NORTH COUNTRY RIDER |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Copyright 2008 World Publishing Company. All rights reserved. |
||||
In hard times, what to do with extra horses?
Courtesy of CBER
Jonah, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred, is up for adoption at Columbia Basin Equine Rescue in Yakima. The gelding, well-behaved and kind mannered, is one of a growing number of unwanted horses across the country. Horse donations have escalated as the national economy has tightened, placing new responsibilities on strapped owners. See story at right.
Horse owners are discovering that riding out these tough economic times may not be so easy.
A tighter economy — higher prices, rising unemployment, dwindling credit — has put the squeeze on many horse enthusiasts, forcing some to consider selling or giving away their animals.
Horse rescues offer one solution, says a national group focused on the growing number of unwanted horses. But owners have a responsibility to investigate all available options, including the history and physical set-up of any rescue operation or private ranch accepting donated animals.
Know the facts about the horse, the rescue or retirement facility, says the Unwanted Horse Coalition, an alliance of equine organizations based in Washington, D.C. “Remember,” says the group’s Web site, “it’s your responsibility as owner to have all the information to make the right decision.”
In Central Washington, two primary rescue operations handle many of the cases of unwanted horses. Trusting Spirit Horse Rescue in Orondo and Columbia Basin Equine Rescue in Yakima are both nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending equine abuse and caring for slaughter-bound horses. Smaller operations and some ranches throughout the region may also accept horses.
The Unwanted Horse Coalition lists several points to consider before giving up — or adopting — any horse:
Visit the rescue facility and have a look around. What are the physical characteristics of the operation? Does it provide horses with ample room to move and graze? Is there easy access to drinkable water? Are shelters adequate? “Not every facility will be picture perfect,” says a coalition press release, “so meeting a horse’s basic needs in a safe environment is what matters.”
Does the rescue organization have a mission statement? See if they have a Web site that lists their goals and principles. If so, how do these principles compare with a firsthand visit to the site? How long has the facility been in operation? Is it tax-exempt? Does it have a board of directors? Have any welfare charges been brought against the facility? Does the facility provide routine veterinary care? Emergency care? Dental care? Does it meet farrier and shoeing needs?
Not all facilities handle all horses. Some operations may, for example, accept only Thoroughbreds off the track. Some may not accept “owner initiated surrenders,” which are horses usually given up by owners because of financial or ongoing care problems. Some may be a horse sanctuary only. Facilities unable to accept certain animals may be able to offer suggestions on where to donate or adopt specific horses.
What about foster care? Both rescue and adoption facilities may try to place horses into foster care. Good questions to ask are: What are the requirements for foster adoption? How are foster homes screened? Does the facility make sure new owners are providing proper care? What happens to a horse if the foster care ends? Can you visit a horse you’ve placed in foster care? What’s the policy on an owner retrieving a horse from foster care? Will an unplaced horse be euthanized? if so, will the owner be notified beforehand?
Resale? Breeding? Does the rescue/adoption facility train or retrain acquired horses for resale and profit? This accepted practice may be the only way an operation can recoup money spent on food, shelter and training. What are the adoption fees? What are the breeding policies? Are stallions gelded upon entry?
More information on the Unwanted Horse Coalition is available on the group’s Web site or by e-mailing director Julia Anderson at janderson@horsecouncil.org.
