This comment really offends me. Are you totally devoid of human emotion..? Do you think that every single person in the industry treats animals poorly..?
You see the worst scenarios and judge all on that, our horses are treated as a part of the family.. you do realise that you cannot make an animal weighing in @ an average of 1/2 a tonne do anything they do not want to do!
Would appreciate an honest answer from you here, have you actually ever cared for, or had the responsibility for, a horse on a day to day basis..? Not talking about donating $'s for others to do the job either..
Don't be offended Shai, it's my opinion, no one has to agree with me, however, I am allowed to have my own opinion, based on my experience.
Yes, I have cared for horses on a daily basis. I had a pony, called Tony the Pony. Also had a former Polo Pony, a gorgeous chestnut, called Sovereign, who was probably the most intelligent horse I've known. I also nursed a race horse, a huge black gelding, called Diablo, who the housekeeper let out of his paddock + he had three of his legs wrapped in barbed wire. Having experienced two legs badly snagged in barbed wire, I knew just how excruciating it was. No one could get near him to release him + he was tranqu'ed by the vet, the barbed wire cut + he was stitched. When he came to, he allowed me to lead him to his paddock + he would only allow me to feed him, dress his wounds + brush him. I was too short to get his rugs on, so I'd lead him to the stable where he slept at night. I slept with him for the first four nights. I washed him, gave him AB injections + stayed with him all the time. He didn't ever race again, + I was so distraught when our family friends sold him.
I also went out with Bill Inglis of Inglis sales + it distresses me that after the last sales in Sydney this year, 200+ yearlings were sent to the doggers.
I worked for the Stewards at the AJC + the breaches investigated there would stun most people!
+ yes, I do sponsor rescued horses. My latest sponsored horse is Gypsy, who was surrendered by a very elderly man because she had severe laminitis. Sadly, he is unable to pay for her treatment + he was told to have her PTS. I offered to sponsor Gypsy, who after only six days has responded brilliantly to her treatment, is already standing much better + she now has a forever home, where the elderly man can visit her.
Yes, Shai there are some wonderful people who consider their TB as family, sadly they are in the minority. To destroy 18,000 horses in 2013 because they were not good enough to make it in the TB industry is absolutely sinful! Whether you agree or disagree, is none of my business, but I do respect your right to your opinion. + while I will never have your level of experience with horses, I have had two horses of my own + took to a stockmen with a whip, when he whipped a horse for "being bad mannered".
It gives me great comfort to know how much you love + care for your horses, I wish there were more in the TB industry like you.
