to freedom are men and women of zeal, well-meaning, but
without knowledge or understanding.”
~Justice Louis Brandeis~
"People are so quick to defend their own agendas, but they so often fail to realize we must protect the rights of all if we are to continue to have any rights of our own."
Ranch meaning, in general, any real world dwelling probably not involving full care board. Kind of a rural voice of real horse owners, trainers, traders, auction owners, rodeo contractors, etc.. all of us who have taken a verbal beating and called greedy ass hats. Back at the Ranch contributors, moderators, subjects, and so on, are pro-horse, pro-owner, and pro-slaughter. Back at the Ranch was formed by a group of like minded horse / livestock owners. It is a place for us to try to educate, a place to vent our frustrations with the current equine industry, a place to share humor and snark, and in general try to open the eyes of the public who seem to be anti-agriculture.We do have a section for comments of course, and if you would like to email us you can do so directly or through the contact us form. We like to hear from our readers. I hope you enjoy reading our blog as much as I enjoy managing it. Sincerely, Ranch Manager manager_back_at_the_ranch@yahoo.com
I read with sadness that Jim Gath laid to rest one of his horses- a 30 year old resident of Tierra Madre, the overcrowded less than 3 acre Sanctuary for horses he operates almost solely on donations. It's quite something that a horse lives for 30 years, and a plus if those are healthy years. Jim, as always spins an emotional tale with Jim somehow the main character rather than the horse. And the FTM's (friends of Tierra Madre ) do not disappoint in their support of Jim. But as always with those of us who are such skeptics, the underlying story is sad. Jim mentions how long this horse has been in pain. How much weight he has lost. How much doctoring Jim has done on him. He talks of cutting into his foot, and of the poor guy having to bear weight on a severely arthritic leg to rest that foot. Of ongoing infections. Of the possibility of cancer. And, being Tierra Madre, of the decision not to pay a large amount of money to have x rays done on a horse who has, in Jim's opinion come to the end of the circle of life. What a sad journey it was for the horse, though. During the out pouring of sympathy for Jim, someone stated the obvious. That less numbers of horses on such a small plot of land would allow for better care and more time for Jim who is ever complaining about how over worked he is. The poster even suggested that there were indeed other people who could love these horses as Jim claims only he can. The Tierra Madre thong Club of course did not appreciate this at all! We are reminded that this is a SANCTUARY, and that Jim takes in horses NO ONE ELSE wants. With enabling like this going on, no wonder there are so many horses packed into this small plot of land! I suppose it escapes these people that along with love, horses need room to run. I don't think they have the slightest understanding of how many of the problems Jim's horses experience are at least partially related to the fact that they do not get to act like horses. They are shut up in pens, and small run ins. Horses need exercise for healthy respiratory systems, joints, muscles, and circulation. Even an old 30 year old arthritic horse is much better when able to get out there and move. To lock them all up is to guarantee lameness issues. Jim's stories of the horrors these horses came from may make for good reading, but I can't stop thinking of the day to day hell they live in at Tierra Madre. I know, I know-Jim LOVES the horses. He'd do anything for them-except keep a reasonable number on less than 3 acres, train the ones that are adoptable and adopt them out, and get his finances in order so he can afford the horses he owns. I have nothing against fundraising, but when your operation depends on it, you're doing something wrong. As long as Jim is enabled, he will continue to make life miserable for as many horses as he can get his hands on. I predict a horse will soon fill the empty slot. Jim will not be able to help himself. And it will be filled with the help and blessing of his enablers. I have to add an interesting side note here, for those EPONA fans. In the midst of Jim's posts on the loss of his horse, and the condolences from his enablers, doesn't Miss Lin just post a picture of that new baby? She just couldn't stop herself. Of course, it was under the guise of the whole "circle of life" thing. My guess is that our Lin didn't quite like the shift in attention. She and Jim are truly two peas in a pod. The only thing worse than the two of them operating separately would be them joining forces.
