It's Foaling Time, and It's All Our Fault

"http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=47223.1"

Who doesn't love a baby? I do, and so do most people. My favorite moderator on ABR, Mary L, began a thread to allow those with new babies arriving to post pictures of them. Now, to be fair, all of the babies, I am assuming are out of mares already pregnant when the Rescues took them in. I am hoping none of these Rescues are breeding-it kind of defeats the purpose. I was reading along, enjoying the pictures, and as always, it didn't take long for some astute reader to figure out a way to blame those of us who are Pro Horse for this. I know, there's the obvious "just stop breeding" ideal. It's preached all of the time. (By the way, Mary L., if you are really committed to this, isn't a thread dedicated to totally adorable new babies kind of at cross purposes?-but carry on). One of the posters feels that those of us who are Pro Horse really need to look at these babies and that will somehow make us understand how awful we are. Hmmmm. And in case you weren't aware-and I certainly wasn't, in post #72, it is revealed that pregnant mares are actually SOUGHT OUT for Slaughter. I have never read any reports supporting this "fact", but if you read it on ABR, it must be true. Do pregnant mares end up at Slaughter Plants? I would imagine so. Anyone who has actually dealt with mares in foal know that often times it is difficult to know if they are in fact pregnant until confirmed by a vet. And in some of the situations these horses are coming from, where they have been running with studs (Phoenix Rising "Rescue" always comes to mind), we are often dealing with multiple mares, and owners who cannot afford, or who do not care to have a vet come out and check. Add to that the time frame in which a pregnancy can be confirmed, and at times, the mare has already been sold. But, back to the thread. It is our fault that these mares have these babies. And now that they are in good hands, they will be constant reminders to those of us who are awful enough to send them to Slaughter what we have done. I love how these connections are made, don't you? One of the mares of course, comes with a story of how she got to the sale, and I have no reason to dispute it. I'm sure the person telling it was there to hear the words spoken, and in that case, is not re-telling a tale heard and embellished several times. Because when that happens, we know the tale often gets spun a bit. They have managed with love and patience to re-hab the mare, and I am glad for that. I am in full agreement that there are far too many people out there who have no business owning a horse because they don't know the first thing about the importance of good training. But that's another story for another day.
I'll tell you what I AM looking forward to. I'm looking forward to seeing how the ABR babies of 2010 turn out. Given proper care, they should have at least 25, maybe 30 years of life ahead of them. Hopefully, they have already been handled, and haltered. I am anxious to see what kind of citizens they will become in the Equine Community. I've found that it is very easy to point accusing fingers at "our side" for darned near everything that happens. Let's see how they deal with these babies, and what mark they make with them. Yes, there's already talk of a Calendar- Faces of the Saved or something like that. (by the way, there was mention of little Wilbur Gregory, the poor little Donkey cross who passed away under the "care" of one of those "Rescues" we love so much. I'd pass on putting him in the Calendar-he wasn't really saved when he didn't even make it to his 6 month birthday). It would be a money maker for the Anti Side. Great Idea. But I'm hoping the future for these babies holds plans for more than that. Those of you with ABR babies have a lot of work ahead of you. The work should have already begun. Good luck, and I hope you provide the future these babies deserve. Nothing is better for a horse than a solid foundation of training and respect-no matter what side of the issue you're on.

BY RH2

Apple Pie...

http://rtfitch.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/wyoming%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9cslaughterhouse%e2%80%9d-sue-wallis-gets-a-dose-of-red-white-and-blue/
I just had to share this. Not because of it's newsworthiness, but because of the humor I find in it. We've heard from R.T. here before-(from what I understand, that is his given name). He's a champion of the Anti Slaughter side, and with articles like this one, I can see why. I have no problem with campaigning in the political arena, and I'm a huge fan of our veterans, so I wish this guy well. Have at it, and if with $380 in your pocket, you achieved the American dream, good for you! While R.T. extols the many virtues of the obvious patriotism and all around good guyness of this new upstart, he seems to thoroughly enjoy showing his disregard and lack of respect for Sue Wallis. But then, he doesn't seem to care for anyone who disagrees with his gospel. He doesn't seem to care for women much, either, from some of the comments he left here on his last visit. I enjoy a good conversation, even a debate on any issue. I like a well written article. I never see the need to out an out insult people, but to each his own, I suppose. I don't agree with everything Sue Wallis says or does, but I don't feel that gives anyone the right to bash her as R.T seems to feel entitled to do. But, enjoy the article. You'll feel like havin' yourself a nice ol' slice of American apple pie-or you'll just wonder if anyone takes this stuff seriously.

By RH2

It’s In the Genes...

