I usually hang out on the cattle, sheep, and questions page but wanted to drop in and ask about the value these days of horses. While cattle and sheep do have fluctuations in value from time to time; aren't horses right now at an all-time low? I've noticed lots of horses on CL for pennies on the dollar of what they were a couple of years ago. How are folks with horses getting by feeding them and not expecting a return on their financial investments? ( At least with cattle and sheep you can always eat them! lol)
francismilker
It seems as though 99% of the horses you see on CL are bottom of the barrel breeders. They never have and never will make money on their horses. Horses in the 10k+ range haven't taken the hit in sales nearly as much.
Also, a very large portion of horse owners never expect to make money on horses.
Also, a very large portion of horse owners never expect to make money on horses.
What Malinda said. Even here in the ultra terrible economy of Michigan, you can still expect pay a decent price (but less than in the past) for a well trained, good quality horse.
With a few exceptions anything unbroke is generally not worth much.
With a few exceptions anything unbroke is generally not worth much.
Went to a catalog auction a few weeks back. Horses were selling for DIRT cheap! One guy from Iowa with some nice reining horses 'no-saled' 8 of the 9 horses he came with. I think he only sold the one so he could bring a few more home. Same story with the western torture, I mean, pleasure horses. Zippo Can Do, a 16 year old world champion stallion and sire to many world champs, sold for $5,000. He looked great and surely has many years left in him. The only thing that sold were handy ranch geldings.
I've always been pro-slaughter, but it is becoming more and more obvious that slaughter benefits the industry greatly. It removes unwanted and chronically lame animals and props up the value that anything that is worth riding. It is a common misconception that animals are mistreated before slaughter. Anyone who has worked with large animals knows it is much easier to keep them calm and quiet. Even if it were horrible, I would much rather an animal suffer for 3 days as opposed to STARVING in the pasture, which can take MONTHS!
(yeah, I went there... hopefully this doesn't make this into some crazy pro/anti slaughter thread. But I really think this needs to be discussed and brought into the light again. Several states have bills that are trying to re-establish horse slaughter facilities... I just think they have taken a backseat to all the obamacare 'non-sensical' fighting.)
I've always been pro-slaughter, but it is becoming more and more obvious that slaughter benefits the industry greatly. It removes unwanted and chronically lame animals and props up the value that anything that is worth riding. It is a common misconception that animals are mistreated before slaughter. Anyone who has worked with large animals knows it is much easier to keep them calm and quiet. Even if it were horrible, I would much rather an animal suffer for 3 days as opposed to STARVING in the pasture, which can take MONTHS!
(yeah, I went there... hopefully this doesn't make this into some crazy pro/anti slaughter thread. But I really think this needs to be discussed and brought into the light again. Several states have bills that are trying to re-establish horse slaughter facilities... I just think they have taken a backseat to all the obamacare 'non-sensical' fighting.)
Jay27, welcome to the forums.
When you've been here a little longer you'll see that nearly all the horse pros here are pro-slaughter so long as it's done in humane fashion.
When you've been here a little longer you'll see that nearly all the horse pros here are pro-slaughter so long as it's done in humane fashion.
Yes, it's mainly those who don't know anything about horses that are against slaughter.
Like Tiempo said, if it's not broke it's likely super cheap. Especially weanlings/yearlings.
Like Tiempo said, if it's not broke it's likely super cheap. Especially weanlings/yearlings.
As is the case in most places where people have brains
It is really the non-horse owners that have issues with slaughter, which really gets me fuming! :flame:Like any other hobby or pet. You don't expect to make money off of it.
We just hauled hay today, but it costs more to feed our cats than our horses over a year's time.
I guess the cats help with keeping mice at bay, but the horses chip in with lots of manure for the garden. :thumb:
Our horses are neither hobby nor pet. Our horses earn their keep just like our border collies do.
But that said, we don't really expect to see any sort of a direct "return" on our investment in them. Same as our working dogs.
I would have to agree, though, that we spend very little in our horses' upkeep.
Or rather, the ranch spends very little in our horses' upkeep. We don't spend a dime.
They're employees, afterall.