Ahhhhh, it's summer- warm days, lazing on the deck with a glass of iced tea, sweating in the hot sun while shoveling manure, hay sticking all over you during feeding time-and of course, EPONA's back and begging in full force. She was pretty low profile, almost non-existent on ABR for awhile. I think so many people were on to her and her lies that she just gave up. She told everyone that EPONA was going in "a different direction".(something we hear with alarming regularity it seems), and was pretty much off board for quite some time. Good times for the horses. Those able to escape Lin's brand of love and care had chances to go to other places. To actually receive proper care, and to possibly even get adopted out. Hoarder/Rescues can't seem to let 'em go, and EPONA is second to Tierra Madre only in hoarder mentality. Gee-no wonder they support each other! But back to the story. Lin posted recently about a Freisian cross mare she had to "rescue" from a bad situation. Upon arriving at the home of the mare, she also found another 22 year old STB mare-also in foal. Of course, our lady of EPONA couldn't leave these two moneymakers-oops-mares there, so with the support of donors-Lin has no money to operate her "Rescue"on her own, she saved these two mares and brought them across state lines to EPONA. That's right folks- Lin had to travel across state lines to find horses in need. Perhaps the "unwanted horse" situation is improving? I mean, if you can't find horses in your own state that need your help, that's good, right???? Right???? Okay, moving on. So, Lin posts her tale of woe, and immediately asks for funds, because, of course Lin can't afford to house the horses she has saved. Well, some of those nasty nay Sayers on ABR got a little uppity with our Lady of EOPNA and had some questions. Lin DOES NOT LIKE QUESTIONS! One of her enablers-oops again, supporters informed all that Lin will answer questions, but only to those who donate to her cause. Interesting Fundraising tactic there, Lin. The discussion goes on, and as with all discussions involving EPONA, it turns out Lin's tale is just that-not quite the truth. It seems that these horses were already in the process of being removed. AND-and this is my very most favorite part of the story- Lin DID NOT MENTION SHE ALSO PURCHASED 8 ADDITIONAL FRIESIAN CROSSES WHILE "SAVING" THE MARES. But don't worry-Lin is not overcrowded-she simply used up the slots she had reserved for horses in need for her state she had promised to the Sheriff. Now nothing says responsible rescue like that, does it? And I can't help but wonder what will happen should the Sheriff need those spots? Hmmmm. Anyhow, there are a lot of posts, and Lin does what she does best. There are a few highlights I'd like to point out, but by all means, if it's raining and you've got nothing to do, read the thing yourself. Lin is at her victimized best, and the few supporters she has are just so ridiculous in their inability to see who she is, and what a detriment she is to Rescue. My favorite comment by one of her supporters has to be that going to EPONA is better than going to Slaughter. Are you sure about that? So, the high points. Post # 59- the poster states that "quality of care is more important than quantity of horses". If only Lin, and Jim, too, could understand that! Post 70, perhaps my favorite-Lin rants on about the accusations about the lack of medical care for the horses-there were none, then plays her trump card. Yes, folks, Lin remembers the One year anniversary of Little Wilbur Gregory's death. For those unfamiliar, he was a little donk cross allowed to run in with full sized horses, and died before reaching the age of 6 months. Lin was going to post the necropsy report. I think we're still waiting. She also states she's "done" with all of the mean people insisting on asking her questions, but assures all the horses will get the same good care they've always gotten. (Refer back to Little Wilbur here, and be very afraid for any foal). In post 86 Lin discusses all she has to get done today. I love this, it's a Jim Gath tactic also. It flies right past them that they are so overworked because they TOOK ON TOO MANY HORSES!!!!!!!!!!! Typical hoarder/victim speak, but always great to read. If you read nothing else on this soap opera, check out post 89. It lists all the inconsistencies Lin herself has posted. In post 92, we have our first donation-from a member named Beverly. Bev also happens to be a staunch supporter of one Jim Gath, even referring to him as "little brother". I wonder what sadness occurred in her life that she needs fulfillment from these two? This is the only part of this crap that saddens me about the supporters. Something is missing in their lives, and these people take advantage of it-big time. In post 135, a "private pledge" is made. It's only $5, but it keeps the ball rolling. I guess if you're too embarrassed to post publicly that you support this mess, private