The AQHA Has No Pure Thoughts…….

About midway down the list of Commandments on the New Age Horse Savior Cult tablet is “BLAME THE AQHA FOR EVERYTHING”. They are working on some way to implicate the AQHA in the Kennedy assignation as I write this, LBJ being from Texas and all.
This article I found on www.equestrianmag.com is so much fun I am going to split it up into several pieces so I can enjoy it for days. Cheryl Hanna, Jennifer Swanson, and the National Horse Welfare Organization have put their minds and hearts together to bring us yet more dirt on our legislative body and the AQHA. http://www.pthr.org/ is the website of Pure Thoughts Rescue Inc. and you can read the entire article at http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/horse-slaughter-overbreeding-02-09.html .
The authors take the first stab at one of those awful AQHA breeders who happens to be an agricultural state senator. It is pretty standard New Age Horse Savior spin and reads as follows:
North Dakota State Representative Rod Froelich and State Senator Joe Miller have introduced a bill to the state's legislative assembly proposing to spend $100,000 on a study to determine the feasibility of a horse slaughter house in North Dakota. There are some startling coincidences worthy of mention. Representative Froelich's family are longtime quarter horse breeders, and according to their website at http://www.froelichranch.com/ they specialize in breeding horses of outstanding color and disposition.
Here is an idea for Rep. Froelich: rather than ask the taxpayers to pay for a study on the feasibility of opening a slaughterhouse in North Dakota (creating a dumping ground for quarter horses that do not have the most perfect conformation, sought after color or greatest disposition), ask the AQHA to designate funds for genetic studies and education. Even the horse novice understands the homozygous genes and the possibilities of perfecting color choices.
Homozygous color genetics is my next blog for this juicy little tidbit of literature. But that’s not my point today. The author seems to think it might be a good idea for the AQHA to spend $100,000 on research and education. That’s my point for today.
This is taken from the AQHA website. I assume they would know where their money is going. www.aqha.com and www.equineresearch.net have more information on this subject but here is a basic summary of the AQHA’s position on equine research.
During the 1960 American Quarter Horse Association Convention in Amarillo, Texas, a presentation was made to the members that described several diseases that were a serious threat to the horse industry. The tone of the message expressed a grave need to fund research - research that would benefit all horses.
And so it began, AQHA's Research Committee was formed and a $20,000 budget was established. That first year, Texas A & M was given the lion's share of a $10,000 grant to study equine parasites, which ultimately lead to today's medications that control parasites in horses.
Since then, more than 200 projects have been funded allowing researchers to better understand ailments to treat and cure our horses. Additionally, AQHA was instrumental in helping establish Morris Animal Foundation's Equine Division. During the 1960s, MAF was involved only in small animal research but today funds some 15 projects each year and has awarded more than $3.2 million in equine research funds.
"The research funds AQHA has provided to investigators over the past 20 years have been either partially or, in some cases, fully responsible for notable discoveries that have significantly improved the health and welfare of all horses," says Dr. Nat Messer, Associate Professor of Equine Medicine and Surgery with University of Missouri at Columbia.
Among the notable discoveries or advancements achieved through AQHA research funding are:
•The role of progesterone in equine pregnancy
•Discovery of the cause of hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), development of a specific DNA test for HYPP and recommendations for management of horses afflicted with HYPP
•Studies of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses
•The effects of strenuous exercise on navicular bones of young horses
•Anatomical and functional consequences of tail alterations
•Validated the diagnosis of equine infectious anemia (EIA)
•Established the feasibility of using DNA markers for routine parentage verification
•Use of cloned gene products in diagnosis and vaccination of "Potomac Horse Fever"
•Development of a model to study uterine infections
•Development of a diet to manage tying up
•Pulmonary and respiratory studies
•Immunizations of horses
•Advancements in controlling and treating laminitis
Additionally, the American Quarter Horse Foundation currently is seeking funds to establish university studies that will make advances in equine trauma-related injuries, stallion reproduction issues and anhydrosis (inability to perspire).
Here are the figures for the 2008-2009 project funding…..the same time frame Pure Thoughts is thinking maybe the AQHA should put up $100,000 toward research and education.


