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Exotic pets to rescue:Part 2- Horses
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The internet lists them by state or by breed, but homeless and neglected horses are everywhere. It always puzzles me when someone goes out of their way to buy an expensive animal and then abuses or abandons it. Surely a horse is not an impulse purchase. It needs special housing like a barn or a corral and supplies such as a saddle and hay. You would think that somewhere during the process of setting up, the new owner would evaluate his capabilities of maintaining a horse, but stories from the rescue groups prove otherwise.
The Wildhorse Ranch Rescue states, “80% of first time horse owners get rid of their horse within 5 years.”
The Arizona based Wildhorse Ranch Rescue lists other reasons horses become homeless:
• Their owners die or have financial problems.
• Horses that become lame or are unable to ride are almost always given-up.
• A sporting horse stops winning races or competitions.
Horses are bred by “backyard” breeders.
• Horses that are born without the “best” markings or with poor temperaments.
• Horses with medical conditions.
Most of the horse rescue farms like, Black Forest Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, dedicate their efforts to rehabilitating the sick and neglected horses in their care. Although they want to see each horse go to a new home, adoption is a secondary goal and the process is very detailed. Horses are welcome to spend the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.
Because one horse may live as long as 30 years, horse rescue organizations make a huge, long term monetary commitment to each animal. To help defray some of the costs, Another Chance 4 Horses is sponsoring a nationwide fundraiser. Their website lists participating horse rescue groups in all parts of the country.
The National Rescue Ride is October 19, 2008.
Photo: Chief was found tied to a fence without food or water by Wildhorse Ranch Rescue.
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