But that said, we don't really expect to see any sort of a direct "return" on our investment in them. Same as our working dogs.
I would have to agree, though, that we spend very little in our horses' upkeep.
Or rather, the ranch spends very little in our horses' upkeep. We don't spend a dime.
They're employees, afterall.
Not trying to stir up any trouble here, so please don't take it that way. But, with the low prices my question was pointed more to the folks who have moved from the city onto a 20+ acre plot and turned it into a "horse ranch" and overstocking to the point where they're feeding year round.
These same folks are those that have a $25,000 aluminum trailer with dressing room up front, a $30,000 Dodge mega-cab diesel to pull it with, and have a $600 dollar horse to take to "ropins"! The typical American Drugstore Cowboy at best by stereotyping these folks. When the price is average on horses, they can wheel and deal and sale some half-rate stock through the year to keep the horse groceries coming. But the last couple of years I've seen to notice 30+ horses standing on horse bisquits in a muddy pasture worth pennies from what they were two years ago. How are these folks making it?
I've had a horse or two in my day and used to use one exclusively on the farm/ranch I was employed at. It earned it's keep and was worth feeding even if it cost me $100 per month. It was an extension to my hands when cattle working time occured.
I'm not sure what it's like in your areas, but here in SE OK where there used to be a 25 cow dairy on every quarter section there is now a "horse-ranch" in it's place. Just trying to figure out how these folks are affording it.
I must admit, I'm probably sticking my nose in where it don't belong. I'm still pouring feed into the front of my milk cows and watching fertilizer come out the back end of them while the milk market is terribly low. We all have a hobby or vice that's where our heart is. (whether it be horses, cows, or emus!) That's what makes this board so compatible for all of us to call home!
These same folks are those that have a $25,000 aluminum trailer with dressing room up front, a $30,000 Dodge mega-cab diesel to pull it with, and have a $600 dollar horse to take to "ropins"! The typical American Drugstore Cowboy at best by stereotyping these folks. When the price is average on horses, they can wheel and deal and sale some half-rate stock through the year to keep the horse groceries coming. But the last couple of years I've seen to notice 30+ horses standing on horse bisquits in a muddy pasture worth pennies from what they were two years ago. How are these folks making it?
I've had a horse or two in my day and used to use one exclusively on the farm/ranch I was employed at. It earned it's keep and was worth feeding even if it cost me $100 per month. It was an extension to my hands when cattle working time occured.
I'm not sure what it's like in your areas, but here in SE OK where there used to be a 25 cow dairy on every quarter section there is now a "horse-ranch" in it's place. Just trying to figure out how these folks are affording it.
I must admit, I'm probably sticking my nose in where it don't belong. I'm still pouring feed into the front of my milk cows and watching fertilizer come out the back end of them while the milk market is terribly low. We all have a hobby or vice that's where our heart is. (whether it be horses, cows, or emus!) That's what makes this board so compatible for all of us to call home!
So long as they're getting fed, I guess I don't care...
I don't know how folks can afford to go on periodic shopping trips through the mall, either. Or buy a new car this summer during the Cash For Clunkers thing. Or have a boat in their driveway.... But I sure don't spend much time wondering about it. :shrug:
I don't know how folks can afford to go on periodic shopping trips through the mall, either. Or buy a new car this summer during the Cash For Clunkers thing. Or have a boat in their driveway.... But I sure don't spend much time wondering about it. :shrug:
You might also want to ask why all those city folk own $60,000 mega trucks (or worse, Hummers) when they live in a condo. You never see a speck of dirt on them, and they're constantly out there with a shammy. How much does THAT thing cost for gas and insurace in a month?
It's all perspective. What you like is what you spend money on. My horses all serve a purpose; it might just be for pleasure/trail riding because I'm not competitive, but it has a personal value to me.
I was talking to an acquaintance the other day. They have just moved to the country. They bought a small (8 or so) flock of lambs. Their plan is to have a "sheep farm". I asked if the hubby knew how to shear sheep, and the wife said, no, he's going to try and learn this summer. So far, the first week, two lambs have died of scours. Um........what can you say to that, except bye bye $$$$.