and anonymous is the way to go. There were also posts asking the questions Lin never wants to answer-how many horses, how many volunteers? In post 73 Lin is reminded she complained about her huge vet bill and was asking for help in paying it down. Here's another of my favorite things about Lin. She has this huge bill, yet consciously took in 2 horses she knows will require more vet care. If I was her vet, I'd be spitting mad at her irresponsible behavior. Of course, she probably lies to him, too. And hopefully, he doesn't read any of the discussion boards to see how she abuses his kindness in letting her carry a $5,000 balance. Lin answers about the number of horses and volunteers only after a member threatens to call a lawyer and look into her "Rescue" for refusing to provide the information. Lin at this time has 45 horses (I am guessing this includes the 10 new ones). 4 of those horses are in Foster care. Okay, So you have 4 horses out in Foster, and you bring 10 in? Is this making sense to anyone? In case you've forgotten, last time Lin sent horses out (Phoenix Rising) they did not fare so well, and we still really don't know what happened to them. She has 1-count him/her 1 full time volunteer, and 3-4 "part time through the summer" volunteers. Gee, Lin, could you be a little more vague? The thread goes on with support for all the wonderful things Lin does, and thanks her doing what she does. There are stories that don't add up, but that's okay. Lin just won't reply to those nasty people who want the truth. She will focus on finding Angles to pay the bills for the horses she went out of state to get, and hope everyone forgets about the extra 8 she purchased. Lin will do what Lin does, and her enablers will help her do it. And, oh gosh, I almost forgot!!!!!! Lin is hoping to set up a Mare Stare Camera, so we can all witness the miracle at EPONA!!!! She's hinting at the priceyness, maybe an "Angel" will provide the camera? Personally, I'd prefer to watch "Lin Stare" If everyone could see just who she really is and what she really does, maybe, just maybe, the donations would finally stop, and she would either have to do what a responsible Rescue does, or shut down. My money is on shutting down, since she has not done one responsible thing as a Rescue since I've known about her. We can look forward to more of Lin as victim, and of course, Lin as mommy with new "Little Stinkers" to ooh and aah over. I hope she has learned a little more about foals, and these new babies fare better than the others she's had. Stay tuned-with EPONA, it's never over. How sad is that?
I had a call from an acquaintance/client early this spring. He was given two starved out yearlings a couple years ago. I am not sure about the details of the transaction but young cowboys tend to shift jobs early on in their careers. I think that’s probably true of many young people, but when young hands move on the situation and number of horses they can take with them often changes and this was the case for the first owner of Woody and his half brother Ike. So they came to live with Mark. Ike was ridden some as two year old last year and was well on the way to becoming a productive horse citizen. Woody on the other hand was not so lucky. He jammed a piece of wood in his stifle as a two year old. The vet probed the wound which at the time was dangerously close to the joint capsule so the least invasive treatment was taken. There was no indication of any remaining pieces during the original exam and the horse healed over once but continued to have problems.
Mark brought Ike for a tune up this spring so he could take him west for the brandings as he always does his young horses. Woody’s future was in question since he was still having problems with his stifle. Mark and I discussed this too. Although he had spoken with two different vets in the area about why the wound wouldn’t heal, he hadn’t pursued treating the horse. First the cost issue and second since the current infection was at a higher location closer to the flank the vets seemed to think there was a new injury in combination with the old. The long and short, no one was quite sure what to do. The Ciderwood/Leo Maudie bred gelding had dropped from “rescue” to “unwanted” to “what the hell am I going to do with this thing”. To put off what he thought was the inevitable Mark wanted to give him to me. It's been said everyone has several 15 minute bouts of insanity during their life. This was one of mine. I said I would take the colt, turn him out and do what I could, but if by the end of the year I hadn’t been able to fix him Mark had to take him back to put him down. I liked Ike and before he was hurt Woody had supposedly been the better of the two. That’s the best excuse I can come up with for taking Woody in the first place. It sounds so much more business-like than I didn’t like the thought of the crippled colt being stuck in a load of killers. Obviously neither did Mark.