I started out some time ago to write this blog about the traditions, the stockmen/women, the good people who cherish a way of life made possible by the horse industry and the entire business of animal agriculture. These people work every day to produce good horses and good livestock. I wanted to portray them in the same light I know them, as friends, peers, and caring stockmen/women. I became sidetracked in the angry insulting venues used by the so called “educated” side of this argument. You know the “smart” ones who think we should get a real job. What would the shelves of their local Walmart look like if everyone involved in animal agriculture were to follow their advice? What would the horse industry look like if all the professionals both small and large were to adopt the *NAHSC philosophy?
I don’t know Gary Hughes but he sounds like the kind of person I am referring to in this blog when I talk of the good horsemen and good people in the industry. His interview written by Journal editor, Christine Hamilton, thanks his Savior, his nephew, his friends, and an older gentleman who helped with his horses years ago for all they have done for him. He also gives credit to the friend who sold him BB Quick Hancock and the horse himself. Gary Hughes works for the BLM in mustang management. Wonder how many of those it would take to trade him out of the good gray gelding? Read the entire article here http://www.aqha.com/showing/shows/worldshow/09winningrun/amaheeling.html

I do know the breeders of Walking X Hancock and they are examples of the good people in livestock you would be lucky to count as friends. When you think about it, Walking X Hancock is actually a combination of evils according to NAHSC stereotypical bylaws. 1. The breeders of Walking X Hancock, Jan and Bill Wood have ridden horses to make living their entire lives. They put together a small band of mares from those who carried them well for so many years of those good horses. They have paid attention to sound conformation, working genetics, and trainable minds but haven’t been all that impressed by show points or promotional campaigns when choosing their breeding stock. BYBs with a really big backyard? 2. He sired BB Quick Hancock during one of the last years Warren and Kim Boles were involved in PMU ranching. The PMU industry is legendary fodder for the NAHSC.

The Woods no longer breed any horses. The Boles have left the PMU industry and scaled back their breeding program drastically. Haythorns, Cragos, and Lapkes to name a few others have or will be making drastic reductions in their breeding programs. We are losing the produce of these horsemen and gaining Fuglies, Eponas, John Hollands, and Karen Sussmans, yet we haven’t even begun to solve the unwanted horse problem. How’s that for selective breeding?
The American Association of Equine Practitioners honored the North American Equine Ranching Information Council with the 2009 Lavin Cup December 8 at the 55th annual convention. The Lavin Cup is the association’s award for outstanding equine welfare initiatives.
The North American Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC) was established in 1995 to promote the production of quality horses of many breeds while producing pregnant mare urine. Whether or not the estrogen and estrogen replacement therapy is, was, or ever will be safe for women is not my point today. I don’t wish to debate that or even discuss it.
These people were horsemen long before they became PMU ranchers. The 64 family ranches currently involved with the NAERIC have organized programs and marketing campaigns to ensure quality breeding and good animal husbandry. These animal husbandry practices include at least twice a year veterinary herd health reviews and third party oversight. The NAERIC placement fund has been instrumental in placing more than 26,000 broodmares in the U.S. and Canada since its inception in 2003. They also support research at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The NAERIC Advantage program paid out $60,000 in incentives to owners of AQHA horses competing in approved events alone in 2009. I used the AQHA data since I am a working quarter horse fan and we started out talking about a world champion quarter horse gelding.
The Lavin Cup is named for AAEP Past President Gary Lavin. Past recipients of the Lavin Cup include Hanover Shoe Farms, Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Inc., and the American Quarter Horse Association. The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse.
For more information and discussion about the NEARIC visit these websites.
http://www.naeric.org/ http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/local/62383.php http://www.equinevoices.org/tusconcitizen-sept10-2007.php , http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/newsletters/v10n1/10n1luba.htm
You can read more about the Boles’ program at their website http://www.bbquarterhorse.com/ and you can enjoy Jan’s column as well as other equine related articles at http://www.tsln.com/