Auburn University, Pharmacokinetics of Amikacin in Adult Horses and Comparison of the Concentration of Amikacin in Synovial Fluid in an Inflamed Antebranchiocarpal Joint after Intra-Articular or Parenteral Administration or a Combination of these Routes of Administration, Dr. John Schumacher, $11,240.00


Cornell University,The Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Minocycline in Horses, Dr. Lisa Fortier, $27,146.00


Morris Animal Foundation, Equine Consortium on Genetic Research, $50,000.00


Occidental College, The Equine Immune Response to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Infection: Implications for Diagnosis and Vaccine Development, Dr. Roberta R. Pollock, $44,000.00


Ohio State University, Equine Head Trauma: Correlation of Neuroanatomic Skull Injury and Brain Damage using State of the Art 3T MR, Contrast CT and Immunohistochemical Analysis, Dr. Alicia Bertone, $73,596.40


Oregon State University, Prevalence and Prevention of Anesthetic Myopathy in Quarter Horses, Dr. Erica McKenzie, $19,470.00


Oregon State University, Molecular Characterization of Early Osteochondrosis Lesions in Prepubertal Foals, Dr. Stacy A. Semevolos, $13,600.00


Texas A&M University, Laproscopic Evaluation of Oviductal Patency in the Mare, Dr. Carolyn Arnold, $26,350.00


Texas A&M University, Harmful Effects of Glucocorticoids on Stallion Reproduction: Gene Expression Studies Leading to a New Clinical Assay for Fertility Prediction, Dr. Nancy H. Ing, $37,784.00


Texas A&M University, Biopsy of Equine Embryos for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, Dr. Katrin Hinrichs, $56,555.00


University of Georgia, Hydrocortisone Therapy in Septic Foals, Dr. Michelle Henry Barton, $35,000.00


University of Illinois, The Use of Tendon Derived Progenitor Cells to Promote Tendon Healing in Horses, Dr. Allison Stewart, $26,951.00


University of Minnesota, Genetic Analysis of Glycogen Storage Disorders in Quarter Horses, Dr. Stephanie Valberg, $54,901.00


TOTAL AWARDED: (13 projects) $476,593.40


According to the Pure Thoughts article the AQHA has an annual budget of over $19,000,000. $ 476,500 breaks down to 2.5% and that’s a heck of a lot bigger investment than the HSUS makes in hands on financing for animal care.

By RH1

Unpacking the HSUS Gravy Train -
“We added up the totals, and HSUS gave only a little more than $450,000—that’s just half of one percent of its total budget—in grants to organizations providing hands-on care to dogs and cats. That’s less than 11 percent of what it paid “ALF” (for Arizona Lockbox & Fulfillment) just to count its money.”

“HSUS: Feed the lawyers, save the fundraisers, screw the pets.”

Unpacking the HSUS Gravy Train
There are only two things certain in life, as the saying goes, and a byproduct of one of them requires nonprofit organizations to file paperwork with the IRS. So now that the deceptively named “Humane Society” of the United States (HSUS) has submitted its "Form 990" for 2008, we thought it was time to take a close look. The tax filing itself is a bit more detailed than ones in the past, thanks to some new IRS rules. And more detail equals a clearer picture of exactly what HSUS is doing -- and what it's not doing -- with all its money. [Click here to view the full document.]
HSUS reported spending almost $20 million on “campaigns, legislation, and litigation”—enough to worry any livestock farmer or hunter looking to keep their chosen lifestyle alive. The group collected over $86 million in contributions, and spent more than $24 million on fundraising, including $4 million on professional fundraisers. Think about it: 28 cents of every dollar contributed to HSUS goes back out the door to raise more money. HSUS even paid a single “lockbox” company more than $4.2 million to count and process its cash hauls. We won’t comment on that company’s curious "ALF" initials (for Arizona Lockbox & Fulfillment).
The bottom line is the same as it ever was: HSUS rakes in millions from unsuspecting Americans who may confuse the animal rights group with an unaffiliated local humane society. And with all this cash flying around, it’s no surprise that 41 HSUS employees made at least $100,000 last year. All told, HSUS paid out over $30.9 million in salaries, wages, and other employee compensation.
HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle earned more than $250,000 in salary and benefits in 2008. We wouldn’t begrudge him a large salary, of course: He runs an animal-rights business “charity,” after all.
But the real trouble lies in where most HSUS money doesn’t go: to pet shelters. In contrast with the group’s extravagant spending on people, HSUS’s total grant allocation was less than $4.7 million. And of that, almost half went to a political campaign committee called “Californians for Humane Farms,” the main lobbying organization responsible for California’s “Proposition 2” ballot initiative.
For all the cute pictures of puppies and kitties on HSUS paraphernalia, you’d think it would operate a pet shelter, or at least give a substantial portion of its money to one. But HSUS has lobbying to do, a PETA-inspired agenda to push, meat eaters to stigmatize, and livestock farmers to put out to pasture. Lobbying? Oh, yes. HSUS takes four full pages to detail its lobbying activities on the state and federal levels.
With all the politicking going on, the animals—remember them?—seem to get lost in the shuffle. We added up the totals, and HSUS gave only a little more than $450,000—that’s just half of one percent of its total budget—in grants to organizations providing hands-on care to dogs and cats. That’s less than 11 percent of what it paid “ALF” (see above) just to count its money.
We’re musing today about HSUS’s next big self-marketing blitz, and some new slogans it might want to use. Our favorite? “HSUS: Feed the lawyers, save the fundraisers, screw the pets.”

