Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Donna Powell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:37:22 GMT

As "Old Friends" Michael Blowen reiterates continually (and it's never enough by the way) Paraphrased 'If you don't want to retire a horse with dignity and care, get into the NASCAR racing scene; there you can get away with junking a CAR and think no more about it.'

Needless to say, Michael B. is tops in my book. We need lots more lot him.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Jimmy — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:26:45 GMT

I have an idea ,never would happen in this me first culture but here goes-why not begin to build entire communities that are equine only no cars allowed ,actually turn back the clock 2oo years and allow the horse to regain his rightful place in the world.Talk about green!I do beleive it would be a beautiful sight to behold if enough people get on board.Maybe people would actually live life with honesty and grace again instead of hastily driving thru the world deystroying everything in sight.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

fb0252 — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:51:59 GMT

the answer lies in definition of the term "unwanted". it does little but to worsen the plight of this very large group by shuffling them temporarily to unwitting newcomer owners who swiftly, after they understand, commence as a group to neglect and abuse. we need to broaden the definition of neglect to understand that it covers a large part of the OTB world, and figure out a humane way to protect the unwanteds from this world.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Wanda — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:51:42 GMT

Well Smarie before you tell me what I can do maybe you should have asked me what I have done first.I've saved my share and retired the one I bred to a life of comfort. Maybe I didn't make myself clear the first time I commented but the fact is that there are horses being left on the side of the road.At least there's a place for the unwanted ones to go to as opposed to starving to death somewhere. I'm not saying feed lots are the long term answer but until they come up with something else...

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

LDP — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:30:50 GMT

once again logic is needed.while it is nice to view the horse as an icon the truth is they must have an end that is both morally and financially reasonable. the rescues are underfunded yes but the rescues also ere part of the problem. here in colorado a rescue owner is under animal cruelty charges .Why? because she kept taking horses she had no business accepting andin effect she became a hoarder.this was at one time probably a good rescue but she could not say no.this probably happens more than we realize. slaughter is one of the answers that need to be examined.well regulated it can be far better than some of the answers people try. the racing industry is a small piece of the puzzle but again is the glamour and riches sport of kings. well i can tell you folks even with the millionare horses there are a lot of usable horses that do not show a profit. yes it would be nice to find them all a forever home. to think it is possible is insane!the comment about the montana ranches show how little thinking goes into some remarks. yes there is land vast chunks of land but what about a small thing called winter? a horse needs between 15 and 25 pounds of hay to maintain weight each day multiply that out for 100,000 horses.without the hay they would just be poor prey animals for bears,wolves,mountain lions and even coyotes.animals that few horses that are well fed are predated on.what would happen to the price of beef when the horses take over the range? a horse lives up to 40 years in some cases what is the cost of just maintainence there?

there is a story today of an american stallion sold for stud duty in peru in july ,he was stolen ,killed and butchered.we with our big stomachs need to understand an empty starving one.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Karen in Indiana — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:30:25 GMT

We have an ongoing story that made news this week - Ernest Paragallo and the abuse and neglect of 177 horses. This is a person who has had complaints against him before, a person who owns 50 percent of a stallion that gets $125,000 a pop in stud fees. There were people who knew what was going on at that farm - the farm managers and workers, the neighbors, and the owner (who is saying that he hadn't been there in 9 or 10 months, but why did he quit going there?) Would this case have come to light if the truck driver had not left some of the horses he had picked up from Mr. Paragallo's farm at an auction frequented by kill buyers because they were in such bad shape they wouldn't have made it alive to the place he was taking them?

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

whoapony — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:20:18 GMT

Getting rid of slaughter has not helped horses at all. Now horses are either shipped out of the country where there are no regulations as to how they should be treated or they are turned loose to fend for themselves. Then these horses end up injured or starving. Either way they are suffering. I'm not a fan of using euthanasia as poplulation control, but I'd rather see an animal meet a quick and painless end than suffer for years. It costs a minimum of $300 to euthanize and properly dispose of a horse. With horsekeeping costs already rising rapidly, some well intentioned horse owners just can't afford this expense. Selling a horse you can't afford anymore often is not an option. Horse sales are filled with horses that don't sell. People have to lock their trailersif they go to an auction or they will be filled with horses when they return. Some people need to find new homes for their horses because of either rising costs or layoffs but they can't even give these horses away.

