Now They Lay You Down To Sleep. I Pray The Lord Your Souls To Keep...

I have struggled with accepting the inevitable deaths of so many of the 3 Strikes Mustangs and Burros.
Supposedly protected animals.
Animals that were the recipients of many stated and implied promises. That their times of trouble were over.
And that they were safe.

Regardless of, who did what, that has proven so very untrue...

The Promises have been broken. All of them.
And the animals will pay the ultimate price.
Isn't that the way of it?

The Rule of Man... I take what I want. I disregard the needs of others. And I call it "Progress".
Or necessary.

I imagine these wonderful wild and free spirits exactly that way. Wild and free... With their manes and tails streaming.
At peace in a grove. Satisfying their thirst at a stream. Giving birth under vast and starry skies.
And I wonder how they ever became considered vermin. To be removed and eradicated.

And I tell myself, if there truly is such a thing as, a jealous GOD, a vengeful GOD, I hope he tracks everyone who played a part in the vandalism and destruction of His Living Art.
And visits many a plague upon you.

It started with the land and ways of life of native peoples. And moved on to the buffalo. And there have been many examples since, of mans progress.
And now the wild horses must go.
Because, even though they came to be through a force larger than, the work of any mans hand, man has decreed that they no longer fit.

Let me think on this. The Spaniards came and left. Leaving horses behind. The white man came. And imported through similar disregard for life and freedom, the Black man, woman, and child.
And the Chinese. To serve them. The Irish came due to famine. And then, there was Ellis Island designated for the use of emigres of all nations.

This land belonged to that which was free and wild. The white man determined to tame it. And has historically, without fail, proceeded to kill off, or fence in, whatever did not appeal to them.

I usually do not think in terms of colour. But sometimes, it is necessary. To comprehensively understand the issue at hand.

It seems to me, in reviewing the history, the only thing the white man forgot to pack before immigrating was respect.

I am grateful to my ancestors. For instilling in me to be no mans slave. And sharing an ingrained respect for the land and all of its many gifts.
And the knowledge to not take more than what is necessary to sustain life.

And I weep. Over this latest proof that man has learned nothing from his and her own history.

True or False???

There is much I do not know. TRUE
There is much I have not seen. TRUE

There is much I have seen that I wish I had not. TRUE
There is much that I have heard that I wish I had not. TRUE

There is no possibility that I can be wrong about anything. FALSE
I generally admit when I am wrong. TRUE

There are many people that I have met who have convinced me there are many worthwhile human beings.
There are even more who cause me to reconsider that opinion on a daily basis.

Wasting my time with adults who act as children while addressing very important issues?
And maintaining a peaceable and respectful of their opinions attitude and demeanor?
So far beyond my reach that I have stopped reaching.

I am actually stunned by what I have seen with this whole 3 Strikes drama/saga. I am stunned that so many are so blatantly hypocritical that they now require compensation for doing the right thing.
And expecting of adulation and praise as well.

If this is any indication of where equine rescue is headed I want out. Of any organized group.
I am blown by the complete disregard for any type of ethical and consistent standard.

Someone described their general impression of most of the FHoTD posters as being like the cool girls smoking their cigarettes in the bathroom at school. Sucking those cigarettes til the cherry was an inch long and glowing red. Chewing and snapping their gum. All while, trying to look cool and tough. When they were scared shitless that they were going to get caught.
How apropo... Sucking, chewing, and snapping. And scared of being caught.

I have little patience with posers and imposters. Even less tolerance for. If, this is to be my peer group in rescue, I am disassociating myself from any relation to.

So many of these people think they are changing the world. No. Not really. They are just creating more smoke for everyone else to navigate through. And when it clears?
There is usually a tremendously large pile of shit and dead bodies on the other side. That they were hoping to hide.

I have said my piece on this issue repeatedly. I have horses to train and other employment to attend to.
I am through trying to share information with the ineducable.
They already know everything they are interested in knowing. And as they have made careers out of blowing smoke up the asses and in the eyes of the masses?
Who am I to stand in the way of their progress?

Hopefully and occasionally, a hurdle to the progression of ignorance that cannot be stepped around, on, or over...

Someone Needs A Nap Or A Time Out!

Okay, if it is my World, why are there so many sources of irritation to me in it? I am not one of those individuals that believes there must be equal parts of evil and good to create balance.
Why can't we as a group, ever get it RIGHT?
And why must so many use vulnerable living creatures as pawns and podiums?