It's all perspective. What you like is what you spend money on. My horses all serve a purpose; it might just be for pleasure/trail riding because I'm not competitive, but it has a personal value to me.
I was talking to an acquaintance the other day. They have just moved to the country. They bought a small (8 or so) flock of lambs. Their plan is to have a "sheep farm". I asked if the hubby knew how to shear sheep, and the wife said, no, he's going to try and learn this summer. So far, the first week, two lambs have died of scours. Um........what can you say to that, except bye bye $$$$.
25 years ago,Draft horses were selling for top dollar, broke, green broke, colts and wealings.
At the major Horse Auctions, I see sound yearlings sell for what the stud fee was.
Everything that is only broke to lead sells dirt cheap
Well broke young horses are selling well.
A tiny segment of horses, high quality, extreamly tall, broke, hitch prospects are still quite pricy.
Still too many folks with a common $1000 mare breeding to a $400 stud fee, listing the $300 foal on CL for $3000.
At the major Horse Auctions, I see sound yearlings sell for what the stud fee was.
Everything that is only broke to lead sells dirt cheap
Well broke young horses are selling well.
A tiny segment of horses, high quality, extreamly tall, broke, hitch prospects are still quite pricy.
Still too many folks with a common $1000 mare breeding to a $400 stud fee, listing the $300 foal on CL for $3000.
I agree with the removal of horse slaughter being a very dark blight on horse ownership. What I have found are rescues full to the brim, feeding horses that *might* be better off humanely destroyed. Now Ms Smith down the street has nowhere to take her horse, and no way to feed it, so it sits in her yard, unkempt and uncared for. Meantime Horses Are Us Rescue (made up , of course) has spots that COULD be for horses who just need a rehoming situation, maybe a few groceries, but that have a lot of years and are healthy. Now THOSE horses are lumped in with the others, just left to be neglected. And Ms Jones can't possibly part with her horse for a measley $150, when 10 years ago she paid $5,000 for him. Sad sad sad.
I am afraid Rescues are going to have to look over their inventories and come to some hard decisions regarding the lame and sick animals in their care. Better to let them go and use that space to take in horses that have hope for rehoming. Also, rescues around here won't part with their critters for less than several hundred dollars, a real turnoff to potential adopters. The whole thing has just spiraled sadly out of control.
My guys aren't worth squat, don't do a thing for me, eat my hay and make me clean up their poos out of the lean to. And they are my relaxation and my world. What are they worth? Dollars, nothing. But the calming effect of smelling that horse smell, that leather smell, the grooming and horse slobber, well, can't put a price on that. I was in terror that I would have to let my guys go this year, thank God things worked out and while we aren't rolling in dough, we are providing adequate care for them until Spring when they can resume fat and happy on the grass! I can't imagine the view out my window without them.
I am afraid Rescues are going to have to look over their inventories and come to some hard decisions regarding the lame and sick animals in their care. Better to let them go and use that space to take in horses that have hope for rehoming. Also, rescues around here won't part with their critters for less than several hundred dollars, a real turnoff to potential adopters. The whole thing has just spiraled sadly out of control.
My guys aren't worth squat, don't do a thing for me, eat my hay and make me clean up their poos out of the lean to. And they are my relaxation and my world. What are they worth? Dollars, nothing. But the calming effect of smelling that horse smell, that leather smell, the grooming and horse slobber, well, can't put a price on that. I was in terror that I would have to let my guys go this year, thank God things worked out and while we aren't rolling in dough, we are providing adequate care for them until Spring when they can resume fat and happy on the grass! I can't imagine the view out my window without them
.
This is a really good point. Trained horses that could be rehabbed with a little food, worming and hoof care and rehomed have no place if rescues are full of pasture pal type horses that no one will adopt.
It is so sad... no easy answers. I looked for a horse at rescue, but none were a type of horse I could take. Many were lame or otherwise unridable.
