Horseplay Equine Rescue and Sanctuary

"Show me your horse, and I will tell you who you are"--Unknown

Last week, I received an email plea from a close friend of mine. An avid animal lover with a compassionate heart, she knows of an equine rescue organization that is falling on hard times with winter approaching and 19 horses to feed and care for. I will always hold the deepest admiration for those who take on the thankless job of caring for unwanted horses.

The economic downturn coupled with the rising cost of fuel have had devastating impacts on the "backyard" horse community as well as the higher end breeding horse community.. There is a glut of unwanted horses on the market now that people just cannot afford to feed and care for. These horses, more often than not, end up in the hands of "kill buyers" and are sent to slaughter. Contrary to popular belief most horses sent to slaughter are healthy and sound. Pregnant mares, mares with foals, geldings, stallion, there is no discrimination. 

Caring for horses is not cheap and it is very labor intensive. Here in the Northeast, the climate is brutal, there is not a lot of pasture, and caring for horses throughout the cold dark winters is a labor of love to say the least. Add to that the cost and time involved in caring for horses that have health issues and need rehabilitation and the task becomes daunting.

The horse and human have had a special relationship for thousands of years. He is a creature with a big heart who is willing to sacrifice himself in the service of his keepers. He deserves to be treated with dignity and not disposed of as if he had no value. 

I have made a donation to Horseplay that will be matched 100% by my company.

Please check out Horseplay Equine Rescue and Sanctuary for more information.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Giving!

Update 12/01/2011 - here is a great source for information about Horse Slaughter http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/unwanted_horses_faq.asp