Send money or they will die. I am so sick of rescues and sanctuaries with starving and suffering pictures on the main page of their websites.
I am so sick of people who can't ride well despite having devoted years to the pursuit telling other people that they can't ride.

I am tired of opinions presented as fact. I am beyond tired of the celebrity feature in rescue.
I am tired of people fighting just to fight.
I am sick from the exposure to stupid.

I am really fucking sick of hearing about straight shoulders and polo ponies. How many anatomical features comprise an equine?
Can we pick a new one Alex please?

I am sick of amateur opinions presented as qualified fact. And snark has what to do with education, rescue, or equines?
I knew what a Tom Thumb bit was before someone presented a backwards curb and renamed it.
Did I mention, I am sick of stupid?

I pulled the cookies out of my Horse Traffic site a few weeks ago. Why? Because it has been done.
The numbers are important. But I would rather be underestimated.
Tracking is subjective to interpretation.
For instance, less than 650 readers are responsible for approximately 513,000 page impressions for someone else.
Someone else has slipped back in their rating by several thousand positions.
At this point, the blogs I created have in excess of 13,000 unique page impressions each month.
Translation, 13,000 unique readers.
Crazy.

Someone else was a topic at the most recent Horse Expo. It was like a come out meeting for those that were embarassed to admit they read.

I am not even comparing myself to the someone else. What would be the point? I already know I am smarter. I already know I ride better. I already know that my first concern in rescue is the equines.
I have no interest in bright lights and fame. In fact, I eschew it.

So maybe, just maybe, the point is being made. From day one I have tried to convey the novel concept of thinking for yourself. Don't just accept someone elses facts as your own.
RESEARCH...

I like animals. A lot... I do not own a parrot. I have no desire to. I have no want of hearing my own words and thoughts screeched back at me at decibel 10.

And for you snark lovers? I will lower myself to appease as it is probably the only thing you will take away from this.
If your fearless leader were in charge of training the last horse on the face of the Earth? There would still be nothing left to ride. Or should I say nothing left worth riding?

I think a nap. And a time out. In that order.
Self-discipline is a beautiful thing...

Awwww...Did I Get Banned Agaaaaiiiiinnn?

Whatever. That is so like not even pertinent. What is pertinent is, the We Are The World attitude displayed by the good energy folks of ABR.
Look everybody our mess is almost all cleaned up.
NOT even close...

Where are the horses going? Who is paying? What is the plan?
And Rayu. Yes, we must make folklore of his story.

There was an ad. Financially challenged girl wanted to save "Palomino" Mustang. Wonder what would have happened if he had been born brown?
So a bunch of intelligence challenged individuals got together to buy Rayu. And ship him to Nebraska.
Unfortunately, for Rayu, he was lost. But, Oh Look, now he is found. And he and shirtless man have an immediate connection.
What is this, "The Love Connection"?
Oh Crap. Rayu has been stolen. No Rayu is missing. No Rayu is in search of food.
It's a bird. No, it's a plane. No, it's Rayu.

And now ALL the ABR's and FOB's can sleep tight. Because they have once again SAVED THE DAY!
Or was it Rayu?
What a F%$^&*# CROCK!!!

I hope to God that someone somewhere has the presence of mind not to release this horse to these harelips again.

Natural Disaster At 3 Strikes Ranch!?! And The Act Of GOD Was What???

This transcends the ridiculous. "Veritable Pocket Ponies". And me, me, me. And more me. I mean I.
We completely f*&$#@ up our efforts during Katrina. But we iz ready now.
For this natural disaster. That was an act of man.
Sorry...
I have been waiting for the propaganda BS. And I was not disappointed.
HEY EVERYBODY THERE ARE CAMERAS AND EVERYTHING RUUUUUUUUNNNN TO NEBRASKA!!!

And HSUS that wanted to kill a bunch of puppies last time they were involved in something that was AGAIN the act of a man.
Is on the scene. No worries now...
Anyone want to bet how quickly these animals become classified as dangerous and in need of euthanasia?

I am far more impressed by the efforts of some who took time at their own expense to assist with resolution.
Than I ever will be by the efforts of a bunch of PAID volunteers of the HSUS vehicle of death, destruction, and the raising of more money.

Sorry for the rant. I have to go to work now. You know. One of the real jobs I have that pays me to support animals that I did not cause to be in need.
But before I go, I just wanted to say, YAY ABR! YAY FUGS! YAY HSUS! I wish I could say, YAY HORSES!
Unfortunately, I do not think that will be an option.
____________________________________________________________________

I was reading and catching up. And placing some calls. At this stage, I am only interested in "EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS".