I have to admit even I wasn’t prepared for the deformed rack of bones that came off the trailer. What should have been a big ranchy looking colt was thin, sickly, and his entire left side from the shoulder back was atrophied. He looked like a polio stricken concentration camp refugee. Turning this horse out in the hill pasture was not going to be an option. It certainly wasn’t going to fix the problem and he more than likely wouldn’t survive the stress of heat and flies. He had a softball sized hard knot in the bottom of his flank which oozed thick puss constantly. He stood with the injured leg stretched clear forward under his belly or hip shot and stretched out behind him. Either way he bore no weight on it when standing at rest. If he had a chance to gather up before he moved off he could and would bear full weight on the leg. When startled into moving off quickly he hopped pitifully, carrying his bad leg like a lame dog. The poor wretch hobbled around the barnyard eating grass for about 10 days while I watched him trying to come up with a plan.
The oozing lump at the base of his flank was hot and painful. His stifle was cool and seemed to be normal so it was unlikely the joint or joint capsule were infected. Rule out the bone chip theory. I started thinking deep tissue abscess of some sort but why wouldn’t or couldn’t it heal on its own in the first place? With the idea “the only way I can make him worse is to kill him and maybe that wouldn’t be the WORST” in mind, I talked with my local vet.. He is a good country large animal vet who happens to be badly infected with Thoroughbred disease, at least that's what he calls it. We decided to open the wound back up, cut away any scar tissue, infected tissue, and start over with a cleaned freshly incised wound. In the event Doc felt the horse couldn’t recover normally, well then Woody simply wouldn’t get up from the grass in front of the clinic, our chosen operating table. It was a warm May afternoon so it seemed like the best spot to lay him.
The young vet newly hired by the practice was keeping a scrap book of odd cases. She took these pictures.
The first photo is Woody before.
The second is the tissue lump in the flank of the horse.
The next picture is of the incision and the scar tissue which was later cut away and removed. The wood was up behind the mass of scar tissue along the muscle of the horse's inner thigh near where his thigh and belly came together.
The fourth is of the wood with a hemostat used for a size comparison laid out on the thigh of the colt.
Some things to keep in mind while looking at these photos. The belly of this 15.1 hand three year old gelding is barely wider than the two hands of the vet. The horse carried this 1” x 1” x 6” piece of wood in his inner thigh for over a year. How he had lived as long as he had was anybody’s guess. Judging from the looks of him he was dangerously close to out of time.
Brandi, the young vet, has a record book case for her scrap book. Doc has a really good bar story for quite some time. Whoever ends up owning Woody will have the trump card tale for how tough his horse is. I don’t have to look over the fence at that miserable scrap of horse and wonder how I am going to get out of this. Woody went to the hill pasture yesterday, two months later, incision healed and running sound with the other horses. One sunny day in May went pretty darn well for all involved I'd say.
I can only think of one down side…….I didn’t have the good sense to parlay this $197.50 ordeal into donations to cover x-rays, surgical costs, hospitalization, and of course lifetime support for Woody. He’ll come back from the pasture a different horse in October I’m guessing but then he will have to get a job. We’ll wait for the “after” shot until then.
With the up coming full enactment of the EU’s drug requirement in horses intended for food I am wondering, possibly predicting, a few things.... Remember we have all been given this information more than 6 months ago.
(1) I have already read some articles by vets on this, the US will very likely research and begin putting withdrawal times on drugs for horses like they do for cattle and other “intended for food livestock”.
(2) Will the price per pound on qualifying horses go up? We are told so few will pass the requirements meaning lower supply for the same demand. Heck demand may even go up since people will feel horse meat is now safe to eat.
Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of free weanlings and yearlings. I think it won’t be long (maybe is already happening) before people start picking them up for the feed lot. The better ones may be picked out of the herd for riders etc... and the others go on the big truck with all papers in order. If the per pound price is up and a person has the farm resources, keeping a weanling for 2 to 3 yrs would still be lucrative. We do it with our naturally raised beef steers, why not naturally raised equine? Remember there will be a list of qualified drugs and there is already a list of 6 month withdrawal drugs.
With all of the bred broodmares for sale cheap or free I don’t suppose it would be at all hard to have a herd for next to nothing and let them breed. I do believe there will be horses bred strictly for meat. I do believe culls will still go to the plant, they’ll just spend more time on the feed lot. Keeping records is all it will require.
