I posted a video of a Christmas Gift of a horse that was given to a wife that appears not-so-thrilled. I noted that the horses “will likely need rescuing someday”. In addition, I noted the family’s lack of experience with horses. Several ERN followers rebuked my post….[See Video]
The truth is I don’t believe that animals make good Christmas Gifts. Its like giving a new Iphone to a teenager with no service plan. The financial obligations for feed and care are substantial. Unexpected veterinary costs can drain a couple’s savings account faster than bad night in Las Vegas.
Then there is the time commitment to care and provide quality of life for the horse. The husband is thrilled that he now owns a Race Horse. As a rescuer, I see TWO horses and two lives. The life of the mother, and the life of the foal. What will happen to the mare when the foal is old enough to be weaned? Will she become another broodmare tied to a concrete wall at a meat auction? Or will she be properly trained and rehomed with a microchip protection?
150,000 horses slaughtered each year ~ 19% are Thoroughbreds.
In 50 years of experience with horses, I don’t like wire fencing with young thoroughbreds. Horses have an innate ability to find trouble. I love thoroughbreds, but young TBs have boundless energy and curiosity. That is why Kentucky horse farms have wood fencing.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY….I don’t think it is a good idea to mix small children with loose weanlings. That colt is cute & frisky, but you note that the colt almost fires off a playful kick in the child’s direction. A young horse is a powerful animal that could cause tremendous injury to a small child. Young colts/fillies don’t yet understand that they can’t kick at humans. They don’t know to be mindful of their backend and power.
Call me judgemental or cynical, but I see it too often; horses suffer when their owners are inexperienced and careless. People get hurt and they don’t understand horses require training and precautions. Even the most predictable, can often be unpredictable to a novice hand