Silent Sunday on Frequently Feline

I need to thank Jo Deibel for sharing this remarkably touching and beautiful video of a race horse that was not" fast enough at the track to earn a living".

Happily, Dustin's Dreamer, a gorgeous Thoroughbred was given a second chance and a forever loving home thanks to Dustin, his exercise rider who saved him from the slaughter house.

I am sure you will be as deeply moved as I was, watching this magnificent video of Dustin's Dream's rescue, uploaded to YouTube by Toddyboy68. It is truly inspirational.



You are invited to leave a comment if this story touched you.

Fabulous Friday on Frequently Friday: Meet Cold Spring

This is a happy ending for a lovely mare named Cold Spring. She has a new family. Her new "horse mom" wrote:

"I cannot express how excited I am and grateful I am for this beautiful animal literally finding me! I have been looking around for a long time at potential adoption horses and this beautiful mare stole my heart. She derserves a good home and she will live like a queen in the mountains! She has loads of potential and I am excited for us to grow together. "

Isn't this a great ending to the story below?

So in celebration Cold Spring is our "pet of the week."
Lets send congratulations to the mare and her new family!

Thanks everyone!

I received this request in my email yesterday morning from a dear friend who has made a tremendous impact on horse welfare. She asked that this request be cross-posted and circulated, so if you know someone, if you cannot adopt personally, who may be interested in giving Cold Spring a forever home, please feel free to share the link to this entry. Thank you so much.

HOME NEEDED!

Cold Spring, 5 year old Standandbred, currently located at Saratoga Raceway. Bowed her tendon a few weeks back--the bow has set up well but but she can longer race. Trainer says, he'd like her to have a second chance as " she has been such a good girl, never done a wrong thing in her life". She is sound now, looks like a million bucks, kind and willing, needs a home ASAP as owner wants her gone. Trainer is holding off shipping her to an auction through the weekend...

If she ends up placed somewhere close to Saratoga, Carol will help with her re-training to saddle.

Help end their suffering! Be the voice for those with no voice. Tell Congress vote yes to HR. 503 and S. 311, American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

Name The Filly Contest Winner: GREAT name!

You may remember the "Name the Filly" contest back in May.

The other day, a drawing was held at the "Name the Filly" contest party. The party was hugely successful with all participants having a great time. It was attended by all the volunteer kids and their adults.
Since there was such a huge number of names submitted to the contest, they had to use a bigger hat than they expected from which to select the winner. Many thanks to all who sent in suggestions for her name!

One of the volunteer kids was the winner. She was thrilled and moved to tears by her win.

So, without further ado :::::: the name of this adorable filly, (who, by the way, will be available for adoption in a couple of months) , has been christened, "Tricky Dixie."

If you are interested in more information about adopting this filly, please contact me at hpmiou@aol.com
Isn't it a great name? I love it. Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

Save The Wild Horses: Get Involved!

Federal officials are considering euthanizing wild horses to deal with the growing population on the range and in holding facilities, authorities said Monday,June 30.

Wild horses have overpopulated public lands and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management can't afford to care for the number of mustangs that have been rounded up, said Henri Bisson, the agency's deputy director. Also, fewer people are adopting the horses, he said.

Monday's announcement marks the first time the agency publicly has discussed the possibility of putting surplus animals to death. The agency is also considering whether to stop roundups of wild horses to save money, a move that would be criticized by and from sheep and cattle ranchers who see the mustangs as competition for feed on the open range.

There are an estimated 33,000 wild horses on the range. There are 30,000 more already in holding facilities."Our goal is supposed to be about healthy horses on healthy ranges. But we are at the point we need to have a conversation with people about pragmatically what can we do given the financial constraints of our program to meet the goals we have," Bisson said. There are an estimated 33,000 wild horses on the range in 10 Western states, Bisson told the organization's National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. About half of those are in Nevada.

The agency has set a target "appropriate management level" of horses at 27,000.
About another 30,000 horses are in holding facilities, where most are made available for adoption. But those deemed too old or otherwise unadoptable are sent to long-term holding facilities to live out their lives--some for 15 to 20 years.

The board will consider the alternatives at its next meeting in September.
Last year about $22 million of the entire horse program's $39 million budget was spent on holding horses in agency pens. Next year the costs are projected to grow to $26 million with an overall budget that is being trimmed to $37 million, Bisson said.
"We have a responsibility to balance the budget, so we are going to have to make some tough choices," Bisson said.

Bonnie Matton, president of the Wild Horse Preservation League, said she wasn't surprised by the agency's predicament. "They really do have a can of worms," she said.

Editor's note: The Horse is following this story. Keep an eye on TheHorse.com for updates, and particpate in the poll on their website. Give your suggestions for alternatives.

Alternatives already presented are: Ovariectomize some mares, castrate some stallions, increase adoptions, birth control in special feed and abolish PMU Farms. Improve overall management.

Read more about the myths connected with our wild horses in the United States.

As horse lovers, what are your feelings about the predicament in which these magnificent animals find themselves? Please leave a comment and share.

