I love my horse. If Cliff and I are able to stay here in the country long enough, I intend for Blue to live out his days here with us. If he gets to the point where he has no quality of life, Cliff will painlessly put him to sleep for me. Cliff worked in a butcher shop for years, and he knows how to give an animal a quick death with a well-placed bullet.
I had, during brief losses of mental lucidity, talked about someday breeding my filly, Libby, to a jackass so I'd have a mule to play with. After reading about the glut of horses on the market, I hereby swear in front of the whole world that I won't breed Libby, ever. That would be as irresponsible as letting an un-neutered female dog roam the neighborhood. And believe me, here in the country I've seen plenty of that.
Isn't she pretty?
I've been ponying her a lot lately with a saddle on her back, and she's thriving on it. I originally thought she'd be a big horse. I don't think so now. The best Cliff and I could figure, she is 13.2 hands, and she's two years old next month. She'll do well to make 14 hands, I think.Yesterday I sat briefly on her, in the saddle. She reacted not at all.
I think you are a thoughtful person to decide not to breed your mare. It would be hard if I had one not to want to try to stir the equine pot and see if I could improve it, but as you say there are too many unwanted horses.
ReplyDeleteOver five years ago I had to give away my beloved Beau. I never thought it would come to that. But mercifully he was able to live out his life in a pasture with friends.
Miss him a lot.
Your girl is very pretty.
~Blessings,
That's so horribly sad. I believe being the caregiver of an animal is a responsibility equal to raising a child. You wouldn't set your child out in the woods to starve. How can you do it to a domesticated animal that knows no differently.
ReplyDeleteThank you for caring for your animals as well as you do.
Beautiful animals. I'm just not an outdoor person. I'm a computer geek. But I agree with you, they should still be treated with respect in every way.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea. How sad. And Libby is beautiful. Yes, do tell the boys to stay away from her.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
~Toni~
I agree, Donna. There are way too many horses and especially too many untrained horses. While horse shopping recently I saw so many horses that were getting minimal care in facilities where they are never visited by their owners. Fortunately the stable owners care for the horses. It is so sad to see a horse live in a 12 X 12 box every day.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see the horses slaughtered.... sadder still to see them starve.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful horse!
ReplyDeleteBB (age 4) says he would like a horse like that for his birthday. Somehow I don't think that will happen. Horses and trampolines are on the "no" list. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on not breeding your mare. There are way too many neglected horses around that could use a good home like yours. I have all geldings so don't get tempted. BTW she is just gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteyour filly sounds like she is coming around great! She is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI think stopping horse slaughter completely is wrong. I think the way they slaughter horses is completely wrong too, a more humane method should be used.......