Everyone is already thanking GOD. Patting themselves on the backs for a job well done. And basically missing the point. These horses and burros are currently in the frying pan set on, a at the moment, low burning fire.

The cost of care during the legal process will be HSUS' example of why "euthanasia" is a must.
HSUS also has standing if they are truly footing any portion of the costs.
Ain't that a bitch.

But don't worry everyone. They are my friends. And they make me feel important. And they pay for me to travel.
And they are really sooper dooper cool. And there is that hot guy. And I just know that everything will work out for the best.

FOR WHO?
The horses?
Sure.

Here is my thing. Ole Fugs knew damn well that the ABR was financing this guy. Based on, everything she has ever promoted, he was, and is, a Rescue Fail.
And yet, nothing was ever said. Or put in cyber print. Nope. Nothing.

Without even making an accusation I would like to know why. That's it. Just the why.

And poor Rayu. Seems like the unluckiest day of his life was coming to the attention of someone who could not afford to care for him.
And that was before he ever hit 3 Strikes.
They ought to just rename him. Unlucky Time Share? Cooperative Fund? I Got Hosed Shoot Me Now?

It boggles my mind that the very people who created this mess are now applauding themselves for talking others into cleaning it up and funding it.
Oh and a big shout out for the food for humans. Some ate. Some did not. Kind of sounds like what the horses have been dealing with too.
Go Figure.

The Catholic Church Does Not Support Abortion Should Rescue Be Supporting Slaughter?

Here it comes. It took me, quite literally, a couple of days, to recover from my last sale exposure.
That and starting another job to feed what relies upon me.
Sorry. I digress.

Everyone wanted to jump my shit for saying, I would be voting Pro-Slaughter. It didn't matter why I said it.
It didn't matter that all I did was say, what every rescue that buys from a sale venue, or from a slaughter buyer, does.
That is right. If, as a rescue operative, you buy from a dealer or slaughter buyer, YOU are SUPPORTING slaughter.

I have been amazed from the beginning by this. And NOT in a good way.
It is the height of hypocrisy.
Does The Catholic Church in any way finance birth control, abortion, or even, The March Of Dimes?
Nope. They do not. Right or Wrong, they stand for their beliefs.
Rescue does not.
The stunning part is, they do not even seem to realise what they are supporting with all of their public awareness campaigning.
And donation dollars.
S L A U G H T E R!..

I do not mean to be rude. But, it really is so simple. So simple, I am amazed and beyond confused, how that portion got lost in translation.
How do you keep score of a ball game when both teams are playing for the same side?

I dare always to SAY the unpopular thing. I dare always to challenge most everything.
Might go a very long way towards explaining WHY I have spent so much time in the legal system.
Rescue is a vehicle. Being fueled and driven exactly where it says it intends not to go.
What would we call that? Navigational Fail?

Sarcasm...The Minds Defense Against Bullshit And Insanity!

I realise I have been a little more sarcastic than usual. I do not know how to explain it. Except, to say, I have had ENOUGH!
I am so tired of excuses. NOT NECESSARILY, explanations. Just excuses...

As people, we all make mistakes. It is not only understood, but expected. So why, can so few ever step up to the plate, and simply say, "it's on me"?
I make some sort of mistake every day. Couldn't imagine a day where I achieved perfection.
HA!

I apologize to the animals. "Sorry, I didn't see you there". To my son, "Sorry, I need to slow down and listen to what exactly you are asking me".
I apologize to vendors. I apologize to a lot of people in the course of daily business.

Sometimes, I even apologize when I am not the one who is wrong. Seems to make the person on the other end, more willing to help. Weird huh?
Not really.


The thing is, why is it that those in the public eye, have such difficulty saying, "I was wrong"?
For me, it makes that person, at least seem, more real.


So, in dealing with rescue representatives who step up to the plate, with a bag full of excuses.
All I really want to say is this.


There is a 99.2% possibilty that whatever you have in there I have seen and heard before.

There is a 100% reality that it won't in any change the outcome in any positive and lasting manner.

There is a 42% chance that I may become sarcastic in the relaying of this. Based on, how many times the purveyor of, the excuse, has tried with due diligence, to blow smoke up my ass.


On that note, I am so thrilled to have the weekend away. Surrounded by dealers. Where the possibility that anyone I talk to may tell me an untruth is about 97%.
The difference is? I expect that from them.
And they know they hit me with nonsense at their own risk.

Have A Great Weekend Everyone...