I love animals too and I hate the idea of them being killed for population control. But there must be a cost effective way to give owners options. Making it more expensive to own a horse is not the answer. I'd rather see an animal killed quickly and painlessly than have it slowly starve and suffer neglect because an owner can't afford to pay for its upkeep anymore. Granted, I'd rather there be an option that involves the horses living long, healthy lives. But that, again, involves money from somewhere. And I don't know who's going to provide that money

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Ragsy — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:02:29 GMT

You are right Goodwin something needs to be done to the breeders and anyone else that profits from these horses... it isnt right....Czar? I question that..

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Jill — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 05:25:32 GMT

Hey, Goodwin ... an even more dire situation years ago with multiple SW California millionaire Music Merci -- pulled off the freaking killer's truck on the freaking BACKSIDE of a major Southern California track!! A POX on all their houses! -- spurred me (ha!), a standard-issue hunter rider who happens to adore the Thoroughbred horse in ALL its many talents, to get involved in rehabbing and rehoming off-track TBs.

**EVERY** one involved in racing -- whether stallion owner, breeder, owner, trainer -- needs to step up and man up. When a SW millionaire is thrown on a killer truck because someone wants to get the last couple hundred dollars out of him ... well, there are not words vile enough.

I firmly believe that NO HORSE "deserves" to wind up on a dinner plate. But I would have **LESS** opposition if, again, this country would grow a pair and make it HUMANE for HORSES. Until then, this lifelong horse owner, breeder and, yes, lover will be firmly in the no-slaughter camp.

So, again, Mr. Hickey, stuff that in your and the AAEP's and AQHA's hat and smoke it ... and, again, please explain why your commentary is HERE, since the TB world is far, far ahead of your best buds in rehoming so-called unwanted horses??

And, hey, Goodwin, if the horse still needs a home, let me know. I know people who know people, and if necessary, he can come live with me.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

goodwin — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:19:57 GMT

I recently am involved in finding a home for a 3 year old runner with a hot tendon. His owners don't want to rehab him (it hasn't bowed). In talking to the rescue groups here in So Cal, I have learned that even some of the wealthiest owners, and with geldings that have won them millions, do not give a red cent to the rescues that take their broken down horses after the cannot run anymore.

This is an outrage! ALL people who profit from the TB: breeders, auctions, owners, even attached to a claim, should have to pay a fee for retirement. This is another reason why there needs to be a national racing czar to distribute these funds evenly to accredited rescues.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Olivia — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:13:40 GMT

Yes, Freetex, killing them (whether by slaughtering or the needle) is an easy out, and morally unacceptable.

Until very recently, I used to think the latter a last-ditch alternative to slaughter and to homelessness.

Now I realize that the challenge for all of us is to prove that we care enough and are ingenious enough and are determined enough to make sure that no horse has to face premature death, in the same way that the No Kill premise -- as explained and implemented by hero-to-the-dogs Nathan Winograd -- dramatically reduces the number of deaths due to overcrowding in small-animal shelters.

Just as with dogs, so with between-homes horses, there is no ONE solution. There are as many compatible, intertwined, workable solutions as there are horses in need of being loved and cared for -- for life.

There is, however, ONE requirement for all who profess to be interested in the welfare of horses: TO PUT THE HORSES' NATURAL "WILL TO LIVE" AHEAD OF OUR OWN NEEDS & WANTS. We are their caretakers, period! Such sacrifice of self-centered thinking and actions reaps rewards for all of us. Both earthly and heavenly!

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Freetex — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:55:29 GMT

da3hoss, thank you for the kind words.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Smarie — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:00:17 GMT

Well Wanda, people like you can step up and help care for these horses instead of just saying "Than what?" There are many, many reputable horse rescue organizations out there. You can volunteer or donate money or do both. Or, you can find a horse left by the side of the road and take it in or find it a home. Not doing anything isn't acceptable if you are concerned about the horses. I personally support several rescues and even if you can't afford to send much, they are grateful for every cent you can send.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Wanda — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:48:23 GMT

When the ban in 2010 comes into effect, it will only stop the import of American horses to Canadian plants.Those Canadian plants will NOT shut down for lack of horses but it will make sure more American horses are left by the side of the road to fend for themselves. Then what?

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

eliz — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:08:34 GMT

This quote from the BH can sum up why owners also need to be held accountable... NO excuses!

"The abuse occurred at Paragallo’s Center Brook Farm. Animal protection workers took over control of the farm following the raid, when more than two dozen thoroughbred horses were found to be suffering from malnourishment and other neglect."

One doesn't have to do the math to figure out what's going to happen to these horses if they are unable to survive...

Makes me sick!