The Center For Consumer freedom
http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/h/4062-unpacking-the-hsus-gravy-train

3 and 30

I suppose the year 2009 wouldn't be complete without "Cup-O-Soup" Jim Gath of Tierra Madre adding to the already full sardine can of a Sanctuary he operates in Arizona. http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=37974.4182 Jim's got a way with words, and I suppose saying 3 and 30 sounds better than admitting that you've got 33 horses penned in on less than 3 acres of land. Like our friend Lin of EPONA, Jim is a first class hoarder who feels that only he can provide the love and care for these horses. Jim, however, is one up on Lin. He's cultivated a strong financial support base. Maybe it's because he's a guy, and ABR has quite a few lonely women members. Some of the same ones who fawn over every post King Alex Brown makes are enthralled with Jim. And why not? Jim knows just how to rope 'em in. He plays on their emotions, and uses the horses he's holding hostage to keep the donations coming in. Humanizing the horses is the trick he knows works best on the girls, and Jimbo works it for all it's worth. Lin doesn't have that advantage. Lin may have the drama, but Jim's got the thong club. But back to the 3 plus 30. Once again, Jim has convinced the enablers on ABR that the situation was dire, and the only solution was the Sardine Sanctuary. So, the money was raised, and three more unfortunate victims will now call Hotel Tierra Madre home. If you've ever gone to an auction, you've seen the metal pens they set up to hold horses temporarily until they are sold. That's kind of what Jim's place looks like. I wish we could get a scale illustration of what Jim's sanctuary looks like. People just can't imagine how cramped this place is if they don't own horses themselves. Jim describes it as if there's really lots of room, but we know Jim. This could just be another one of his Allegories, like the Cup-O-Soup tale.How many more horses will Jim take in? As many as he can. That's the problem with hoarders. They can't say no. They can't see past their own needs to understand what impact their actions have on the horses they take in. I have often wondered what Jim's vet thinks of all of this. Does he ever try to intervene? Do the volunteers? Not that it would make a difference. Jim will continue to collect horses as long as he can build pens to put them in. What will Jim's count be in 2010? And how high will his number of fatalities be? Time will tell. For those opposed to the pain and suffering of horses, lets hope that the Friends of Tierra Madre just say "NO" next time Jim says "Can we help another one?" Enough is enough, and 3 and 30 is really, really, too much.
BY RH2

EPONA-everything that's wrong with Rescue...

