Stop Slaughtering Horses

Horseback riding: it’s kind of the first thing you think of when horses cross your mind. Whether your thoughts to take you to treasured memories of riding lessons as a child or the big-screen thrill of watching Secretariat cross the finish line, the joys and triumphs of horseback riding are what we most commonly associate with these majestic animals. Unless, of course, you’re invested in the horse slaughter industry. In that case, the retired race horse who’s served her owner faithfully for years and the gentle family mare are both the same: a piece of meat. Because these individuals aren’t interested in the feeling a rider gets when she’s one with her horse, galloping through an open field. They aren’t interested in the wonder on a child’s face when her dreams of getting a pony actually come true. And they definitely aren’t concerned by the torture a horse faces in a slaughter facility.

Because no matter what arguments the horse slaughter industry might present to exonerate themselves, the fact is: there’s a reason it’s called slaughter. There is no element of this industry that is humane. And there’s no excuse for those who participate. So, if you want to know how you can save the lives of innocent horses and help put an end to the horse slaughter industry, here are our top tips on how you can help.

Get the Facts

Misinformation— or lack of information altogether— are two of the most common reasons why people are underinformed about horse slaughter or fail to advocate for change. So, start by educating yourself and work to share that information with others! Some popular misconceptions include the following:

Isn’t horse slaughter a good way of decreasing overpopulation?

NO! Although overbreeding of horses is a current problem, it’s caused by irresponsible breeders and the solution is increased education and regulations, not culling the population! In fact, overbreeding is the number one cause of horses winding up in the slaughter pipeline. And although statistics confirming that fact are readily available, breeders continue to breed carelessly because they know that even if there is no viable market for their horses— meaning a market which will lead to horses having healthy lives in a happy home—they will still be able to profit from selling them at auction.

And while a number of rescue organizations, families, and professional stable owners are seeking horses at auctions, it’s far more likely that these unwanted horses will fall into the slaughter pipeline in this manner. That’s why, if we want to decrease overbreeding and the population of unwanted horses, it’s better to close the slaughter pipeline on which these breeders rely.

Aren’t horses the same as any other food animal?

This is another common misconception and it couldn’t be farther from the truth! Unlike cows, pigs, or sheep, horses are not bred for food. Instead, they’re raised as companion animals, which means that not only is more time devoted to building their trust in humans, they’re also given more veterinary attention and thus injected with chemicals that make their meat unhealthy for human consumption. Unlike food animals, no regulations are applied to the types of medicines horses are given because no one assumes their meat will be eaten. So, not only is horse slaughter cruel and inhumane, it’s also very unsafe for humans!

Join the Fight

We understand that many people who want to help are also unable to provide a new home for an unwanted horse or aid in physically rescuing them. And that’s okay! There are still plenty of other ways you can help. Here’s a few:

Contact your Congressmen

Horse slaughter is illegal in the US, but that doesn’t stop over 80,000 American horses being taken across our borders for slaughter in Mexico and Canada. And although surveys show that as many as 80% of Americans are strongly opposed to horse slaughter, there are still no laws in the US actively banning the sale of any horses for slaughter or enforcing regulations that would keep our horses safe.

However, individual states who were formerly hosts to slaughter horses have taken action of their own to prevent them from returning; both Texas and Illinois have specific laws prohibiting the existence of any slaughterhouses within their state in addition to banning the selling, giving, or processing of horse meat intended for human consumption.

So, check out the laws about horse slaughter in your state and see what you can do! Remember that your voice matters, so reach out to legislators and ensure that the causes that matter to you are represented. Some key talking points to mention can include: protecting innocent horses from slaughter, protecting people from the toxic consumption of horse meat, and the negative environmental impact of slaughter houses.

Donate to a Horse Rescue

Most horse rescue organizations are severely overworked and underfunded. So, whether you can donate your dollars or your time, any contribution counts! Local rescue organizations exist all over the US, so there may be one closer to your area than you think! Check around, submit a volunteer application, and help save lives by assisting in rescues or providing love and time to traumatized horses who have been saved from slaughter.

Be Your Own Kind of Activist

If none of these options are available to you, you can still help by joining the fight through social media. Your Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are all platforms for making your voice heard, so use them to spread awareness about horse slaughter and encourage your followers to get involved! Hashtags like #StopHorseSlaughterNow can help.