I hate to think of most horse owners being "Pro Slaughter." I think knowing humane euthanasia has to exist out there is different than thinking of one's self as "Pro Slaughter." Geez. Being an advocate of selective breeding and having humane options when that hasn't been done is how I would hope most sane horse owners stand. I don't think
anyone exposed to slaughter houses would feel these are humane establishments for any animal. How people who earn a living or spend free time enjoying horses could feel slaughter, as it is always conducted when on a mass scale, can be a fair and just end for these animals is beyond me. I think humane euthanasia is a fair thing to advocate because like it or not, the horse, like dogs and cats, are going to be over-bred and rescues will be overfull and have no way to adopt all these out. Putting down horses unable to be trained or past the point of being able to be used or with debilitating or chronic illness should be considered for often, but for some reason, with horses, this doesn't seem to happen. I suppose it might be idealistic to imagine we can get by without slaughter in the USA where horses are concerned, but I cannot imagine why, if you have a horse you cared a thing about and something came up that gave you no choice but to send him to slaughter for $100 or pay a vet about the same or less to put him to sleep, you'd not opt for the latter.
I do equine rescue, and we raise the occasional SE Arabian. I feel if I'm going to bred, I should do some rescue as a balance.
For those we haven't found good horses in rescues, let me assure you, they are there, and many have pasts with championships earned and fine bloodlines. Many are fantastic trail horses, and many with a little training could be. It just takes a bit of searching.
Back to the original topic, I seen horse prices for horses in the 10k and up range take a huge hit. Those Arabs that were 15k are now 5k, and those that were 20k are now 7.5k.
Sure, someone will explain how they haven't seen the market in their area hit like that, but I know I've watched every SE Arab breeder in the state and neighboring states drop their prices to half and then some before their horses sell, and these are horses that would have been sold at the asking price in a heartbeat a few years ago.
anyone exposed to slaughter houses would feel these are humane establishments for any animal. How people who earn a living or spend free time enjoying horses could feel slaughter, as it is always conducted when on a mass scale, can be a fair and just end for these animals is beyond me. I think humane euthanasia is a fair thing to advocate because like it or not, the horse, like dogs and cats, are going to be over-bred and rescues will be overfull and have no way to adopt all these out. Putting down horses unable to be trained or past the point of being able to be used or with debilitating or chronic illness should be considered for often, but for some reason, with horses, this doesn't seem to happen. I suppose it might be idealistic to imagine we can get by without slaughter in the USA where horses are concerned, but I cannot imagine why, if you have a horse you cared a thing about and something came up that gave you no choice but to send him to slaughter for $100 or pay a vet about the same or less to put him to sleep, you'd not opt for the latter.
I do equine rescue, and we raise the occasional SE Arabian. I feel if I'm going to bred, I should do some rescue as a balance.
For those we haven't found good horses in rescues, let me assure you, they are there, and many have pasts with championships earned and fine bloodlines. Many are fantastic trail horses, and many with a little training could be. It just takes a bit of searching.
Back to the original topic, I seen horse prices for horses in the 10k and up range take a huge hit. Those Arabs that were 15k are now 5k, and those that were 20k are now 7.5k.
Sure, someone will explain how they haven't seen the market in their area hit like that, but I know I've watched every SE Arab breeder in the state and neighboring states drop their prices to half and then some before their horses sell, and these are horses that would have been sold at the asking price in a heartbeat a few years ago.
What has really taken a hit most places, it seems, is the "average" pleasure/trail type horse. The average family that kept half a dozen "pleasure" horses to ride every other weekend in the summer has cut back to maybe 2 ... or none ... the horses have gotten sold along with the RV that was used once or twice a summer for vacations and the boat that they took to the lake half a dozen times a year. There simply is not the available "disposable income" that there was 2 or 3 years ago and everyone is cutting back where they can.
I sold two sportponies in 2008 ... one competing in eventing, for the advertised price within 30 days of advertising and one yearling filly for my asking price to a repeat buyer. I advertised two green sportpony prospects the spring of 2009 but was not willing to negotiate on those prices (they were reasonable IMO but not "bargain") and did not sell them. Had no weanlings/yearlings to sell.
A good friend who breeds warmbloods and is very well established said that last year all of her sales were weanlings/yearlings and they were priced at about 1/3 less than she would have been pricing them 2 years ago. She said that she did not have serious inquiries on her under-saddle horses, but then these are horses that are likely in the $20k and up price ranges.
