What Is Really Going On With The Equine Rescue Boat?

It is late. And I could not sleep. Worrying and wondering what is really going to happen with the economic situation.
That and a late night call from my renter telling my why she can't afford to pay the rent. Again...*sigh*
The sad part is, I can't even be mad anymore.
Because, I get it. Things are tough all over. For a lot of people.

And then, I have to ask myself, what am I doing? And what am I thinking? Equine Rescue is necessary. Right?
At least, I believe that.
Or maybe, because, I love horses, I HOPE that...
But when, do animals become more important to people, than people?

I wonder things like that. When, I hear about, a rescue horse having thousands of dollars of medical treatment.
To become?
A companion horse only. Or, a permanent resident of, a rescue or sanctuary.

Or when, I see a rescue soliciting to raise ransoms, or funds, to purchase horses at sale venues.
And in the next breath? Stating, a very real need for financial aid to buy more hay.

I understand that there are a great many people who firmly believe that animals have far more value than people.
Somedays, I have come close to being one of those people.

And I understand that it is very hard to resist that knee jerk reaction of, "Oh My God!!! Do whatever you have to just save them", when they are suffering.

But here is another thing I am thinking about. We received a newsletter from our local vet.
Suggesting vaccinations for the coming year for horses. Announcing a new to the practice vet who really likes working with horses.
And a standard form letter notifying horse owners that all accounts now require a credit card on file.
And no service will be rendered without payment first.

You know what that tells me? With the new policy even less horses will be getting UTD on their shots, general health care, or emergency treatment.
Kind of scary.

Horses cared for properly have never been cheap. They are expensive of time as well. And knowing, the crisis the world as we knew it, is facing?
Where do responsible rescues draw the line?

It has always been a given that we can't save them all. So, who do we save? How do you develop a criteria for that?
Knowing that for every one you save? There are hundreds very similar to it that are going to die.

That is the problem that keeps me awake at night. Knowing I am fighting a losing battle. And who am I to play God?
Or Hitler.
NEVER HAS A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION BEEN PRESENTED... And yet, the money keeps going towards legislation efforts. And rescue efforts. And education. And publicization of this "problem".
When people talk about preventing the extinction of endangered species? That makes a lot of sense to a lot of people.
Domestic equines have never been in danger of that.

The greater number of small animal shelters do euthanize to handle their overpopulation issues.
But, the cost of euthanizing, and disposing of small animals? Are much smaller than, dealing with large animals would ever be.

I get very frustrated with the attitude of aggressively addressing it now. Educating people to be more responsible, NOW!
"Aggressive addressing and Education are great". But neither, will even come close to solving the problem, "now".
Or, in a timely fashion for the equines.

Read any equine message board in the land. People are talking about breeding and getting ready for foaling season.
It is their right. For some it is a business. Their LIVELIHOOD...
So, the idea that everyone will stop breeding deliberately? Let alone, by accident or ignorance, in their backyard? In an organized effort to resolve this problem?
Is so far away from reality that it has its own ZIPCODE in Faeryland...

But I keep hearing the same, forgive me, ridiculous answers, to a problem that is not going away.
There are more horses than there are appropriate homes for.
Euthanasia isn't going to solve the problem.

Someone who lost their job, is struggling to pay their own expenses, generally does not have the funds necessary to do this.
A lot of people put up free ads as a last desperate effort to save their animal from starving to death or going to auction.

The Rescues are generally full. They cannot meet the demand and that has always been true...
So, what is the criteria folks?
Walk through the sale barn saying eenie meeny miney moe?
Or the daisy petal pulling method? You live, you die, you live, you die.

This isn't sour grapes on my part. It is someone who has lived both perspectives. I have some nice horses. I have some dead weight.
I love them all.
But if, we were talking saving only the absolute prime? Not one of mine would make the cut.
If, I were approaching this, solely, from the vantage point of making money? From performance stock?
Over half would not make the cut of "my criteria".

Next question, I have had to ask my self. Donation supported rescues? Hoarders with someone elses money to foot the bills?
Or, necessary and viable, for the protection of equines?

A business is a business. Whether, for profit or a cause. The product of equine rescue is, saving and restoring horses. And other equines.

We are Never going to be able to SAVE them All! That would require every Human on the planet, being on the same page, at the same time.
And THAT has NOT happened, since, time began.

Knowing that people are going to do what they do. Which, still includes, spending their money as they please for some.
I imagine equine rescue is here to stay.
There is part of me that says, "THANK GOD"!!! And another part of me that says, "Poor Horses".
Because when you bring people into the mix? It really can change the outcome of the whole theoretic intent.

My Dream solution at this point? Local slaughter facilities. Where you can walk your horse in and steady them for the capture bolt.
Friends to the End, you know?

And rescues that saved viable animals. Instead of cripples, mental rejects, and the incredibly infirm due to age.
It pisses me off to no end to see resources wasted. Because it makes good copy.

If, the truly wealthy people of this world are willing to underwrite the cost of these endeavors?
Great.
But, how many people who don't really have it to give? Have given to their own detriment?
And how many rescues rely on every dollar they receive?

But, more than, ANYTHING, I lose sleep over trying to decide, how to decide, who lives? And who dies?
Because, I really do have love for them all.

That is what rescue has taught me about horses. Leave your common sense at the door. Invest in saving animals that you would never in this lifetime have purchased.
And when it gets too expensive?
Solicit donations from other like minded individuals...

I do not believe that this is a message that I personally want to send. To the World. Or, to my Family.
To be honest it smacks of Big Business. And Selfishness...

I would rather be known as someone who made a real effort to fight hunger and homelessness for families in need.
And as, someone, who made a real effort in all things, to do the right thing as best as I was able.

Horses in this day and age, Are a Luxury. Unless, you are Amish.

I believe they have amazing powers to heal people and build confidence. And share love.
But talk to any animal lover and they will tell you the same thing about their pet of choice.

But, let's be real okay?
Horses are a tremendous investment. Far more expensive to care for than most any other pet.
And they require land to live on. And more land to grow their feed.

And personal experience, not necessarily all encompassing, how many people with horses pay all of their horse bills or personal bills, "On Time"?
I have never yet met that person(s).

In closing, I will say, I wish I could have done more. To save them. But I am not a Superhero.
Or, "Uber wealthy".
So, in trying to stay true to my original intent. Which, was/is primarily, to effectively work to end longtime equine suffering.
This blog, and it's creator, will promote the reinstatement of equine slaughter over the promotion of Equine Rescues.

Because Equine Rescue is very reminiscent of the "Titanic". Too many passengers and too few lifeboats.
JMO

Oh just fricking great! This was meant for Living Beyond The Dream. And now, it is here.