As 2009 is coming to an end, I am working to tie up some of the loose ends I have going on. One thing I have learned from my involvement with this blog is that there will be times when such a thing will not be possible. There is not going to be a happy ending, or an ending at all. That has been the case with EPONA. I have been working on a blog piece about EPONA for months now. Each time I think I'm done, something new turns up. For those who are not aware, EPONA is an Equine Rescue-or so they claim. I like to think of it as kind of an Equine Soap Opera. Or better yet, the Equine version of the movie "Groundhog Day", with Lin, the woman in charge in the role of Bill Murray. Each day repeats itself until Lin gets it right. But, Lin never seems to get it right, so it goes on and on and on. And there are very few laughs, so maybe we'd best stick to the Soap Opera angle. Lin does provide a heavy and steady dose of drama, that's for sure. There is so much to say about EPONA, and a limited amount of time and space, that I think the best course of action is to just highlight Lin's latest actions. Let's begin with this one-http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=43842.1 This is not only a favorite of mine, but obviously of quite a few other peoples', as it has been pointed out to me by more than one person. From what I've been told, this is not the first time EPONA has "changed directions". And what those who pointed it out really seem to enjoy about it (and I agree), is that Lin is very vague on just what those changes are going to be. Now, this is one characteristic of Lin that is an ongoing source of aggravation to anyone who has any interest in getting any sort of factual information from Lin about anything. It's not going to happen. Remember that old joke about Who's on first? That's how a question to Lin would go. If you ask Lin to clarify any of her vague statements, you'll just get more of the same. I am continually amazed that she in still in operation due to the lack of any concrete answers she has given about some of her actions in recent months. For example-Some of you will recall my articles on the Phoenix Rising incident, where there were starved horses left in the hands of a Rescue in Nebraska. Lin was involved in some of these Rescue transfers. In fact, she was the one Rescue who not only refused to remove the horses she placed there, but assured others that no horses were starving or dying. Anyone viewing pictures could see that there were in fact horses in starved condition. And unfortunately, some horses did die. Lin promised to make weekly visits to monitor the horses remaining at Phoenix rising, and in true Lin style, never followed through. She had lots of good excuses, but for starving horses, I don't think they were good enough. If this wasn't bad enough, it turned out that 1 of the horses she chose to leave at Phoenix was a horse paid for by our good friends on ABR. Lin claimed that he was in good condition, and when pictures were produced to prove that was not true, she said she would check on him again when she had time and decide if any further action was needed. By the way, the horse in question was a 2 year old stud left in with mares. Very responsible behavior on the part of both rescues. When the pressure was put on to actually visit the horse, suddenly, this horse was adopted! Lin is very quick to find homes for horses in question. I'm not saying she doesn't, but if I had paid for a horse, I think I'd want a little more than Lin's word that it had found a good home if I had found out it was in a neglectful or abusive situation. I have never seen any updates on Lin's site, but maybe it's an oversight. Her site doesn't get updated often, although she does spend large amounts of time on the internet. Which leads me to my next issue. Who can provide adequate care to the large number of horses EPONA houses while spending the amount of time on the internet that Lin does? I've seen a lot of photos, and it's very rare that they are photos of a well groomed horse. There doesn't seem to be a lot of training that occurs, and I'm not sure how much basic equine knowledge Lin possesses. During the Phoenix Rising incident, Lin posted that Little Wilbur, a Pony Mule cross she had come into possession of had passed away. There were those who had concerns about Lin having Little Wilbur because 2 other young ones had passed away in her care. One of the little ones was attacked by a dog. I'm not sure what happened to the other one. In Little Wilbur's case, the concern was over the fact that at less than 3 months old, he and his Dam were turned