Horses that are well bred and are competitive, regardless of the discipline, are still marketable in most places, though the prices are generally down. Breeding stock of any kind is probably the least saleable of anything ... weanlings up until young stock under saddle second most difficult, depending on the breed.
But generally, people can't even give away broodmares and most weanlings and yearlings, the average middle aged and up "trail/pleasure" horse or anything that isn't sound to ride.
I sold two sportponies in 2008 ... one competing in eventing, for the advertised price within 30 days of advertising and one yearling filly for my asking price to a repeat buyer. I advertised two green sportpony prospects the spring of 2009 but was not willing to negotiate on those prices (they were reasonable IMO but not "bargain") and did not sell them. Had no weanlings/yearlings to sell.
A good friend who breeds warmbloods and is very well established said that last year all of her sales were weanlings/yearlings and they were priced at about 1/3 less than she would have been pricing them 2 years ago. She said that she did not have serious inquiries on her under-saddle horses, but then these are horses that are likely in the $20k and up price ranges.
Horses that are well bred and are competitive, regardless of the discipline, are still marketable in most places, though the prices are generally down. Breeding stock of any kind is probably the least saleable of anything ... weanlings up until young stock under saddle second most difficult, depending on the breed.
But generally, people can't even give away broodmares and most weanlings and yearlings, the average middle aged and up "trail/pleasure" horse or anything that isn't sound to ride.
I know the prices have not come down on well train Icelandic Mares with miles, the ones the average rider can handle.
Gelding prices have come down a bit.
You can now get a high scoring 1st prize mare that would of went for $100,000 a couple of years ago..for about $75,00usd.. not kidding about the prices in Iceland.
Nice, very well trained Icelandic's, specially 1st prize ones still command a good price.
A low scoring 1st prize Domestic bred in the US.. are running 20,000 to $30,000 for a mare. Quite a bit more for a stallion.
Unless you find someone getting divorce or something like that. Then you can usually get a fairly good deal.
Untrained, very green or high strung ones... prices have come down a lot. Unsound or nuts... I have been seeing for free.
Just depends on what a person is looking for.
Gelding prices have come down a bit.
You can now get a high scoring 1st prize mare that would of went for $100,000 a couple of years ago..for about $75,00usd.. not kidding about the prices in Iceland.
Nice, very well trained Icelandic's, specially 1st prize ones still command a good price.
A low scoring 1st prize Domestic bred in the US.. are running 20,000 to $30,000 for a mare. Quite a bit more for a stallion.
Unless you find someone getting divorce or something like that. Then you can usually get a fairly good deal.
Untrained, very green or high strung ones... prices have come down a lot. Unsound or nuts... I have been seeing for free.
Just depends on what a person is looking for.
I don't think someone being "pro slaughter" means they want to send their horses off to slaughter rather then spend $100. I think more those people realize that there are some people who can't/won't spend that $100. Then those horses take up funds/space/time that could be devoted to horses that have a chance at re-hab and being adopted. I think unsound, unbroke, or poor disposition horses may sometimes be better off being put down than standing in a corral for 10 yrs. Yes, I have had old horses and paid for special feed, soaked pellets, and paid vet bills. I would feel terrible sending one of mine to slaughter and do what I can for the ones here that have paid their dues by being a companion, broodmare, or whatever. Just that not everyone will/can do that.
The slaughter market kept a bottom line price for many horses. This ment less people were just dumping horses wherever. Those folks who really didn't care could at least have an option for the horse if they couldn't keep it. They could take it to auction and at least get some $$ for it. It is better than suffering long term IMO. Mnay rescues around here seem to be getting bad reputations. Overly picky on homes, want adopters to sign crazy contracts, plus want several hundred $ for "adoption" fees. I know that it costs them $$$, but trying to adopt out problem horses for $500 in this market is nuts.
Some of the local livestock auctions here will hardly take horses. Some are requiring a cash deposit in case the horse doesn't bring enough to cover the minimum auction fee. Seems this was happening alot and the sellers would just drop the horse off and never look back. The auction wasn't getting anything and was stuck with a horse too(mostly half wild grade stock type foals).
