Unwanted Horse Study Reveals Plight

Unwanted Horse Study Reveals Plight

Susan Allen
Susan Allen

 

Tough economic times aren’t just hard on people, they can be devastating to horses, I’m Susan Allen when I return a study that was recently published in The Journal Of Animal Science reveals the depth of the problem of unwanted horses. There are over one hundred thousand unwanted horses in the United States. Couple that with two hundred and thirty six registered horse rescue organizations that help only  thirteen thousand four hundred  horses a year and according to Katheryn Holcomb a doctorate student from University of California,  Davis who worked on the recent survey nonprofits “don’t have land, staff or finances to keep up.”  How does a horse become unwanted? The top two reasons cited in the  survey were  lack of time and finances. The dark side of the racing industry is that it floods the rescue organization with broken down young hard to adopt horses. Yet the Thoroughbred breeders have set the standards for horse rescues and sanctuary’s options. Simular to the beef check off plan, thoroughbred owners are required to donate a small amount towards rescue and rehab when they register animals. The US Davis team belies if more breed organizations instituted that practice it would help fund many non-profits that currently rely on donations. Until we reduce indiscriminate breeding and become responsible horse owners by matching horses to rider’ ability not just looking for the quick sale the problem of unwanted horses will remain. The following are a list of some of my favorite rescue organizations.
Trusting Spirit Horse Rescue, Wenatchee WA
Rodeo Rescue  Ellensburg WA
Second Chance Farm ( OTB Throroughbred WA)
Tranquility Farms (OTB Throughbred CA)
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