out daily with full sized horses, and it appeared that he was fed with them also. Anyone with any experience with mares and foals knows that housing them in this manner is not the safest thing to do. Lin has never really said exactly what caused Little Wilbur's death, and I doubt she ever will. But from what I had seen in the 3 months of his life, she was more interested in posting videos of him than in actually caring for him. Sure, it's cute to see a little long eared guy rushing around, and funny to pretend he's training to be a race mule. But in reality, he needed to be worked with on a daily basis, kept in a corral by himself with mama, and fed properly. Mama, too. Would that have changed his outcome? We'll never know. And I will freely admit that I found it very disturbing to see the post mortem "Little Wilbur" calendars being hawked to make a few bucks for EPONA. But that's just me. And I don't have a problem with Lin spending hours on videos and online chatting. Just don't take in large numbers of horses that have medical or training issues. Stick to one or two and then you can be online most of the day posting all the videos you want. Lin also used the passing of Little Wilbur to try to deflect some of the heat she was getting from the Phoenix Rising incident by posting that she had received a threatening phone call. She just didn't know what to do! Well, Lin-two choices. Mine would have been not to listen, and just hang up. But for those who crave the drama, that doesn't work. Number 2 would have been to have the call traced. But for someone who's actions involving horses that were in their care were being questioned, I suppose stirring up some sympathy would have been the smartest choice. And Lin is good at that! I was a little let down when I saw a picture of Lin. I really expected flowing robes and a crown of thorns. Lin is, after all, persecuted on a regular basis to hear her tell it. Any time her actions are questioned, she cries foul. It's someone who is just hateful, or a bully, or is jealous. And they would have reason to be. Lin has been very fortunate. How many Rescues have 130 acres donated to them? Or a truck and trailer? Lin has been blessed, yet she in continually begging for funds for everything. I often wonder if Lin pays for ANYTHING! Obviously, she isn't able to run her Rescue efficiently. With the land, and truck and trailer, there are many other Rescues that would not have to continually ask for money. They would have used the funds they had for those things to pay for their other needs. Unless they never had the money for those things in the first place. I could go on and on, but it wouldn't matter. The adventures of Saint Lin of EPONA can be read daily on the ABR forum. Her supporters will defend her, and if things get too dicey, Alex will step in and warn the offenders to back off, or shut things down-wonder what's up with that? The bottom line here is that we're not dealing with a Rescue, or a Sanctuary, or a Foster situation. It appears to be in every way a Hoarder. They seem to be the hardest ones to take down. Their support base, while small, is loyal to a fault. And it should come as no surprise that Lin's number one fan appears to be none other than "Cup-O-Soup" Jim Gath. Any time Lin is caught in a lie, or a vague statement, Jim is quick to jump to her defense, assuring her that "she rocks". Really, Jim? What rocks about providing substandard care for the horses you take in? About continually taking in more horses even while begging for funds for the ones you already have? About making statements that no one can even make heads nor tails of, and then becoming upset when you're asked to explain them? And what, exactly rocks about turning your back on horses you committed to caring for when you KNOW they are in a bad situation? Any answers? We know Lin doesn't have them. She's too busy changing directions. If only the direction was completely out of Equine Rescue. Well-one can always hope. It's hard to move on from this one, but I know it's one of those things that will not change until people understand that people like Lin and her "Rescue" operation are not the solution, they are very much the problem. We here at the "Ranch" will continue to work hard to open as many eyes as we can. The issue is not as simple as Slaughter versus Anti Slaughter. As long as the Lins and Jims can get folks to buy into that mindset, they can continue to hoard. That's an issue I hope we can address more and bring to light in 2101. The suffering of the horses in their hands is not something many would like to discuss-but we WILL do that here.
By RH2