I have a 14 yr old gelding whom I’ve owned his entire life. He would meet the requirements and he has not been neglected in any way. In fact I would venture to say he is healthier than those who have been over de-wormed and given drugs that some people feel are necessary for all horses and feel it is abusive to not pump poisons and toxins into them.
(3) Some horses will go to the unregulated plants in Mexico. We know they already are but will that number increase? Will the unqualified horse be even cheaper and more obtainable for that market now? Will the NAHSC be able to help them? I certainly don’t believe they will but they will be patting themselves on the back and taking credit for the EU regulating food safety for their citizens. Do they not know that’s all it is about? It is not for the welfare of horses. Why on earth do they think they have had any hand in what other Countries allow their people to eat or not?
John, Vicki, Alex, and the rest of you knot heads, Stop taking credit where it is not yours to take. You already get credit for the suffering of many horses, isn’t that enough for you?
What’s next, you ego maniacal morons? Gonna jump on the HSUS band wagon and fight for no animal ownership just guardianship? Make it possible for Rover to sue their guardian in a court of law over a dog food dispute, or over the humiliation of having your nose rubbed in it when you had an accident on the carpet...
Better be careful I know several horses who would start a class action suite against you for much of their suffering.
_______________________________
Really, How hard is this? I keep these records for the entire time I own a horse just for my own personal use, it wouldn't be a big deal for 6 months.
This document represents and provides for the minimum requirements of written and pictorial identification as well as a record of medical history and declaration for equine (horses, donkeys, zebras and their crosses) presented for slaughter in Canada. Alternatives to filling out the written description and picture identification below are given at the end of Part 1.
Part 1 Identification
Written Identification
Name of the animal (write N/A if the animal has no name) Primary location of the animal (Land location or legal address or Premise Identification Number) Primary use(s) of the animal. Circle one or more of the following: recreation/companion animal/ pleasure riding, breeding, ranch/farm work, public work, private industry work, performance/sport/show, racing, rodeo, urine production, food production, if other please specify Sex - Mare/Filly, Gelding, Stud/Colt (Circle one) month and year of birth .(if known) Country of Birth (if known) Height in hands (1 hand = 4 inches) Refer to Section E.3 for terms to be used for the following equine colour and marking identification section Body Color Markings: Head Body Limbs: Right Front Right Hind Left Front Left Hind
The following seven items must be completed or marked N/A if not applicable Pedigree registry and registration number Microchip number and location Passport ID number Unique Equine Life Number Or other unique identifier In the case of an Equine Information Document completed by the previous owner; name of previous owner: List visible acquired marks (brands, tattoos, scars, etc.) and location /
Picture Identification
Attach, by stapling to this document, a single page containing the name (if applicable) of the equine and clear printed colour pictures of the animal showing each of the views in the diagram below. The pictures should be large enough to see the detail required. The views shall be printed on a standard 8.5 X 11" page. Ensure that at least 90% of the picture contains the side or portion of the animal shown in the part of the diagram below to be depicted. Take close ups of any visible acquired marks such as brands and attach.Owners, please ensure that the written description and pictures attached agree and then sign and date the picture page.
Diagram
Click on image for larger view
Alternatives to Written and Picture Identification
The picture and written description identification in the above sections will not be required to be fully completed if the identification information listed above is contained in either of the following four alternative options. Any information required above but not contained in the options below must be completed in the applicable section above.
The written description information and as a substitute for pictures, the silhouette above, is completed by a licensed Veterinarian or an authorized person*. Lines are to be drawn on the diagrams above representing white areas on the animal where applicable. Mark whorls with an "X". Mark the location of scars with an arrow ->. Draw in acquired marks e.g. brands.
Name and signature of Veterinarian/authorized person License/authorization number * Authorized persons would include those authorized by an Animal Pedigree Actrecognized pedigree registry, or recognized by Equine Canada to issue identification passports or brand inspectors employed provincially.
For pedigree registered animals that have official registration papers with picture and written description identification, a legible colour copy of the registration papers may be attached to this document.
For non pedigree registered equines with an official passport, the passport may be attached.
