22/01/2024
This!!! 💯 Take care of the animals who have given so much of themselves to you. I am honored to have the opportunity to care for our rescues who were discarded after no longer being to serve how they once had.
Some love horseback riding, and some love horses. Some love both. However, if you had to choose between caring for the horse that can't be ridden any longer, or selling the horse for a younger model so you can ride, which would you choose?
Which do you think your horse hopes you choose?
Which do you think is more ethical?
A lot of people sell horses that they 'outgrow' etc and maybe the next owner is kind, and maybe even the owner after that. The PROBLEM is that the horse loses it's own continuity with equine friends, a sense of connection to land and home; it's family. ALSO the more this flipping happens, the less any one owner feels beholden to the idea of senior care. And senior care is needed by EVERY LIVING BEING. Normalizing the act of 'getting rid of' an animal because it no longer serves tells the next generation that it's ok, and the cycle continues. This is how old horses end up at auction, alone and undefended, equines that were once well trained and trusted to carry children, or accomplished athletes, or hard working partners in the field or on the road. No one stood by them in their hour of need.
It just seems that our species is capable of better treatment to another living being that 'we' have created and used. Every horse deserves a decent end to a life they did not choose, but may have tried their best at anyway, for as long as possible.
We step in for a few as we are able, but handing them over to a rescue ought not to be normalized either. There is not federal, state or local revenue supporting these efforts, each is headed by a slightly crazy horse person who saw a need and stepped up.
Our opinions are not secret, we live them every day. Sadly if more agreed with us, we would not need to be here.
Wouldn't it be great to normalize connection, value beyond just a skill, loyalty, and the beauty of caring for one who relies upon you? Because there is great beauty, and meaning, in standing beside another living being, one that you chose to bring into your life, and protect them for the rest of theirs.