriage Horses - We are not against the carriage horse
trade as long as the carriages are not on the same streets as
motor vehicles, are heavily and knowledgeably regulated and the
horses are guaranteed retirement benefits. Our own study of the
carriage trade revealed an alarming trend in horse and passenger
deaths related to carriages that share the streets with cars.
Rodeo - We believe that Rodeo has nothing to do with maintaining
the traditions of the west and instead has become a big business
that exploits animals. Horses used in rodeo are injured and even
killed…all in the name of entertainment. From the bucking
straps used to get bulls and horses to buck, to the spurs the
cowboys use to rake a sensitive neck or side, rodeo is full of
cruel and ridiculous activities and equipment.
Premarin - The menopausal drug Premarin is made from the
urine of pregnant mares. Once the mares give birth, the foals
are not needed and are sent to slaughter. Each September tens
of thousands of babies are taken away from their mothers (as young
as 4 months) and sent to the slaughter sales. We ask that women
inform their doctor about how Premarin is made and then ask to
be switched to a cruelty free replacement.
Over-breeding - The hard facts regarding horses today
is that there are more horses than there are homes. This could
be easily fixed, as unlike dogs and cats that can and do breed
indiscriminately if left to wander the neighborhood, horses are
purposely over-bred for profit. A breed of horse becomes popular
(a good example are Paints) and prices rise with demand. Breeders
produce more horses for the high market and there ends up being
a glut of horses. The result of too many horses than the market
can handle can be seen at any slaughter auction.
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