So, whether you’re an experienced rider or someone with no prior horse experience learning about this for the first time, you can help end horse slaughter in any of the ways described above. You can also take up riding lessons and encourage others to do the same by using your voice to remind people that horses are a friend for life. Don’t let them be slaughtered— have fun riding them instead!

What do you see when you look at a horse? Is it a new, lifelong friend? A riding companion with which to bond? For you, horses probably invoke memories of that phase as a kid where you wanted a pony (because we all had one of those), or the inspiring films and books that depict the triumphs of one person and their horse. That’s what you might see if you were to attend a horse auction. But there are other buyers in attendance as well, and all they see is a piece of meat. If this is news to you, you’re not alone; the horse slaughter industry is arguably one of America’s darkest and best kept secrets. And that’s exactly why our mission is to bring it into the light. Here’s what you need to know about horse slaughter.

What is Horse Slaughter?

One of the most important clarifications to make is that horse slaughter is not the same thing as euthanasia. Because while euthanasia implies a quiet and relatively dignified death, one which allows an animal to peacefully slip away, slaughter is every bit as grisly and brutal as it sounds. And more importantly, unlike euthanasia, the horse slaughter industry isn’t invested in putting a peaceful end to the lives of injured horses. Instead, it exists to make a profit.

Although horses are raised as companions rather than commonly consumed food animals like cows and pigs, horse meat is still popular in many countries such as France, Italy, Belgium, and Japan. The horse slaughter industry exists to fill these demands. This is a critical distinction not only because of the inhumane treatment of animals raised to love and trust humans but because of the health and safety implications as well. Because animals raised for food are subject to more rigid regulations regarding diet and the types of chemicals to which they’re exposed, they are safer for humans to eat. Horses, however, are raised with the expectation that they will not be eaten at any point during their lifecycle and thus, through the course of veterinary treatments, are injected with a number of chemicals which are either completely untested on humans or known to be toxic to humans. In many cases, horses are even treated with drugs that are specifically prohibited from being used on animals that will ever be available for meat. However, those involved in the horse slaughter industry willfully ignore the problematic nature of this fact.

How do Horses Wind up in the Slaughter Pipeline?

There is no clearly defined path for your horse marked: “THE ROAD TO SLAUGHTER STARTS HERE.” And sadly, that lack of awareness is exactly how the slaughter industry entraps most of its victims. Because when most people sell their horses, their intent is never for them to end up as a piece of meat. Whether a horse is placed for sale in a local paper or surrendered to an auction company, the common expectation is that they will go to another rider or a family who wants to fulfill their child’s dream of having a pony. But for far too many horses— all of whom have so much left to give and are capable of going on to lead productive lives filled with love— that story ends in tragedy instead.

For just as there is no clearly marked road to slaughter, there is no typical “slaughter horse.” Horses who later wind up on a plate were once talented show horses, racers, or treasured pets. Sadly, any horse can end up in the slaughter pipeline, and for every hopeful family or rescue organization whose purchase saves a horse’s life, there are even more kill buyers waiting to snatch them up.

Horse Slaughter in Practice

We’ve covered the health and safety factors that make horse slaughter problematic, but what about its inhumane treatment of horses? Unlike the types of euthanasia practiced by animal shelters with kill policies in place, horse slaughter is a brutal and terrifying practice whose cruelty begins even before their victims enter the slaughterhouse. Because horses purchased for slaughter are already considered meat, the slaughter industry gives no consideration to humane treatment of these horses during transport.

No matter who these horses were in their previous lives, no matter the love and consideration with which they were treated by their owners, those identities are erased as they are forced into cattle cars and transported—often for more than 24 hours—with no food, water, or ability to stretch. Because the priority of slaughter workers is to cram as many horses as possible into one transport vehicle as possible, the Humane Society’s Equine Protection Specialist Valerie Pringle observes that “they mix stallions in with pregnant mares, foals, and older horses, often leading to fights and injuries.”

By the time they arrive at the slaughter facility, these poor horses are malnourished, dehydrated, and often suffering from overexposure to extreme heat or cold. Having endured all this in transport, they are then stabbed repeatedly in the neck with a puntilla knife to sever their spinal cords. And because processing horse meat in mass quantities is the ultimate aim of the slaughter industry, no time is taken to stun or sedate the animals before they are bled out and dismembered, which means that many horses’ final moments pass in excruciating agony and confusion.

No animal’s life should have to end like this. Join our fight today and pledge to stop horse slaughter now.