It is all a sad thing really and a no win situation in some ways. One of my pals in CA who had a horse as a kid was so happy about CA's non slaughter regulations. For some reason she thought I'd be for a slaughter ban too. She is a reasonable person, likes animals in general, has worked at a dog shelter & understands some animals need to be put down for various reasons. She just didn't get it with the horse slaughter. She had this image of gorgeous, trained, lovable Black Beauty horses being killed for money. Until I explained that without slaughter there was no place for those horses with "issues" to go. I also told her about the full rescues and how much it costs to keep a horse & have one put down & carcass removed. She couldn't believe how much all that cost. And while she still doasn't like horse slaughter she now agrees it has it's place.
That said I do breed, didn't have any foals for 2010 as I just felt the market was too soft. Didn't want to bring in foals I couldn't sell for reasonable price & to good home. I do plan to breed a couple mares for 2011. One my older mare whom I really, really want another daughter from. And also her adult daughter will be bred. The cross of the older mare to this stallion was done by me before and the resulting colt was sold for excellent $$ as a stallion. So I'm trying to repeat that with this mare & her daughter. I also just bought a mare who is coming bred. And I have a breeding for our welsh mare all paid for that I really, really need to use this yr. More foals than I had planned for, but all purebred quality horses and I have an idea in mind for all foals.
The slaughter market kept a bottom line price for many horses. This ment less people were just dumping horses wherever. Those folks who really didn't care could at least have an option for the horse if they couldn't keep it. They could take it to auction and at least get some $$ for it. It is better than suffering long term IMO. Mnay rescues around here seem to be getting bad reputations. Overly picky on homes, want adopters to sign crazy contracts, plus want several hundred $ for "adoption" fees. I know that it costs them $$$, but trying to adopt out problem horses for $500 in this market is nuts.
Some of the local livestock auctions here will hardly take horses. Some are requiring a cash deposit in case the horse doesn't bring enough to cover the minimum auction fee. Seems this was happening alot and the sellers would just drop the horse off and never look back. The auction wasn't getting anything and was stuck with a horse too(mostly half wild grade stock type foals).
It is all a sad thing really and a no win situation in some ways. One of my pals in CA who had a horse as a kid was so happy about CA's non slaughter regulations. For some reason she thought I'd be for a slaughter ban too. She is a reasonable person, likes animals in general, has worked at a dog shelter & understands some animals need to be put down for various reasons. She just didn't get it with the horse slaughter. She had this image of gorgeous, trained, lovable Black Beauty horses being killed for money. Until I explained that without slaughter there was no place for those horses with "issues" to go. I also told her about the full rescues and how much it costs to keep a horse & have one put down & carcass removed. She couldn't believe how much all that cost. And while she still doasn't like horse slaughter she now agrees it has it's place.
That said I do breed, didn't have any foals for 2010 as I just felt the market was too soft. Didn't want to bring in foals I couldn't sell for reasonable price & to good home. I do plan to breed a couple mares for 2011. One my older mare whom I really, really want another daughter from. And also her adult daughter will be bred. The cross of the older mare to this stallion was done by me before and the resulting colt was sold for excellent $$ as a stallion. So I'm trying to repeat that with this mare & her daughter. I also just bought a mare who is coming bred. And I have a breeding for our welsh mare all paid for that I really, really need to use this yr. More foals than I had planned for, but all purebred quality horses and I have an idea in mind for all foals.
I think that there are a lot of regional differences. We're currently free leasing a very well bred Western Pleasure horse. The owner agreed to take the profit from our hay field as payment for this five year old gelding. She lives in KY and well bred APHA horses are difficult to give away. Our profit from the hay field is maybe 1/3 the stud fee. Our boy's daddy is for sale so I was able to see his current stud fee. ($1200).
Even here in IL I'm not sure that we'd be able to sell him for much more that his stud fee. Maybe we could sell him for $2000 at most. Part of the reason he wouldn't be as expensive as some of father's other progeny is that he is a solid paint. Paint lovers love those spots! He's been with the trainer since late August or early September. Woo hoo! though as he came home today.
