Why is there a need for Horse Rescue?
Michele gets asked this question often. Surprisingly, when she found her love of horses, she was completely unaware that these gorgeous gentle giants would ever find themselves in a precarious situation, through no fault of their own.
Over breeding and money are at the top of the list of enemies of the horse.
Owners looking for that perfect competition horse, that superbly bred racing thoroughbred, that will bring in millions. The gorgeous family horse or lesson horse that brought hours of love and fun that has aged and can no longer be ridden and becomes an expense they choose not to deal with.
Then there is the ‘Sport of Kings’, also known as Horse Racing. Where very young, underdeveloped horses are forced to run as fast as they can. Sometimes they are forced to run filled with pain meds, because as long as they are running there may be a chance.
Horses are naturally herd animals, meaning they want and need to be around other horses or at the very least other animals. But as soon as they are ready to be removed from their moms, they are put alone in a stall for 23 out of 24 hours. Virtually zero access to see or socialize with other horses. They are taken from their stall to train and are put right back. No pasture time or free play time.
When a horse becomes “washed up,” as the industry puts it—whether from injuries or the effects of over‑medication—and is no longer considered useful, its future often depends on being taken in by large rescue organizations like the Humane Society or local thoroughbred rescues. These groups retrain these gentle giants and help them transition into new careers, such as Eventing and Dressage.
Over breeding and money are at the top of the list of enemies of the horse.
Owners looking for that perfect competition horse, that superbly bred racing thoroughbred, that will bring in millions. The gorgeous family horse or lesson horse that brought hours of love and fun that has aged and can no longer be ridden and becomes an expense they choose not to deal with.
Then there is the ‘Sport of Kings’, also known as Horse Racing. Where very young, underdeveloped horses are forced to run as fast as they can. Sometimes they are forced to run filled with pain meds, because as long as they are running there may be a chance.
Horses are naturally herd animals, meaning they want and need to be around other horses or at the very least other animals. But as soon as they are ready to be removed from their moms, they are put alone in a stall for 23 out of 24 hours. Virtually zero access to see or socialize with other horses. They are taken from their stall to train and are put right back. No pasture time or free play time.
When a horse becomes “washed up,” as the industry puts it—whether from injuries or the effects of over‑medication—and is no longer considered useful, its future often depends on being taken in by large rescue organizations like the Humane Society or local thoroughbred rescues. These groups retrain these gentle giants and help them transition into new careers, such as Eventing and Dressage.
Michele found herself into the rescue of racehorses after reading Saving Baby, written by Jo Anne Normile. She realized she had to do everything she could to help, since most people were unaware of the harsh realities faced by racehorses.
From there she supported the group that advocates for the horses by showing how many are killed on the track. See: https://horseracingwrongs.org/
If they are not rescued, their only value is based on their weight, meaning they are bought and sold by kill buyers and ultimately sent to slaughter. This is the simplest way to explain it.
This journey is devastating in every sense. They are confined in herding pens, where fighting and disease are just the beginning of their suffering. They often face starvation and dehydration before being crowded onto cattle trucks and transported across borders to Mexico, frequently in violation of laws designed to ensure humane treatment. There, they endure brutal conditions until death, all for meat consumed in various parts of the world. Unfortunately, this illegal practice occurs regularly.
An undercover video from Australia depicts the grim fate of retired racehorses. I have witnessed even harsher conditions in the USA. These videos are often removed quickly. The Australian footage is available for review, but please be advised, this is very graphic!
If they are not rescued, their only value is based on their weight, meaning they are bought and sold by kill buyers and ultimately sent to slaughter. This is the simplest way to explain it.
This journey is devastating in every sense. They are confined in herding pens, where fighting and disease are just the beginning of their suffering. They often face starvation and dehydration before being crowded onto cattle trucks and transported across borders to Mexico, frequently in violation of laws designed to ensure humane treatment. There, they endure brutal conditions until death, all for meat consumed in various parts of the world. Unfortunately, this illegal practice occurs regularly.
An undercover video from Australia depicts the grim fate of retired racehorses. I have witnessed even harsher conditions in the USA. These videos are often removed quickly. The Australian footage is available for review, but please be advised, this is very graphic!
These Breeders are over breeding to try and find that next ‘Secretariat’ and the constant need for more money and fame, will NOT stop until the support of these tracks are stopped. Until then we are rescuers can help as many as we can.