Written By RH1

The Economics/Greed Factor……

I was reading some old copies of Horse & Rider the other day. I don’t subscribe so my information is not hot off the press. One of the issues was November 2007. 2007 the last year we slaughtered any horses domestically. You might say it was the black wall cloud in the perfect storm of events that have put the horse industry where it is today.
Here are some quotes from that issue, great insights the author of the article calls them. I think they are common sense things you should have already known if you have owned any horse for more than three days.
“We as owners are not just responsible for feeding and caring for our horses. We also need to train them”. “60 % of the horses entering the rescue have never been handled. Period. It’s not uncommon to get 5 and 6 year olds who have never been ridden. It’s horses like these who slip down the slope toward unhappy endings.” “This means one of the kindest things you can do – and possibly one the best defenses against an uncertain future – to teach a horse of any age the ABCs of equine manners: to be respectful of your space on the ground; to lead and tie quietly. If and when he is old enough, either break him to ride or pay someone to do it for you. A broke horse is saleable.”
“It’s simple: if you buy an unbroke horse and don’t train him, or breed him and don’t train the youngsters, you could inadvertently fuel the unwanted horse problem. If you lack the skill, time, or money to the training done, you shouldn’t be buying young or green horses, nor should you be breeding. Even trained horses need refresher courses. A lot of people want their horses to be pets. That’s okay, but don’t allow them to be dangerous pets. It’s not good for you or him.”
If you think those comments were written by a trainer, breeder, or some other horse industry professional, guess again, they were made by the proprietor of a very prominent Midwestern rescue. I started thinking about the fixed cost of horses. The costs incurred no matter the value or lack thereof.
Training and upkeep……it doesn’t really matter if you subscribe to NAHSC theory of the economy causing the current market chaos or feel it is a combination of several factors not the least being a VERY compromised culling system. The basic procedure (training) to produce a reliable, useful, saddle horse anyone can handle and safely enjoy will remain the same. The cost to feed and house (upkeep) him is the same whether he is a pasture puff who will never turn a wheel or a good horse working overtime every day.
Let’s examine the statement of “when he is old enough, either break him to ride or pay someone to do it for you.” Here is where the economics come in. I have spent the majority of my adult life riding for the public in one capacity or another. I firmly believe anyone who can’t start their own colt has absolutely no business riding a 30 day colt, more than likely on a 60 day one either. In the What’s He Worth blog several months ago I outlined what I feel a “saddle horse” broke horse should be able to do. Saddle horse broke is a term I use to describe a good foundation. Foundation, meaning the horse is “broke” enough to start work on his “career”. He is trail ready but needs to be finished and seasoned too before he is a made horse for a specific event. If he is kind minded the average rider can get along with him safely. If he is one of those kind minded horses all of the above will take about 4 months, or an average of $2,400.
We have books, website, and DVDs, all telling us anyone can start their own colt. All you have to do is attend this or that clinic, buy all the support material. There is natural horsemanship, touch technique, clicker training, and a host of clinicians to help us in the quest for the best. And best of all, you can do it in one or two days not all that months crap those trainers try to wring out of you. Little hint to the wise here, it’s not working. Every year I get several “broke” horses that would scare the life out of me to ride from here to the mailbox. Of course every one of them is gentle but……….riding a horse without any knowledge of how to teach him anything will result in a tired horse not a trained one. No matter what we have been led to believe, good honest horses are still made the same way they always have been. Wet saddle blankets under experienced hands, there are no substitutes or short cuts and there never will be.
All kidding aside, how likely is the average rescue horse or the $100 horse to get any education by anyone remotely capable? While preparing the training speech these people forgot one thing. What happens when the first 10 days of training cost more than the horse will ever be worth? Fugly had the sand to suggest trainers donate their time to a rescue in their area. Donate their skill to an organization whose horses will compete in the same market as those the trainers sell themselves or train to sell for clients. This is also after the professional horse trainer has been insulted and maligned as greedy selfish uncaring people for expecting profit from a horse in the first place.
Upkeep is another unchanging cost. The 2007 article addressed the fact in most rural counties the cost of caring for horses seized in abuse and neglect cases falls on the county agencies, hence the reluctance of these agencies to prosecute. Upkeep is a problem for them too it would seem. Of course there was the age old and now proven untrue argument about shipping horses out of country to slaughter being unprofitable. The co-authors of HR-503 knew this to be true even when told differently by both national vet organizations. Anyway it’s all old news so we won’t talk about that. The vets have since been proven right on that one.
Trivia for the day: AQHA registrations have long been used as statistical proof of over breeding causing the problem. The statistics in the 2007 article quoted 2005 AQHA registrations at a bit over 165,000. The 2007 total registered in the U.S. and all foreign countries 135,787, down 29,327. The 2009 registrations for same were 112,005, down 23,025 from 2008 and 53,000 from 2005. According to the breeding police half the unwanted horse problem has been solved already so why are we in worse shape than ever before?
I guess I am waiting for the leveling off they predicted. The law of averages says no one not even the NAHSC can be wrong all the time.