Name the Filly: Enter the Contest

One of my favorite things about "blogging" is finding folks who share my love for animals, and of course my passion for horses.

When a "stranger" posts a comment on my blog with a link to theirs, the first thing I do is to check it out! I was thrilled when I discovered the fascinating equine oriented one, "Oh Horsefeathers"  on which the author, MrsMom,  posts almost every day.

MrsMom is holding a contest and donating a "mystery" prize for the best name suggested for this adorable black and white paint  filly born at Harmony Meadows Equine Rescue, a few days ago.

The date set for the naming party to be held in June has not yet been set, but stay tuned for more information.

You can read more about the happenings at Harmony Meadows Equine Rescue on their blog, as well.

So join in the fun and put on your thinking caps.  You can read more about this filly and add a comment to MrsMom's blog entry with the names that you suggest. There is no limit to the number of creative names you wish to enter.

Time is running out so grab that cup of coffee, put your feet up as you look at these photographs and fall in love.

Feel free to forward the link to my blog entry to your horse loving friends, to invite them to join in the fun!

Isn't this baby just adorable?  Tell us what you think by leaving a comment here, as well.

Horse Rescue: Rhetorical Question?

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.

Help End Horse Slaughter: Watch REAL SPORTS/Bryant Gumbel- HBO-May 12 at 10:00 PM

 
What happens to all the "pretty little horses" that have reached the end of their career as race horses or no longer able to compete in other equine sports?

The sad fact is that many of these race horses are are often taken directly from the track  and sent to auction for sale as meat.

Since the three foreign based slaughter houses in the United States have been closed, "killer buyers" who profit from the sale of horseflesh are now shipping these unfortunate horses outside  the United States, to Mexico and Canada where horse slaughter remains legal.

Tonight, May 12 at 10:00 PM,  REAL SPORTS with Bryant Gumbel will present a special report airing some of the dirty little secrets about the plight affecting many of our magnificent Thoroughbred race horses no longer able to compete in the sport of racing during his 134th debut edition of the show.

It is my fervent hope that many people will watch the show this evening and will be touched sufficiently to take action to stop the inhumane and cruel practice of horse slaughter.

Many of these horses remain suitable to find new homes where they can begin a happier and useful life. Many of them can be retired at rescue havens where they may be able to  live their lives out in peace.

We need to work together in support of the pending legislations H.R. 503 and S. 311, to be finally passed to protect our vulnerable horses.

On the other hand, it is heartwarming to see a lovely mare, named Remarkably, a slaughter bound mare that was "thrown away" given the opportunity to have a new life. Just look at her now. She was pulled from the kill pen in September 2006 and has found a career as a show horse.

Ridden by Liesha, trained by Elissa Allen (Evenstride Farm) winning a 2nd and 5th place win at a recent horse show.

Information provided by

Jo Deibel
President/Director

Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, Inc.

If you are a horse lover  and wish to help, I urge you to watch this special segment tonight on REAL SPORTS.  Then follow your heart and take action by visiting: American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act.

Silent Sunday on Frequently Feline: Happy Mare's Day!

Mother's Day, is a special day we set aside to honor our moms.

In the spirit of Mother's Day, I chose this very special "mom", Callie, rescued from the slaughter pen. It is not only the sick and elderly that are sent to slaughter. Just like Callie, many are young and healthy horses in desperate need of homes.

This very lucky mare had a weanling at her side and was pregnant with the foal featured in this touching video from ksbg195. 

Let's thank the "horse moms" who lovingly rescued these horses in order to give  them a second chance for a meaningful and happy life, by leaving a comment for them.

Happy Mother's Day!

Resolution to Promote Horse Slaughter is Defeated!

Barbaro enjoys a refreshing bath

The "Barbaro Effect" continues to weave its' magic. This incredibly good news, which was released on April 25, just four days prior to Barbaro's birthday demonstrates how dedicated his fans are to taking action to benefit all horses. I felt compelled to re-post the article below, to keep folks informed about the progress that is being made in the work that is underway to ensure the passage of H.R.503/S.311.

National Conference of State Legislators Defeats Resolution to Promote Horse Slaughter is Defeated!

April 25, 2008 (Washington, D.C.)  A renegade resolution to promote the continued slaughter of American horses for human consumption abroad was defeated at today's meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The measure, offered by state Representative David Sigdestad (D-SD), urged the United States Congress to oppose the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, currently pending in Congress. AWI commends those state legislators who stood up in support of humane treatment of horses.

"The scheme was yet another dirty trick brought to you by the horse slaughter industry and its lobbyists. Contrary to their claims, the federal American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act has enormous Congressional and public support, and the current trend at the state level has also been towards the passage of laws that protect horses from slaughter," said Chris Heyde, deputy director of government and legal affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute.

The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S. 311/H.R. 503), will prohibit the slaughter of American horses here or abroad for human consumption in Europe and Asia where it is often considered a delicacy. The Senate and House versions have 38 and 200 cosponsors, respectively.

