A horse is for life, not just for Christmas

Cross-posted from the British Horse Society

What, is that a horse under that Christmas tree? Google image.

The BHS is speaking out against any company that is encouraging people to buy a horse for Christmas.

There is a heart-breaking problem in this country – hundreds if not thousands of horses being abandoned in fields and roadsides because their owners or breeders cannot or will not care for them.

So what’s wrong with a ‘horse for Christmas’?

Horses need and deserve skilled care from knowledgeable people. In this market, they may be inexpensive to buy, but they can be costly to keep.

Horsemart recently sent an email with the sales pitch: Horses under £500 make great Christmas presents.

BHS Senior Welfare Executive Lee Hackett said: “We were so disappointed to see such an irresponsible email coming from Horsemart. A horse is for life, not just for Christmas.

Particularly reprehensible is that the horses shown in the email are all young animals designed to pull at the emotions of unsuspecting buyers. These horses would need careful handling from experienced people to develop and prepare for their future. They are most certainly not to be exploited for Christmas.”

The British Horse Society encourages anyone in a position to care properly for a new horse to contact one of the many reputable horse rescue centres who are looking to match you with the right horse.

Source >>

See also, Ownership Advice >>

Compassion and activism each have their place says Harmony HorseWorks

Guest Post by BARBARA WRIGHT

Compassion and activism are sometimes seemingly incompatible activities in the horse rescue/sanctuary business, but each has its place. It takes one type of individual to be compassionate and caring on a daily basis, taking responsibility for stewardship of an entire herd and a business, and another personality to be “out there” in the world creating or defending a platform on behalf of animals.

We are often asked why we are not more “activist” and our answer is always the same – there is not much energy and no money left over at the end of the day to be an activist other than in a supporting role after our primary activity – caring for our horses. Innumerable causes for and against horses exist and to pick one and stand for it would be taking a narrow point of view and to try to support all causes supporting horses is too enormous.

We try not to take hard positions or stances and instead focus on the horses that come through our sanctuary and do the best we can to care for each and every one of them. In this way, we can set an example to others and perhaps do some good.

We also help other equine welfare organizations and individuals help place at risk horses into safety. By setting a local example to our community and inviting volunteers in, we hope to educate people about horse care and the plight of the “unwanted” horse so each person’s awareness level is raised to the point of at least compassion. Some even go on to be activists.

Visit their website for more information.

Harmony HorseWorks is a horse sanctuary for special needs horses with good dispositions and otherwise general good health. Located in Conifer, Colorado, Harmony HorseWorks received their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status on February 23, 2004. Fundraising efforts bring are responsible for a majority of Harmony HorseWorks’ annual revenues and is run by volunteers.

HorseWorld urges horse lovers not to set up private sanctuaries (UK)

By NICK WEST, H&H newsdesk
14 April, 2009

A well-known horse sanctuary in the West Country is appealing to horse lovers to think twice before starting up their own horse sanctuary.

HorseWorld in Bristol has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people setting up their own private sanctuaries and then getting into trouble.

In a recent case HorseWorld and the RSPCA had to rescue 20 horses and ponies from a private sanctuary.

HorseWorld’s equine welfare manager, Jerry Watkins, said: “The ponies were extremely emaciated and a number of them were showing signs of serious illness.

“The sheds the youngsters were found in were knee deep in mud and there were hazardous materials, equipment and jagged wire lying around.

“Two of the horses were in such poor condition it was decided to put them to sleep.”

Although the owners showed remorse for the condition of the animals and cooperated fully with the charities, Jess Winchester of HorseWorld said people don’t know what they’re getting themselves into.

“Everyone is very well meaning, but often people take on more than they can cope with,” she said.

“A private sanctuary is set up, people in the area get to hear of it and before long you’re taking in every waif and stray and you become swamped.”

She said the charity is encouraging horse lovers to work more closely with existing sanctuaries.

“We want people to loan horses from us. Then they will have ongoing support and help. We offer advice and support to everyone who loans one of our animals.

We are always at the end of the phone if there are any concerns. We can then prevent cases like the recent rescue from happening.”

For more information visit: www.horseworld.org.uk

Source: Horse and Hound

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