Liesha and Markie at the horse show
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word, "rhetorical" as a : "of, relating to, or concerned with rhetoric, b : employed for rhetorical effect ; c : asked merely for effect with no answer expected <a rhetorical question> "
So I had to wonder if there are any good answers to the rhetorical question that Jo Deibel, President, Director and founder of Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue , passed along from an inquiry she received from one of her adoptive families
"How does a beautiful, intelligent horse who can name Wild Again, Forty Niner, Mr. Prospector, Native Dancer, Nashua, Round Table, Bold Ruler, Neartic, Damascus, Sword Dancer, Flaming Page, Bull Page, Nijinsky and Nasrullah among her ancestors in a five generation pedigree, end up slaughter-bound?"
Jo continued by saying, " Here's a rescued mare, slaughter-bound, a throw away, an off-the-track thoroughbred. Beautiful, isn't she?"
Jo ended her email writing, "She looks pretty regal for a throw away and she has the best home she could ever have with the absolute best girl to love her. Just ask the mare If only she could talk........"
I don't think that this mare would feel that Jo's question is at all rhetorical. If this mare could speak, I am sure she would ask for answers that say "yes" to horse rescue and at the same time thank the many people out there doing a Herculean job to give a new life to these unwanted horses, where they can be loved and find their niche in the sport of horses.
I am sure there are many unforgivable "answers" that the mare's connections, who so carelessly and thoughtlessly threw her away could give. But I want to know why these young and spirited horses are being thrown away to be disposed of in a horrific manner. It just sets my teeth on edge and makes me so angry that I can hardy speak.
What are your feelings about this "rhetorical" question? Please leave a comment and let us know.
6 comments:
Rhetorical questions are usually answered with theoretical answers!! Theoretically, horses such as this beauty end up as throw-aways because breeders are breeding hundreds of stallions to thousands of mares in hope to find the very small percentage of off-spring that could win a few races and then be sold for millions. I don't have the accurate numbers handy, but I believe the number is less than 10% of two year olds fulfill their breeders' goals. And then what happens to the other 90%? Some go to show rings and competitions, some become working horses (pony horses, pleasure horses), and then there are those that never find the right place. Those are the ones we are seeing in need of rescue. It makes me sick,too, Jo--and I don't see any answer until breeders become more responsible in the first place. I have the greatest mare in the world
;) but I have decided not to breed her because I don't want to take the chance that her foal would not be all that she is. Since I have sold only 3 of the approximately 15 horses I have owned in the past 30 years, you can see that almost all my horses are forever family members!
It simply outrages me to even think of why people throw away any animal. Why do some people rush to the slaughter instead of trying to sell them to someone who would give them a loving home. Or donate them to a cause that would not only save their life, but would also give them meaning and purpose to their lives. No hore should end up in a slaughter pen.
Until people learn to accept the responsibility for their own actions, the best thing we can do right now is to educate people. Get them to volunteer at horse rescues, do fund raisers, etc. People love horses- so it is time to encourage them to "have" a horse at a rescue and help out however they can.
Human nature being what it is, I hold out little hope of people owing up and accepting that responisibility. Shoot- they do not accept it for their children, why should they for a horse?
I routinely challenge people who "claim" to love horses to actively seek out what THEY can do to help. You do not have to know anything about horses to hold abake sale and donate the proceeds. You do not have to know anything about horses to collect soda cans, and donate the collection. (You get my point.)
I'll step down off my soap box here, so I don't hijack Jo's blog.... (Sorry Jo!)
This beautiful picture is a testimony to the sanctity of life!
Unfortunately, we live in a throw away society, and it's my belief that our social consciousness and sense of responsibility has been diminished by that concept.
We've become so removed from Nature, compassion and respect for the sanctity of life that a lot of us are zombies, the walking dead, who can do no more than go through life thinking and acting only for ourselves.
Luckily, she found a good loving home.
Lemshe, glad to hear you also have forever family members!
Harmony,
Janet
Gorgeous horse!
The whole disposable thoroughbred question breaks my heart.
Linda
The Mane Point
Great article Jo with info from the other Jo! :>)
I'll make this short since I haven't read today's yet!!
The HBO special was great and I would have loved to buy that filly for only $400!! Thank You Jo D. for everything you do!!
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