Polls show the majority of Americans support an end to the foreign-driven trade, as do hundreds of horse industry leaders and organizations, humane groups and dozens of celebrities. As a result, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act passed the United States House of Representatives by an overwhelming margin in the 109th Congress and is up for reconsideration again. States are also weighing in.

"While the US Congress is considering a federal ban, California, Texas and Illinois have taken action to send this predatory business packing. South Dakota recently considered the issue when a bill authorizing state funds for the construction of a horse slaughterhouse was stopped in its tracks, yet here we have a legislator from South Dakota, Representative Sigdestad, offering a resolution that flies in the face of legislative trend and public sentiment," said Heyde. "We must enact the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act immediately to protect America"s horses from being trucked alive across our borders for slaughter abroad, and to further the will of those states that have enacted measures to end this barbaric trade."
In recent years, more than 100,000 American horses were slaughtered annually at three foreign-owned horse slaughterhouses operating out of Texas and Illinois while tens of thousands more were exported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter there. Last year laws were enacted in Texas and Illinois prohibiting the slaughter, thus shutting down the country's remaining domestic plants. Nonetheless, the industry continues to haul huge numbers of American horses over the border for slaughter where they may be stabbed in the neck to induce paralysis before slaughter.

"There has been a concerted effort by the misnamed 'Horse Welfare Coalition,' mentioned in Representative Sigdestad's resolution, to mislead legislators and the American public on the gruesome nature of horse slaughter. The fact is that this coalition was founded and is led by the very same foreign-owned companies that were previously slaughtering our horses here and are now trucking them over the border to Canada and Mexico to do the same, only under worse conditions. That the horse slaughter lobby claims to be working in the best interest of American horses by pushing for the defeat of a federal ban on their slaughter is disingenuous," said Heyde.

"We're just glad that reason ruled the day and the NCSL defeated the resolution."

Let's keep the momentum going, folks! Please continue to make those phone calls and help get these bills passed! Our beloved horses are counting on you!

National Call In Day: In Honor of Barbaro's Birthday. Let's Get Those Phone lines Blinking!

Happy Birthday Barbaro!

Let's honor your special day by taking the immediate action that is crucial. Let's celebrate by making these phone lines light up brightly!

The Humane Society of The United States posted an urgent request this morning:

"Today is the National Call-In Day for Horses, in honor of
Barbaro's birthday! Time is running out for Congress to pass the
American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503/S. 311) to end the transport to slaughter of American horses to Mexico and Canada.

"Let's light up the phones on Capitol Hill to send the message
loud and clear that we want a permanent ban on horse slaughter now.

Here's How To Help!

"When you call, you will speak to a staff member who will pass
your message along to your legislator. Remember to be polite and professional, and leave your name and address so it is clear
that you are a constituent.

You can say:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your town]
to urge [legislator's name] to co-sponsor the American Horse
Slaughter Prevention Act, H.R. 503/S. 311, to end the transport
to slaughter of American horses. We must end this cruel practice once and for all. Thank you."

"2. We are tracking the impact of your calls, so click here: Let us know you called your legislators:

"3. Finally, please tell all of your friends and family to call today and throughout this week.

"Your calls have made a difference in the past, so please make
the call today. Together, we can stop horse slaughter.

Sincerely,

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States"

To contact your Representatives

To contact the Senate

 

Additionally, call Senator Craig (who is presently blocking S.311). Politely relay this message to his aide, "

“We ask that Senator Craig allow Bill S. 311, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, to move forward.”

Senator Craig: 202-224-2752
Toll-Free #'s: 800-828-0498 - - 800-828-1887 - - 800-614-2803

 

Your support is appreciated so much. Barbaro and all the horses thank you!

Help Rescue Group Buy Hay: Grab A Raffle Ticket!

 
Easter arrivals - Doc and Sundance

"It ain't just hay", is a common expression we frequently use to compare an object of high monetary value to what was, at one time an inexpensive commodity.

As horse lovers and owners know to well, the price of hay has recently risen exponentially. As a result of the high cost of hay, the rescue group, Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine Rescue needs our help to defray the cost of feeding their rescued horses.

Thanks to the Fans of Barbaro, Doc and Sundance were rescued from the auction circuit,(where they languished for awhile, showing signs of obvious neglect)by  Beauty's Haven Farm and Equine rescue where they have been given another chance at life. Doc and Sundance were Easter arrivals to the rescue.

The cost of maintaining  horses is very high. Beauty's Haven Farm and Rescue have given horse lovers a chance to help. They are holding a special raffle with the proceeds earmarked to defray the cost of hay. Each ticket purchased represents one bale of hay for their horses.

The drawing of the raffle will take place on April 26 during Barbaro's Legacy 2008 celebration day.

Each ticket is available for only $15 and offers those who participate the opportunity to win this beautiful prize, valued over $100.00. They are raffling an awesome LUSH “Think Pink” gift box full of natural and handmade goodies (No Animal Testing)

   

 

Tickets can be purchased by contacting their Pay Pal address:theresa@beautysequinerescue.org or you can  mail your donation to P.O. Box 53, Morriston, FL  32668.  Donations are tax deductible - they are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Let's help make this event a huge success!