When a complete Equine Information Document (EID) (including part 1) has been provided by a previous owner(s), provided that the EID from the previous owner(s) is attached to this document.
Part 2 History
I, (name of owner) of ////-- (state your full contact address, (street number or post office box number/city/province or state/ postal code or zip code, phone number) am the owner** of the animal identified on this document and have had uninterrupted possession, care or control of the animal identified below from (indicate date care or control started) to (indicate end date).
Have any drugs or vaccines been administered to or consumed by the animal during the shorter of the following 3 periods: since January 31, 2010, in the last 180 days, or during the time you owned the animal? Circle Yes or No. If yes, write the name the drug(s) or vaccine(s), last date of use, withdrawal period(s) *** and for drugs, the amount used (dose) per treatment if the label does not indicate a dose or if drug is used at a dosage different than the label indicates
(use back of page if more space is needed).
Has the animal identified on this document to your knowledge been diagnosed with an illness during the shorter of the following 3 periods: since January 31, 2010, in the last 180 days, or during the time you owned the animal? Circle Yes or No. If yes, provide details with dates of diagnosis and recovery
Has the animal identified on this document to your knowledge been treated with a substance listed under the table named substances not permitted for use in food producing equine found in section E.4 during the shorter of the following 3 periods: since January 31, 2010, in the last 180 days, or during the time you owned the animal, Circle Yes or No.
Notes
** An owner is a person who owns or has the possession, care or control of an animal. *** For information on withdrawal periods for drugs safe for use in food producing animals but without a withdrawal period for equine listed on the label, please consult sections E.5 and E.6 or contact your veterinarian. Indicate the withdrawal period (number of days/hours before the animal can be slaughtered) for vaccines found on the label.
Part 3 Declaration
OWNER DECLARATION
As the owner of the animal identified on this document I hereby certify that the information stated in this Equine Information Document is accurate and complete.
I understand that, effective July 31, 2010, at least six continuous months of documented acceptable history is required for an equine presented for processing in an establishment inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. As such, I have the option of attaching to this document, completed Equine Information Document(s) from previous owner(s) in order to cover the required six continuous months of documented history.
Comment - #3 under Part 2 History. (see type that I have changed to blue and red) If they ask the question in that manner I assume many horses that have been given drugs on the prohibited list will pass without the owner ever having to lie. hmmmm?
I have to tell all 3 of my loyal readers that I am truly sorry for my slacking. lol
Aside from the usual, summer is always busier than winter, dilemma for all us horse/Ag folks I have had other issues. There have been two deaths in the family. One my cousin ( only 50 yrs old) will be missed greatly and the other my computer. Hopefully I will get back on track now that the computer has been restored and resurrected. I posted two today by RH2 that are a little old but still read worthy. I know the ranch hands here have been extra busy this summer as well, maybe the heat and humidity will drive them inside to their key boards to entertain and educate the rest of us. I know they've been missed.
I hope everyone if fairing well and the weather is treating you fairly.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=279281452&blogId=535906108 Another great idea from Jim Gath of Tierra Madre-money must be REALLY tight. The little mini Jim owns is ouchy. Jim can't afford a bag or two of shavings-and yes, now would be the time for all Jim's thong fans to chime in and tell me that can't be true. Well, I'm going to take Jim's word on this one, and he says he can't afford them. SOOOOOO- Jim has come up with the wonderful idea of bedding the little guy down in-old, dried up horse manure. Yep, that's the plan, and Jim says that once that shit (literally, shit) dries up, it's just nice, soft grass, anyhow, so why not use it for bedding? That Jim-he's quite the problem solver, isn't he? Perhaps he should write a book on money saving ideas. I guess that would make more sense than reducing the excess number of horses he has packed into his Sanctuary. We'll have to wait and see how the little Mini likes being bed down in horse manure. If this works, Jim just may have found himself a real money maker. Good, Jim.
Just when I think I've seen it all,.... well, I never think that. If you want to get an idea of the extremist personalities we're dealing with, here's a little snapshot for you. I truly believe this is what needs to be sent to all State Reps who are supporting the Anti Agenda. With great minds like these at work, no wonder we can't arrive at a common sense solution.
