I’d like to alert my community to a serious situation, a consequence of the worldwide pandemic.
It's happening already. Horse owners abandoning their horses because they can't pay the rent or feed them. Understand that many folks are “into” horses because they like to ride, and they like to compete. For some, when riding and competition are the top priority, it's much easier to get rid of your horse. There's is no true relationship and, let’s face facts, in that situation the animal exists to serve at the pleasure of the human.
If you really care and love your horse, find a way. Get some help, ask for help, but don't abdicate the responsibility you accepted to someone else. Rescue organizations are already full because of people doing exactly that. This is why we have a huge population of unwanted horses and why the slaughter business booms. Yes, I hate to confront you with that reality, but there is a slaughter business.
Weigh your options. If you've been around, you know the horse world is a vicious place for a helpless animal that can live 20, 30, or even 40 years. It is not unusual for a horse to be riddled with injuries or illness. Don't fool yourself into thinking they'll find a “forever home” elsewhere. That is a ploy by the industry that encourages irresponsibility.
Perhaps a kinder option would be to sedate and euthanize. Talk to your vet. It's not fair for animals to pay for our mistakes. Horses are not something to acquire if you live paycheck to paycheck, can't handle the work, or you simply cannot make the tremendous sacrifice required to care for an animal that can't thank you.
For me, that means putting them first. I can’t take vacations, I can’t shop for things I would like to have, I can’t even go out to eat. If you can't do that, don't get a horse. And in tough times, like we are all going through right now, don’t make a rash decision. Look deeply into your horse’s eyes and make the right decision.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gabriela Rodriguez Quinn is the program director at Blixx Horses. Her extensive expertise in the behavior of horses has evolved during 25 years of care and close interaction. She has invested thousands of non-riding hours observing, researching & documenting horse behaviors, leading to her highly refined communication skills. Read more HERE.