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Brandy — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:51:38 GMT

Just read this. Read it. Please. It's graphic, with pictures, careful.

www.prweb.com/.../prweb2620684.htm

The existence of slaughter promotes abuse and cruelty. To the point that the stun gun is the least horrible thing that happens to them. I noticed foals - FOALS in the kill pen. We need to address breeders who breed bunches every year, and cull the "undesirables". But whoever said it is absoloutely spot on. Let's start now. TODAY! I have an "unwanted horse" in my barn that I am fostering for a rescue, and my own horse, who came off the track 2 years ago, after 61 races. He's my event horse now. He's also family.

We can do it! Pro or con, no one wants to see horses mistreated! Let's start a group! I'm in! anyone? I'm in SE PA - let's get together!

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Ragsy — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:55:16 GMT

da3hoss, now that was beautiful...

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

eliz — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:13:01 GMT

Thanks Hoss.

Your quote from the book of Job is also one of my favorites, thank you!

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

da3hoss — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:46:20 GMT

It's interesting in the survey, the only group not willing to step up and contribute say $50 to a horse rescue was the BREEDERS....

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

da3hoss — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:51:23 GMT

eliz, that was beautiful/ I have one for you:

eliz, beautiful.

"Hast thou given the horse his strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword. The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance. In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds. At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, 'Aha!' He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout of commanders and the battle cry." The Bible-Book of Job

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

da3hoss — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:45:23 GMT

LDP, the horses don't go to starving children, and they aren't old cast-offs, they are nice fat young horses that end up in haute cuisine restaurants and hopmes in Europe. Plus, the method of death is awful...if they died a more humane way, and were saving lives as food it wouldn't be so awful.

Freetex, my house is full of dogs (1 rescued), cats (all rescues), parrots (rescues), doves (rescues) and I have 3 horses ages 24-32, two of which I have owned for 24 years, I am on "vacation" from competing until my beloved buddies pass because I can't properly support a 4th horse and I won't dump my pals...

If you want to help you can find a horse rescue in your area...any area...there may be a CANTER otr TB rescue group nearby, but I'm sure there's a rescue of some sort near where you are...God Bless...you have a good heart.

RobfromBMore, what a kind heart you have...the Bureau of Land Management already has its hands full with the mustangs finding sufficient range...how would these horses survive in those areas you mentioned in the winter?

It's a hard question...I think you have to help rescues triage to find homes for those with the best shot of being a useable companion, try to find homes that can take an "extra" if they can afford it, and at the very least give the rest a compassionate passing...

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

LisaS — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:20:02 GMT

I find it very informing that most of the commenters here are anti-slaughter as is most of America. Pls remember that horse slaughter exists because there is a profitable market for horsemeat and not because there are unwanted horses. Additionally, the some 100,000 to 120,000 horses slaughtered annually are a small percentage of the American horse population. Smart thinking and some fiscal ingenuity (like small mandatory percentages from breed registration fees, winning purses, etc) could go a long way to help these slaughter-bound horses until this annual crop of slaughter house candidates is reduced by owner education, castration clinics, low fee euth/disposal and the like. As for me, I'm anti-slaughter to the bone and my animal family of 1 rescue OTTB and 5 rescue cats are certain proof of that.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

eliz — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:06:26 GMT

"Horse, thou are truly a creature without equal, for though fliest without wings and conquest without sword."

~The Koran

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

RobfromBMore — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:42:37 GMT

Great comments from the readers of this article. It does sicken me to know that the horses have to go through a brutal slaughter. Horse meat, no thanks. A reader brought up a good point in that yes, we have many unwanted cats and dogs and not everyone can be saved. How about as an idea, that many of these unwanted horses are shipped to a remote state with lots of land such as Montana, North Dakota, Idaho where horses can live off the land and the grass. People could come and visit and leave food for these great creatures that have given so much for society. A state like Montana could probably absorb in their ranches over 100,000 horses. Just an idea. A fact that I heard is that through the Barbaro tragedy, over 27,000 unwanted horses were saved. The horse rescue people do such great work.

re: Common Ground - By Jay Hickey

Freetex — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:44:37 GMT

Too many horses? Just as there are too many cats and dogs. Do you realize there are no-kill shelters for many of these unwanted animals?

Other than greed, there is no reason to continue to breed excessively. That is where the price point starts.

Dogs and cats are either neutered or spayed.

The breeding problem with horses is mostly on the humans. It could be dealt with.

Why must the solution always be death? Death is a permanent solution and it is the easiest, but it is morally wrong. Until, and if ever, we understand our animals are not just disposable when we are finished with them, then as a country we are as morally bankrupt as any other.

For example, why are there not more people on this blog, showing there love for the horse. Where are they when the horse needs them?

Humane solutions can be established without killing.