By RH1

Humane Society of the United States, the biggest scam artists in the Country

The HSUS is a fraudulent organization only after your money. I don't know how many times and ways we can say this. Please people do not support this fraudulent, unconstitutional, animal abusing organization.
Here is yet another article of just how horrendous they are as well as how ignorant some law enforcement agencies are and just how scary it is that Judges are allowing such behaviour.

http://www.cattlenetwork.com/Jolley--They-Shoot-Horse--Owners---Don-t-They/2010-04-05/Article.aspx?oid=1034823&fid=CN-LATEST_NEWS_

"Lies, damn lies and no feed:
The seized horses were supposed to be placed under expert care with regular access to clean water and a sufficient supply of food. It was an implied promise that didn’t seem to be kept. Malott and Smith spoke with Jerry Linville who had rented the pasture for the Rescue Wranglers. He said Chapman told him the horses were coming in from Missouri. It was only after the seizure that he knew they were Malott’s. When he realized no one had been feeding the horses, he brought over six square bales of hay and called Jim Brunson of Rescue Wranglers. The horses, forced to scrounge for what little forage remained in an overgrazed pasture, were nearing starvation. Brunson brought in 8-10 round bales of hay while a concerned Malott was at the Highway 87 location. The Wranglers still showed some concern but HSUS seemed to have left a lot of the care and feeding of the animals to others. "

"Back room maneuvering?
Before the hearing started, the judge and both attorneys went into a back room and evidently discussed how the hearing should go. The judge had already made the statement that he wasn’t familiar with the law. Witnesses said Desiree Bender of the Arkansas HSUS went into the room followed later by Betty Jones of the Arkansas Horse Council. Further tilting the legal table, none of Malott’s witnesses were called during the hearing. The prosecuting attorney’s witnesses were summoned and Carmen Skelly, an HSUS investigator from Missouri. She testified that on Nov. 12 her agency was ‘dispatched’ to assist the sheriff’s office and the HSUS with Desiree Bender as the primary contact for HSUS.The only question that Malott's lawyer asked Mr. Snodgrass was, "What's your assessment of this photo of horses?" The photo was of some of her horses, where they had been pastured after the raid, drinking out of a muddy pond. His comment was, “These are some good looking horses drinking out of a pond”. Malott's lawyer said, “No further questions.”
Read the whole story here -
Jolley: They Shoot Horse (Owners), Don’t They?
Chuck Jolley is a free lance writer, based in Kansas City, who covers a wide range of ag industry topics for Cattlenetwork.com and Agnetwork.com.

You folks in Arkansas aught to be passing the hat to help Ms. Marlott and damn sure aught to be demanding better law enforcement officials who know the Laws and who know that HSUS is a private organization. Making "donations" to political groups certainly does not make them a Government agency even though they often lead people to believe they are.

Another Sardine for the Sanctuary...

http://forums.prospero.com/alexbrown/messages?msg=37974.6048

Spring has arrived, and apparently, a new horse at our favorite Sardine Can, Tierra Madre. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. On March 26, Jim wrote in his blog how worried he is about "you-know-what" (money) and how he had implored the faithful to get the word out via e-mail to their friends, acquaintances, etc. Only 3 had done so. Not good, Thong Club. So, he is hoping more will take the time to get the word out. Jim is worried sick about finances, and his "kids". Having just called the vet out for one of his horses, and run up another bill, I can understand how he must feel. Surprisingly, (not) on the ABR forum, on the same day, he made the announcement of the new arrival. If he didn't take her, there was a chance she would end up at the Slaughter plant, or in a "not so good" home, as compared to the wonderful life she will have at Jim's place. Does this make any sense at all? I'm not sure what the count is up to there, but I think it is over 30. Of course, Jim, our allegoric hero plans to get her riding well and adopt her out. Or not. I'm betting on not. According to Jim, his vet made this match in heaven. I gotta meet this guy. He's got to be something. Here's a place that has horses with revolving issues, vet bills that continue to mount, and he feels a horse with an injury should recuperate at Hotel Tierra Madre, where exercise, room, even time for human contact is limited? I think Jim Gath is a man who truly loves horses, don't get me wrong. But I also think he's a hoarder, and that's a dangerous combination. Anyone enabling his behavior is complicit in what happens to those horses. For that person to be his vet, who KNOWS the situation, and space limitations, it's even more troubling. I'm sure Jim is convinced that Tierra Madre is the only solution for this horse. But I can't believe that others, especially a Vet would enable this hoarding behavior. Welcome to Hotel Tierra Madre, River. You may be not yet 3 years old, but I believe you've just entered into retirement.

By RH2

July 31st....

Just want to keep everyone up to date with the EU regulations. This article concerns Canada, the feasibility of enforcing these regulations, and what may conceivably happen come July 31st. Nothing we haven't talked about, but good information for those who are wondering. The idea of horses bred and raised for Slaughter is touched on, as well as the subject of how these regulations will affect the general well being of horses, which we've also discussed. Horses possibly going to Slaughter cannot be given many drugs. This will bring up many issues. Strangles is touched upon, and it is just one example of what we will be dealing with in the fight to end Slaughter once and for all. How many horses will now struggle with pain and disease? Time will tell, as it has in the past how we will deal with this issue. Interesting reading.
http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/pdf/finaldisc100314.pdf

By RH2