Happy Holidays Fugly and Friends

First off I want to apologize for the time we have taken off from the blog. It doesn't mean we have lost interest in horse welfare. Far from it. We are all busy during the Holidays but especially during the winter months. Livestock care takes a bit more time in these cold months!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have the best New Year.

Here is a post I found on a horse forum that I liked enough to post here. Permission to cross post was given :)

Happy Holidays from all of us Back at the Ranch !!



For months now fugly has censored my comments. She doesn't not fear the backyard breeder because they are uneducated, childish, and easily angered. But she fears more than anything is an intelligent conversation. Those of you who agree should cross post this.

What I said to fugly today:

What happens to the horses who don't have homes? What happens to all those fifty dollar horses? What happens when rescues are overwhelmed? When animal control can't place them? Where do they go?
The number of these cases seems to be on the rise. Yet despite this fact, no one is talking about why hoarders have so many more horses than they can afford. Everyone must assume its the economy. It's an easy scape goat, what do you think will happen when the economy does improve? Will the price of horses really go up. Will there be more hoarders or fewer? Why?
What is the base value of a horse these days? This is a trick question, because their isn't one. When websites like dream horse has added a desk top link to "free horses" isn't that saying something?
Fugly believes with faith reserved on to the fanatic that ending slaughter would improve the lives of horses. I don't which is why I'd be shocked if you ever see this. (I have posted many times and every comment censored ) But I don't write this for all eyes, I write this to the coward who runs the fugly blog.
Wake up fugly. You scream and throw temper tantrums about how "tired" this makes you. This is only the beginning. As the economy its going to get worse. Set your jaw, let that voice scream "you're wrong!" But ask yourself this, what happens when people have more money? What happens who people feel more secure and you can still buy a horse for fifty-bucks? Do you really thing fewer people will buy these horses?
"But when the economy improves so will the price of horses?"
I ask you why is that? Think about it. Will a better economy really increase the number of knowledgeable homes to provide for these horses? How's your war against back yard breeders going? Has there been a measurable drop in equine births since you started this one man war? Or have the numbers risen because everybody can afford to buy a horse?
What of these fifty dead horses? How many months did they suffer? How long did it take them to die?
Starvation
Starvation results from the inadequate intake of nutrients or the inability to metabolize or absorb nutrients. It consists of three phases. The events of the first two phases occur even during relatively short periods of fasting, but the third phase occurs only in prolonged starvation and can end in death.
During the first phase of starvation, blood glucose levels are maintained through the production of glucose from glycogen, proteins, and fats. At first glycogen is broken down into glucose. However, only enough glycogen is stored in the liver to last a few hours. Thereafter, blood glucose levels are maintained by the breakdown of proteins and fats. Fats are decomposed into fatty acids and glycerol. Fatty acids can be used as a source of energy, especially by skeletal muscle, thus decreasing the use of glucose by tissues other than the brain. Glycerol can be used to make a small amount of glucose, but most of the glucose is formed from the amino acids of proteins. In addition, some amino acids can be used directly for energy.
In the second stage, which can last for several weeks, fats are the primary energy source. The liver metabolizes fatty acids into ketone bodies that can be used as a source of energy. After about a week of fasting, the brain begins to use ketone bodies, as well as glucose, for energy. This usage decrease the demand for glucose, and the rate of protein breakdown diminishes but does not stop. In addition, the proteins not essential for survival are used first.
The third stage of starvation begins when the fat reserves are depleted and there is a switch to proteins as the major energy source. Muscles, the largest source of protein in the body, are rapidly depleted. At the end of this stage, proteins, essential for cellular functions are broken down, and cell function degenerates.
In addition to weigh loss, symptoms of starvation include apathy, listlessness, withdrawal, and increased susceptibility to infectious disease. Few creatures die directly from starvation-they usually die of some infectious disease first. Atrophy (wasting away) of the stomach weakens the perception of hunger, since the perception is controlled by the percentage of the stomach that is empty. Victims of starvation are often too weak to sense thirst, and therefore become dehydrated.
All movements become painful due to atrophy of the muscles, and due to dry, cracked skin caused by severe dehydration. With a weakened body, diseases are commonplace. Fungi, for example, often grow under the esophagus, making swallowing unbearably painful.
The energy deficiency inherent in starvation causes fatigue and renders the victim more apathetic over time. As the starving horse becomes too weak to move or even eat, his or her interaction with the surroundings diminishes.Foods high in bulk but low in protein content often cannot reverse the process of starvation, thus hay (assuming the horse can eat) is not an adequate food source for horses once starvation has begun.
The second stage of starvation can be prolonged indefinitely, but once the third stage is reached, horses can suffer up to fifty days before dying.
Do you still deny that this is happening to more horses? On a larger scale than previously? The economy is your excuse but its theirs too and don't they use it to effectively, retaining horses longer because the "economy did it."
What happens when you can't blame the economy.
Must we bring back slaughter? No. Not if someone mounts a campaign among the rescues with an effective euthanization program. And we're not talking ten horses, or twenty. Approximately one hundred thousand a year. Such a program will force the price of low end horses back up to six or seven hundred dollars. I fear the day when horses were worth 1000 just because they're a horse is over. But the low end market needs shoring up because it protects horses from danger. Sure there will always be hoarders. It cannot be stopped, but it can be mitigated. For this to happen you either need a massive ethanization program, or a massive "catch and release" where tens of thousands of horses are bought then gelded or spayed, and resold into the general population- rescue horses regardless of quality are spayed and neutered. Obviously these animals will not be desirable to breeders, but that alone will drive the price of breeding stock up and out of reach for many to most back yard breeders. The result will be volatile as back yard breeders scream for their rights.
Of course this solution isn't good for people addicted to the high of "rescuing." Instead it would have to be someone who really cares about horses. Who here really cares about horses? Who here really wants to end the suffering? Who here can step up to the plate?
The way I see it Fugly is in a unique position to actually change things better for horses. Instead she is weak, concerned only with the high of making fun, the feel good of rescue, and indignation of being "tired of this expletive." But she is not about solution. She is about rhetoric.
Her rhetoric did not help these horses. Oh many of you will step in to "help" now, but that's after fifty died. And there are so many cases out there- I know her mailbox is full- that the suffering of one is forgotten because the hundred is better news, will get more outrage, and ultimately fugly more attention.
What scares you so much about my words fugly?
Written By -
http://forums.delphiforums.com/dreamhorse/messages?msg=118890.1

For Those Who Just Don’t Get It……..

Sales are the same as always?……..

Was there a grain of truth in the market opinion piece that drew so much fire?
Sale report for Corsica, South Dakota’s November 16, 2009 sale.
This is available on their website http://sdhorsesales.com/ for each month of the year.
This was written by the sale staff.