I milk a cow that I spend more time with than most people spend with their horses, and I guess I have some attachment. When her time is up, I will have her butchered and eat the hamburger. At least with horses they can just go to dog food.
I think it's a sad commentary on our society that because we have alittle attachment, we can waste good protein. Why not honor your horse by putting it to use?
It's going to get interesting in a few years as our country goes bankrupt. People might have go actually make some sacrifices and eat things they never thought they would. Maybe be more like real homesteaders.
Well, I've been a vegetarian for 14 yrs, so regardless of what takes place in society, I'd not end up eating cows, horses, goats, etc. lol. I feel the same way about cows as I do the horses when it comes to commercial slaughter. If an animal is raised and cared for and humanely slaughtered on a homestead, that is a different matter, but no one that truly cares for horses and knows what takes place in slaughter transport and slaughter houses would or could agree with it. It is was humane, then perhaps, and I understand that slaughter still goes on with the animals going over the borders now, and it is worse for the horses then, so if it comes down toe slaughter over borders and slaughter within borders, I'd opt for it here, of course, but I feel humane ending of life is most fair to all animals, be it horse or cow or goat, and THAT does not happen in commercial slaughter houses. If you believe it does, you should do more research on the topic. Have a family farm raised animal you slaughter is simply not the same as shipping a companion type animal off for a gruesome fate in some slaughter house halfway across the country.
Some have believed that a society can be judged on how it treats its animals . . .and even the Bible states those who are Righteous are kind to animals. I just do not feel slaughter houses have any chance of being kind.
My horses also are only for our enjoyment and cost a bundle just to feed. (But they're cheaper than children and I can sell them if they're not working out :-D) We have a backyard type QH who is an extremely kind natured guy, and my three Arabs, a 26 year old mare, her 18 year old son, and her coming two year old daughter. I don't show, just gobs of trail riding from home, or 10 miles away is a state park, or within an hour's drive of home are two nice trail systems. I have a 26 year old truck and about a 15 year old trailer. I thought about trying to trade in the truck on the CARS but the cutoff was 25 years of age and at the time it was 25 + 2 months! Good, I couldn't afford payments on a new one anyway. I don't even want to make payments on a newER one. We have ten acres of which about 6 is dryland pasture so we have to feed hay about 9 months of the year.
I also don't get the folks who have $100K tied up in a fancy truck and trailer and can spend 10-40K or more on a horse. I wish I had that kind of money plus the money that it takes to buy the fancy show tack, clothes, fuel, show entry fees and have the time to go do all that. I work usually 9-10 hours a day 5-6 days a week.
Last year weanlings were going for $10 at the local auction and really nice broke horses for $400-1000. Lots of stories about horses being abandoned in the boonies... the "kinder" owners at least shot them first rather than leaving them to starve. Personally I'd much rather see unwanted horses going for slaughter either for human OR animal consumption, than abandoned.
Karen B in northern Idaho
I also don't get the folks who have $100K tied up in a fancy truck and trailer and can spend 10-40K or more on a horse. I wish I had that kind of money plus the money that it takes to buy the fancy show tack, clothes, fuel, show entry fees and have the time to go do all that. I work usually 9-10 hours a day 5-6 days a week.
Last year weanlings were going for $10 at the local auction and really nice broke horses for $400-1000. Lots of stories about horses being abandoned in the boonies... the "kinder" owners at least shot them first rather than leaving them to starve. Personally I'd much rather see unwanted horses going for slaughter either for human OR animal consumption, than abandoned.
Karen B in northern Idaho
A "vegetable" is in one sence a "person that has no clue or understanding of the REAL WORLD". There is also an old saying-- "You are what you eat". The brain is mostly made up of protien--meat is protien, as is soy beans that grow from the dirt that which is made up from decomposing animals, bugs, insects, worms, manure from these animals and insects, and rotten plants. I would rather get my protien fresh from the bone myself, rather than the other cycles. I also like vegetables and the protein from which they come from to ballance my diet as GOD intended. God fixed it so we would get our blanced diet reguardless of what we "thought" we were eating, but we may get it in a less desireable life cycle than most would prefer.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
