Unwanted horses are a now a problem throughout the USA.
Think unwanted horses are not an issue in your area? Just go to your local craigslist.com and type in search for "free horse". Thousands of horses across the country are looking for homes, right now. This is a real problem in nearly everyone's backyard, that does not show signs of going away anytime soon.
"Free Horses" found on Craigslist
January 2, 2010
1. "Appy mare, she's a great companion horse, pack horse, or kids horse/trail horse, or for a beginner rider to get some confidence on, sound, gentle and safe to be around. Kids used to ride her bareback. Blind in one eye."
2. "I bought this black mare being told she would be ridable, I don't feel she is. She got her head stuck in a gate when younger and it caused some neurological damage which effects her right rear leg, it has like a little hitch to it. I am offering her as a pasture pet, she is hard to catch. If you are just wanting a pretty horse to eat down your pasture, here she is...She IS NOT broke to ride, if she was, I would't be giving her away!!!"
3. "Hello, I'm a 23yr old Arabian Gelding. My owner can no longer afford to take care of me so she is looking for a forever home for me where I can grow old and be well taken care of . I can only be ridden by small children or anyone under 100lbs, due to the fact that I suffered from a broken leg back in 2002. My owner loved me so much and I am such a good horse she did not want to put me down. So I went to Pullman for 6 months and had a surgery on my right front leg. I do just fine now, but i get a little stiff in the winter. I am an very good boy and if you think you can offer me the home that is needed for me please contact my owner asap. Thank you :) My owner will only let me go to a pre approved home only."
4. "Horse needs new home/job - gentle & willing - will work for food - mow lawn/pasture - fertilize soil/garden - can provide good transportation with a little education! Serious inquiries only -free to good home - email for picture & info."
5. "Free 9 year old quarter horse. Dominate mare, very good around kids, people, needs some one to spend time to care for her. Kids lost interest. I have no way to transport. To good home only."
What is an unwanted horse?
- lame horses
- poorly conformed horses
- young untrained horses
- blind horses
- injured horses
- abused and neglected horses
- chronic diseased horses with little or no quality of life
- aged horses
- horses that no longer serve their purpose
- stallions that have had little or no handling or that should have been gelded
- feral - once domestic horses let loose on public or private lands
Economic issues:
horses that have lost their homes as owners lose their jobs
uneducated horse owners
high fuel prices in 2008 = high hay prices
the high costs of legal euthanasia - however there are programs that will pay for half of the fees
the high costs of burial or rendering
No way out
Breeders and horse owners once had an "out" by sending unwanted horses to be slaughtered and processed until recent laws made the practice illegal in the U.S. Tens of thousands of unwanted horses (1% of the total horse population or 50 horses per 100 that die or are humanely euthanized, Unwanted Horse Coalition) are still sent thousands of miles on a one way trip to Mexico or Canada to be processed for a multitude of uses worldwide.
The Plight of the Unwanted Horse: The Scope of the Problem, courtesy of the Unwanted Horse Coalition
This is "Canyon", learn about her plight as an unwanted domestic pregnant mare turned loose on BLM lands by clicking here. She lost her foal shortly after capture.
Abandonment
Abandoned horses at boarding facilities cost facility owners thousands every year as they can't afford the feed for the horse for the time it takes to bring suit against the owner, and the sale of the horse won't pay for the ensuing board bills.
Horses are being left behind, tied to trailers with notes such as "please take care of these horses, you can have the trailer too."
Gunned down
Feral horses become real problems on trails as riders are at risk for attack by stud colts, particularly, unafraid of humans. Such horses have been reportedly shot dead by riders just trying to pass by. Turning horses loose on public or private lands seals the horse's fate to die from starvation, wildfires or being shot by farmers.
The law
Some state legislations are coming up with solutions on their own. Oregon State proposed Senate Bill 398 defines horses as domestic animals, and horse owners would face felony charges by abandoning them.
What is a rescued horse?
Mares comprise 65% of horses that are surrendered to rescues. Half of the horses nationwide that go to rescues are Thoroughbreds. "This is especially true in states that have horse racing," says Vada Mitchell, President of the Rodeo City Equine Rescue, Ellensburg, Washington. "Geldings are easier to adopt out," she adds. Vada also mentioned that uneducated horse owners, and owners that have lost their jobs, make up a large percentage of the horses the rescue is now charged with caring for. RCER also takes in sheriff impounds within Kittitas County. Horses are placed in "foster homes" until they are adopted by their new families. An adoption application is required, and homes are screened to make certain of a proper fit with the horse and the new family. Visit Rodeo City Equine Rescue for more information about donating or adopting a horse.
Learn more about horse body scoring.
Rescues are in need
Donate to or become involved in your local horse rescue. Donations made to a 501 (C) 3 rescue are tax deductible.
Rescues are always in need of:
- Hay and grain
- special supplements
- weatherproof turnout blankets
- halters and leads
- buckets
- grooming brushes
- volunteers
Education
The Unwanted Horse Coalition is helping by promoting responsible horse ownership and breeding. Educating new horse owners in everyday horse care, and help with end of life decisions involving humane euthanasia and disposal.
Possible solutions
- Donate an unwanted horse to charity, mounted police unit, rescue, college, university, or retirement home.
- Own responsibly, have plan for your horse if you lose your job.
- Have an end of life plan for your horse, and know the costs involved.
In conclusion
Ending slaughter in the United States did not stop the unwanted horse problem, but the repercussions brought the unwanted horse populations to the forefront of America's attention to find real solutions in our own backyards.
Links to more information
Humane Society
Unwanted Horse Coalition
Pet Finder
Rodeo City Equine Rescue
Wild Horse Warriors
Photos are property of Rodeo City Equine Rescue, Ellensburg, Washington.
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