SOLD 320 HEAD – Buyers & Sellers registered in from Illinois, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wyoming, North Dakota and all across South Dakota. Lots of Buyer interest in the award or money winning proven saddle horse, (supply & demand is the name of the game) but with the economy and recession going on right now, a lower cattle market, plus going into winter feed costs, Buyers were pretty conservative with the amount they want to spend on that easier to find or a average looking & broke saddle horse. We are thinking after the 1st of the year, Buyers will feel a little more confidence in the economy coming back and let loose on bidding prices. Now would be a good time to take advantage of the lower horse market and get into the buying end. The market could bounce back fast, and right now, one has a opportunity to make some good money. I would think, we are now bottomed out on horse prices. The horse industry seems to follow the stock market and cattle market and once those bounce back more, look for the horse market to come around just as fast. I expect we will be seeing a
big shortage in the finished saddle horse before long. Check out our top sale horse pictures to see the conformation and proven record that brings in the top prices. Note, that one of the top sale horses was a non catalogued horse that sold at almost very end of the sale - proof, that a good broke horse with the correct conformation, good bone & muscle, will sell well anytime, early or late in the sale. Also note, that our 3rd top sale horse was a grade pony that sold for $2600. The pony had a proven horse show record and came with a lot of shape, disposition and conformation & that is what makes the difference.
The high selling horses were FINISHED barrel horses bringing $2,750.00 each for an 11 year old gelded son of Easily Smashed and a 9 year old daughter of Runnerelse. Not much money for the caliber of horse they were. The sale staff is well aware of the role the economy plays in the pricing of the upper end horses. We in the horse business do GET IT……It’s the economy stupid…..Ummm Duh, I think we may have mentioned that a time or ten…..

The comments about things improving after the first of the year are speculation. First, prices are better after the first of the year and continue to rise as spring approaches no matter how bad it is the fall before. Second, auctions operate on commission so it is in their best interest to bring in GOOD HORSES in larger numbers. It’s a circular thing……..Good horses in the catalog bring buyers with money to spend. Buyers with money to spend entice sellers to bring good horses to the sale. Good sales bring both at least that’s the plan.

NOBODY wants to see the owner who got in because horses were a dime a dozen show up with 15 generations of “I am a pretty color but nobody studied nutrition or conformation”. NOBODY wants to watch crippled starved out, run down racehorses or any other kind of used up horse sell.

And on that note here is the loose horse report of the same sale.

Loose Horses – sold 128 Head. The big cleanup of over production from when the horse market was at its high peak 10-12 years ago is about over. We have been selling lots of stallions & broodmares these past several years as people got out of the business when the price of weanlings dropped drastically due to the over production that had been going on. Again, foreign slaughter horse plants taking big advantage of the fact all horse processing plants closed in the U.S., no alternative but to use them & show it by prices paid. PETA & HSUS has hurt the economy a bunch. NOTE – our loose horse sale will now be starting later - at 11 AM instead of 9 AM . 7 % commission, $30 minimum. Sorry, we can not accept crippled, blind and very thin horses, per USDA rules & regulations.
Loose Sale Averages:
700 lb to 900 lb sold $20 to $100
900 to 1000 lb sold $100 to $150
1000 – 1100 lb sold $160 to $200
1200 lb & over sold $200 to $325

Please take note of the statement about foreign buyers “taking advantage” of the lack of plants in this country. I think it might contradict the b.s. comment “the foreign markets are tired of the U.S. shoving its contaminated horsemeat down their throats”. Hmmm……
We have mentioned “loose” horses often do go for other purposes the same as any other horse in the auction. The top loose horse prices below represent horses bought out of the loose horse pen for other purposes. These geldings will likely be tried as saddle horses in another sale.
Heck, one of them may be on the internet next week as a “kid broke” pasture buddy to someone with no more sense than to spend $3,500 on a horse they have never seen from a person they have never met. Anyone following the infamous Patricia Wilson scandal on several forums can see the absurd concept of reality that abounds on both sides of that aisle. Really that has nothing to do with the subject at hand it just strikes me as funny people tend to blame sales or anyone other than themselves when things go to crap. It’s getting to be a disturbing trend.