One of the things that we can do with these majestric creatures is to ride them.  It is a very special experience and anyone that rode a horse will agree.  Learning how to ride a horse is an exciting experience for everyone- from children, teenagers to adults. People ride horses to exercise, have fun or compete. However, most new riders find it difficult to maintain the correct position in the saddle especially due to fear or overexcitement. Whether you are on your first horse trail or maybe taking your kids for a first time ride, there are several things you should know so as your horse riding tour starts off correctly. In this article, we have compiled a list of what to expect during your first horseback riding tour alongside the dos and don’ts.

DOs for a Horse Riding Tour

1. Safety first – The very basic step for a new rider is finding a well-reputed stable, with certified riding instructors who have experience dealing with beginners. Additionally, confirm the park officials are always available in case of emergency situations
2. Dress appropriately- Wearing the right horseback riding gear plays a great role in ensuring your safety. Wear tight pants, low-heel boots, and helmets. Avoid clothing such as scarfs or loose sweaters that could get tangled while on the horse.
3. Drink up – Bringing a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout a warm day is a great idea.
4. Arrive at the park some early enough so that you can interact with your new buddies. It is recommended that you stand at the left front of the horse when meeting it for the first time. Horses are trained to expect humane activity (mounting, saddling, and leading) from their left side.
5. Listen Up. – Listen to your coach as he trains you about different aspects of horseback riding. It is imperative that you understand how horses view the world as it gives you more confident when handling them.
6. Be vigilant enough to check whether the equipment is placed properly and securely before getting on the horse. For beginners, the instructor should help you place the stirrups at the correct length and also ensure the straps are tight such that they do not restrict the horses breathing.
7. Horse riding is more than just sitting and letting the horse do its work. From getting on the horse to controlling and directing it, ensure you ask for help if you are not sure how to go about it. Sometimes, coordinating everything gets tricky.
8. Make sure you use authorized walkways and equestrian fields when riding. In case you have horse trailers, unload them in designated areas only.

Don’ts for a Horse Riding Tour

1. Attaching or tying yourself to the horse – However how much you fear falling off the horse, it’s a mistake to tie yourself to the reins, saddle or horse itself. In case you fall off, you should be free to minimize chances of being dragged, which could result in more serious injuries.
2. Letting go of the reins- The reins are meant to give the rider control over the horse. Even if you’re scared, do not release the reins to hold on the horse, maybe by grabbing it on the neck, you frighten and confuse it. Instead, don’t panic and do as instructed by your coach.
3. Arguing with your trainer- It is important that you listen to what the coach is telling you. For instance, do not argue when he or she tells you to ride the pinto when you wish to ride a bay horse. Coaches have more knowledge and can easily match riders with the best horses for them. Trust your instructor’s choice.
4. Holding the saddle to stay on- Stirrups and saddles not only make you more comfortable but also help in keeping your balance. However, holding on them if you start falling could mess you up. Instead, let your coach show you how to shift the saddles back into place.

After your first horse trail experience, you will realize that riding involves so much- it’s a journey that requires regular practice to gain knowledge and improve your skills. Therefore, do not be discouraged if you didn’t get something right the first time. Have fun, smile, and enjoy the horse ride with http://horsebackridingoahu.com/.

They gallop and trot, whinny and neigh, capturing our imagination — and our hearts. Indeed, horses are said to have done more to change human history than any other domestic animal, once upon a time carrying explorers to new frontiers and mighty armies to great conquests.

Though their glory days may be in the past, these hoofed creatures continue to enthrall us, even in today’s modern world. From the steppes of Mongolia, where children race at breakneck speeds perched on stallions ten times their size, to the fields of Georgia, where people confined to wheelchairs find new freedom in the saddle, the horse is still playing a role in the enrichment of our lives. The horse rekindles the spirit and fills our hearts with a child’s love.

Our mission is to not only end the deplorable act of slaughtering horses for human consumption but to also end the inhumane treatment of one of the most noble creatures on this planet..

They deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and while we do realize that sometimes a horse will need to be euthanized we not only condemn the selling of horse flesh as a food substance we also condemn the conditions they are subjected to in the act of slaughtering.

This must stop!

We need your help! As a unified voice we have the power to make a difference!

Please take the time to read this document

We can stop this despicable trade with legislation that is already in the laps of Congress.   We need to push for the Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act to be passed into a federal law that will prevent any American horse to be bought, sold or transported to any slaughter house that kills horses for human consumption.