| ||
| ||
|
Send Us 
E-mail
|
| Education Makes Good Horse Sense |
You are here: Newsletters > December 2001 > Education Makes Good Horse Sense
Why is horse abuse such a problem?
by Tracey Hurline
I guess what bothers me most about abused horses is how easy it is NOT to abuse them. The fact that it happens all the time means there is a huge gap in the general education of horse owners.
In the "old days," both children and adults hooked-up with real horsemen and were mentored in the care and training of horses. Now-a-days real horsemen are few and far between, and the upcoming riders and owners have little chance to learn from them. Many boarding stables are run by persons trying to support their own "horsey habit," and very few have managers that are willing to take the time to educate their borders. The private farms aren't much better, as again, there in no one from whom to learn.
The job ERRI does is important. Pony Club is important. Association's clinics are important. Reading is important.
The one thing you learn about horses when you've been involved with them for a long time is how much more there is to learn.
Somehow, money always comes into the equation. I always tell people it's cheaper to do it right than to pay a vet bill. And that is the truth! It is certainly cheaper to pay $12 a month for wormer than to pay one colic bill or pay for extra grain. We take horses out of their natural environment where they would normally graze 20+ hours a day, drink all they want and seek shelter when needed and we change their genetics. After doing all this we expect them to thrive?
Granted our veterinary care has improved their longevity, but only if you're smart enough to use the vet. Clean, cool, ample water, plenty of good roughage, regular worming, shelter, annual shots, and regular farrier visits are not all that expensive. If it is, then one should not own a horse, or it will end up at ERRI, which is certainly a good thing for the horse but it drives poor Debbie crazy! And we don't want that to happen anymore!
Return to ERRI Home Page
Monday - Friday
1 - 3 p.m.
Visiting Hours:
By appointment only