Top 10 Loose Horses:
9-yr grade black gelding...........1305 lb...........$735
Grade bay gelding.....................1225 lb.......... $725
Reg. sorrel gelding.....................1130 lb..........$685
Reg. 10-yr roan gelding.............1280 lb..........$685
Reg. 9-yr chestnut gelding........1085 lb..........$685
Grade 10-yr black gelding........1140 lb............$500
Reg. sorrel gelding....................1115 lb.......... $425
Reg. sorrel gelding....................1205 lb..........$400
12 yr grade sorrel gelding.........1160 lb.......... $375
Reg. buckskin mare...................1245 lb........ $360

The New Age Horse Saviors would like to do away with horse auctions entirely. Alex Brown wants to use “grants” to add “euthanasia stations” to the auction’s list of duties. Let’s do some math on the “grant” theory.
128 head is about an average loose horse sale for Corsica. If we estimate one third go from the loose horse run to other purposes that’s around 40 head. 128 head – 40 head = 88 head of straight “killer” horses. Of the 190 or so cataloged horses a conservative estimate of one fourth will go to slaughter in spite of being represented, add back in another 45 head. Total number to be loaded on the big trucks roughly 130.
130 head not bought to rescue, to ride, or for ANY other purpose. Alex Brown’s grant based system would necessitate 130 horses destroyed by the auction facility at taxpayer/grant expense. This particular sale at present charges a $ 125 disposal fee for “unmarketable” horses left at the auction. If we use the present cost of disposal as the base cost of Alex’s Grant System, $125 per head x 130 head= $16,250 each month or $195,000 annually at this one sale alone.
Alex wrote a few months ago the cost of the loose horses would adjust downward to allow more horses to be purchased by rescues and private buyers. I don’t see much room for “downward adjustment” do you???? What is the future of a $20, $100, or $200 horse even in a no-slaughter world????

BY RH1

Cup-O- Soup Challenge

We all hear things we can't quite believe, and wonder if there's any way to prove or disprove them. Well, in some cases, we can, and pretty simply, too. Take Jim Gath of Tierra Madre, and his claim that he lives on a diet of 1 Cup-O-Soup a day. Before we begin, for you youngsters, let's clarify. There IS a product called Cup-O-Soup. It's kind of like Ramen Noodles. And it is NOT the tastiest thing in the world. I recall eating them in my teen years, and that's been awhile. Back to the challenge. Jim, as we all know has 29 horses (hoping for 30) on 3 acres. Due to his financial situation, he allows himself the barest of sustenance to get by. It is claimed that if you send Jim extra money for food, he won't buy it, he'll just continue to eat that one Cup-O Soup a day. The women in Jim's Thong mailing Fan club love this story. Some have even taken to sending baked goods to assure that Jim gets some extra nutrition. But I'm getting off track here. The question at hand is- Can one live on 1 Cup-O-Soup per day, do all of the physical work required to take care of 29 (hoping for 30) horses, and remain healthy, or even semi-healthy? Would one even feel like getting out of bed? I'm not suggesting living like Jim. That's just crazy. I Don't think even JIM really lives like Jim. But for the sake of Science, let's all try what I call the Cup-O-Soup Challenge. It's easy, and you can post your findings here in the comment section. I'd suggest you plan for no more than a day. But if you want a true Jim-like experience, go ahead and shoot for two. You'll need 1 Cup-O-Soup. If you're planning on a 2 day Jimathon, go ahead and buy 2. If your store doesn't carry Cup-O-Soup, you can buy Soup in Hand, or Ramen Noodles. Now You're ready to go. The experiment is easy. Pick a day. Get up. Have some soup. I'm not sure when Jim would be having his soup. I generally get up, have a cup of tea, go out and do my morning chores. Then I come in and eat Breakfast. So, I guess, I would probably have my soup then. But, you figure out when you want to have it. Or, space it out into three meals. I am guessing Jim drinks water, as well as walks on it, so you can have as much water as you can drink. Make sure you keep busy all day. With 29(hoping for30) horses, Jim has got to be going all day. No cheating-don't even LOOK at a cracker! At the end of the day, just hit the sack, and get a good, restful night's sleep. If you're going for the two day plan, either look in the mirror and say "What am I, an idiot?" and make yourself a good Breakfast, or continue on with day 2. Now, how are you feeling? Ready for a full day of physically demanding chores? And don't forget-Jim does a lot of doctoring, so he's also mentally stressed. I'll be interested in reading the results of the Cup-O-Soup challenge. For those who liked this one, I'll be posting the "Live Like A Horse With A Chance Challenge" soon.
By RH2