It is unusual for a filly to be able to compete successfully with male horses in the sport of horse racing. Eight Belles was the exception to this rule, and managed to come in second in the Kentucky Derby this year. Unfortunately, this valiant effort cost her life. The filly had to be euthanized due to shattered ankles. This horrible accident has led to questions concerning animal welfare issues surrounding the “sport of kings”, which include excessive use of the whip, performance or pain-masking drugs, and race horse health management in general.

    The Jockey Club could contribute to the general health of race horses by moving the official birth date of January 1 to sometime in the spring. Foals born during inclement winter weather are likely to be excessively confined and have less opportunity to exercise and build strong bones and tendons. There is also the problem of foals born in December that are regarded as yearlings because they were born before January 1. Some of these foals have been destroyed in the past simply for being born at the wrong time of year.

    Thoroughbred horses start their careers at a tender age. On some farms, they may even start training under saddle as early as thirteen months of age. Actual racing starts at the age of two, even though a horse’s legs are not fully developed till the age of three. Starting young horses too early can result in major injuries to bones and tendons. When pain causes a racehorse to stop performing, pain-masking drugs may b used. The use of drugs causes the horse to further damage himself, running his heart out because he can’t feel the pain that would normally keep him from straining a tendon, or breaking leg. Permissive drug policy on U.S. tracks is risking the lives of horses, and jockeys as well, since riders can be severely injured or killed when a horse goes down. Drugs should not be used to keep injured horses on the track.

    Broken down race horses are quickly discarded, as trainers charge several hundred dollars or more per month to keep a horse. Though responsible race horse owners do make efforts to find homes for their retired race horse, unwanted horses can end up rotting in back pastures, or sent to slaughter in Canada or Mexico. Please help support the efforts of race horse rescue and adoption operations – especially now, when feed prices are higher than ever.

Submitted by J.R. Wise, author of “Give a Horse a Second Chance: Adopting and Caring for Rescue Horse.”

Note:

you are welcome to copy this post as long as you properly credit the source - J. R. Wise

News items from the Animal Protection Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare:

APC has launched a recycling and fundraising program. Send them empty printer cartridges and their organization will get paid up to $4 for each cartridge. Place OEM inkjet cartridges and laser toner cartridges from HP, Lexmark, Dell, Canon, or Brother in a zip lock bag or original box and send to any APC division.

 Also, Indian Horse Rescue, the equine division of the APC is collecting tear tags from Nutrena grain and Nutrena feeds, and UPC symbols from Nutrena cat and dog foods - send them to: Indiana Horse Rescue, 10254 West 800 South, Owensville, Indiana 47665.

  Indiana Horse Rescue Southwest in Owensville, Indiana will be having a Spring Open House on April 26^th. They are looking for volunteers to help out with their activities. If you would be interested in taking part e-mail Kelsey@Indianahorserescue.com

   More info on the activities of the Animal Protection Coalition is available by going to animalprotectioncoalition.org or indianahorserescue.com.

Posted by J.R. Wise, author of “Give a Horse a Second Chance-Adopting and Caring for Rescue Horses.” Last Updated 3/18/08

 Book on Caring for Abused and Neglected Horses

   There are several books available on subjects pertaining to equine welfare - one of these books is.

Give a Horse a Second Chance - Adopting and Caring for Rescue Horses

    This book has been favorably reviewed by many premier horse publications:

 Western Horseman - August 2007 Issue - Bunkhouse Reviews - pg.170 -

      “Wise initially considers why horses must be rescued, legitimate adoption facilities,    the adoption process, and selecting and appropriate horse to adopt.

      Chapters devoted to horse health address not only routine equine care, but also special needs for malnourished, abused, or old horses.”

Horse Illustrated - April 2007 Issue-book barn - pg. 26

    “If you plan to rescue a horse and need a primer on dealing with the health and behavior issues often seen in neglected and abused equines, this book is a good choice.”

Natural Horse - July/August 2007 Issue - Book Bits and Video Views - pg. 52

    “Provides sensible information and insight on adopting and caring for rescue horses, including wild horses. Pros and cons presented; list of adoption agencies included.

This book is available on E-Bay, Overstock.com, and Amazon.

Has anyone out there tried treeless saddles? Did you have any trouble keeping them on? What brand did you buy?

Submitted by J. R. Wise

author of "Give a Horse a Second Chance: Adopting and Caring for Rescue Horses."

Anyone who is interested in draft cross PMU foals should check out the Equine Angels Rescue Sanctuary website at foal.rescue.com. They have some nice draft cross foals up for adoption.