Photo has nothing to do with this post, just I thought this neighboring Gypsy was gorgeous.
ON to the post of which I'm sure will bring a few arguments or controversy, just because we haven't done it in awhile, BUT is it me or have I been noticing an influx of elderly horses that for one reason or another suddenly need a new home because of the "economy". My question is this, "Why always the horse in his/her late 20's is in sudden need of a forever home?" It's something I've noticed a lot lately on the net in various places. I know this is really nothing new, but it makes me question how we value our horses. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the economy, however, sometimes, I wonder if it's just because one cannot be bothered with the increased care and cost and time of the horse that no longer can hold it's job for that person or is it really a matter of , "OMG! I cannot afford any horse young or old right now!" What do you think?
15 comments:
Callie, I do think that with less money, people are less likely to want to hold onto an older horse because it often means they can't get a younger one for riding (whereas before you could have both). This is a hard question, but it's important to ask -- you can't solve a problem without finding out first why it's happening. Not that we're going to solve it on your blog, but you know what I mean.
Katherine, good point. I'm each situation is different and there are many reasons for it. It's just something I see coming across my emails and FB more and more.
As an older fart myself married to a younger Gall, I worry I might see an advert one day for
"Older Fart Husband slightly worn out needs new loving home to make way for younger stud"
As an old fart! I have several old farts here with me! ......It is a symptom of the economy that horses are the first to go.
I know that Cheyenne, but question stems from it seems to be the elderly horses more so than any others, you see, I constantly get e-mails and read on FB, please help this 26yr old retired equine to find his forever home, the owner can no longer take care of him. I understand that in these economic times, BUT is that same owner keeping a younger more fit horse and that in itself is "fair enough", however, when someone solicits for my money to move this elderly equine to his new forever home, this gets up my nose. I'm curious of the circumstances behind sending the elderly lady or gentlman off to a forever home, What exactly are the circumstances because for some reason those are never really clear. See what I mean?
I think it may be a combination of the economy and the throw-away society we live in. If it doesn't work for me anymore then I must get rid of it mentality. I feel sorry for all the horses who have given their lives and love to people who no longer value them for who they are and send them off instead of making their last years rewarding and loving.
p.s. I don't think your "old fart" has anything to worry about!
Arlene, That's exactly what I think I'm getting at. It just seems to be more often than not, the elderly less "useful" horse needing that home and money to get it there. And "LOL" Mr.Old fart has nothing at all to worry about, Mrs.Old Fart cannot be asked to train young fart, HeeHee!
I believe it is the money. There is also an increase of dogs and cats looking for homes.
Great topic Callie... I too have seen a HUGE influx of older horses on the market. Most of them are free here.
I blame the economy and that most people in my area board.
To play devils advocate (Not that I agree you should move out ole' Nellie just because she's old- but a different point of view). Unemployed family, mouths to feed. You have option of Auction and take risk of meat buyers or "Older horse free to good home".
I've seen a few ads in my area for older horses but it seems that most are simply dumping their horses before another bad winter hits. I agree that this is a Throw Away Society and Out of Sight, Out of Mind kind of mentality. The care of a horse is for a lifetime but most only want the joys of riding and nothing more. I believe the economy plays a large part but I've also seen that not many people want to be there watching their "old friend" grow old and make the ultimate decision. Most would rather give away for free or send to an auction than to euthanize. It's about the money but it's also about not being the one who has to "play God" and put an animal down. Around here, the mentality is use them, abuse them, and sell them before they die.
Very thought provoking Callie. I see it here too, in Uncle Henry's the local sales catalog, you see all the time these older horses 'needing' a good home. It makes me wonder too if they still have the new younger version. We are seeing it with dogs and cats too. I have never seen so many elderly dogs being dropped off at the humane society as there are now. It is so sad it makes me cry. Old dogs are hard to adopt out but thank goodness there are some special people out there that do adopt them so that their last years are happy and loved. One day we had a woman come in who's old dog had just died recently and she said, "I want the dog that no one else wants" and she went home with a 13 year old dog who became her constant companion! God bless her!
I love this picture. I like horses who look like cows :)
Keep up the good work!
The economy and tough times make people do things they never thought they would do. I think if someone has more than one horse, and must downsize their herd because of finances, then the older one is probably the one they decide to get rid of (less time for riding, possibly more medical expenses as they age, etc.). At any rate it would be HEARTBREAKING to have to make that decision. And I hope that is the case in these situations. I would hate to think they are dumping horses because it is "inconvenient"...
I've been noticing the same around here, there are a lot of older horses (20+) that are free to a good home.. I agree with Katharine about how it could be because they want a younger horse to ride.
I think you make an awesome piont. This has been happening long before the ression set in. I've seen it done dozens of times, get rid of the old to make room for the new. The piont is that it is not fair to the horse!
Anyway, I love your blog and think this post was great.
Please come visit my blog, Wild Hearts Run Free (www.wildheartsrunningfree.blogspot.com) I'm working on a new post on horse slauter, which I think goes almost hand-in-hand with this topic.
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