Monday, September 4, 2017

A Dreadful Dilemma

What compels people to breed horses? Well, if you're a responsible breeder, there is an intended purpose for the horses you produce, and you're proud of those animals. You've either got high hopes and big dreams for your foals, or you're going to sell them a nice profit. Then there are those other elements of society. Which brings me to my topic tonight.
Here I sit at one of the local low-end horse auctions this fine evening, and once again there are several weanlings being dumped. Two of these babies are even wear a fresh brand on their hips. I'm astonished at the fact people would breed horses, wean the foals and they're going to end up at a place like this.
Last week there were a nice group of Quarter Horse yearling fillies that were run through another local low-end sale. Other recent auctions have also had babies. In fact, this is the story with most of the sales recently. What in the world is going on here? What kind of self respecting breeder would do such a thing?
I think I've answered my own question, though. These folks aren't reputable breeders. Because no self respecting breeder is going to want to see what they've produced wind up in a place like this. Now, a disclaimer: As a seller you really can only do so much when those horses leave for their new homes, hoping they're going to be well taken care of and loved.
A common theme these days is sheer disgust with humanity. I'm sure feeling that tonight as I watch this drama unfold. And I feel sick in the pit of my stomach this still goes on in the 21st century.
~SFTS

Sunday, September 3, 2017

If Horses Could Talk...

This is just going to be a quick, fun post since it is a holiday weekend and I'm musing today instead of working on bringing you all training insight. So, I hope you will enjoy.

Have you ever wondered what your horse would have to say if given the gift of (human) speech? I've had a few who would likely have some choice words, or a strong sense of sarcasm, if they had the opportunity. How about the mare who's constantly in season? Or those grumpy old geldings who never seem to like any of their stall neighbors?

"You want me to do what? Step into that puddle? Are you crazy?!"

"No, I don't remember what a leg yield is. I also don't have any idea about these 'lead' things you keep talking about. As a matter of fact, I'm not even sure why you bother expecting me to listen at all!"

"Hey!! Are those treats?? Can I have some, can I, can I, can I??"

"Take that, Starbright!! A good bite on the neck ought to teach you not to try reaching over to eat out of my feeder! What's wrong with you, anyways? No wonder your Mom never wants to ride you!!"

I mean, can you imagine? Some years ago, I'll never forget looking out my kitchen window every morning around 4 o'clock after turning on the lights so I could make coffee, and having an entire row of impatient mares staring at me from their paddock awaiting their breakfast. In my head I'd thought up a voice for each of them, and I would chuckle at what I'd imagined them saying.

Horses are incredible creatures. They are sensitive, intelligent, amazing listeners and always seem to know how to make their humans feel better, no matter what's been going on in your life. I'm pretty sure most of them have a grand sense of humor as well. ;)

~SFTS

Saturday, September 2, 2017

It's That Time Of Year Again...

For tonight's post, since we are once again smack in the middle of not one, but two massive Southern California firestorms where there are homes being burned, hundreds of evacuations taking place and horses in danger, I thought it would be a good time to share my Fire Emergency Evacuation post from 2009 once again. It is always a good one to repeat this time of year.

We have had a bustling community on Facebook over the past 8 years as well, which you can find at https://www.facebook.com/groups/158954694272977/ -- come join our community of 5,000+ members in helping to keep local horse owners and heir horses in 10 Southern California counties safe during emergencies. SCEEE. Southern California Equine Emergency Evacuation.

To find my aforementioned Fire Emergency Evacuation post, look here: https://laying-the-foundation.blogspot.com/2009/07/fire-handling-emergency-evacuations.html

Here in California we have already had a dreadful year for fires. Stay safe, everyone.

~SFTS

Friday, September 1, 2017

Just Marking Time!

There is a lot to be said for the some of the nastiness we see in the horse industry, none of it good. From jealousy over who does what, to tit-for-tat pettiness in regard to personal opinions on training methods and a wide variety of other subject matter, it's just disheartening.

As I enter my 50th year of life this evening, I've been pondering why so many horse people have such a knack for being really ugly folks on the inside. None of us do things the same way as each other -- it simply isn't possible to all successfully employ the same methods with the same degree of success. There are, however, many techniques which are better and less difficult for the horse or less abusive than others. We've just all got to find our niche that works for us.

That said, we all have a responsibility to help others with (or point out to others) things we see them doing which may be harmful to the horse. To do otherwise would be a disservice to the horses we serve. This isn't an easy industry to make a living in, and a huge factor in that is the amount of competition for recreational dollars, and that's something I have said for years. While I wish things were more like they used to be many years ago, we simply have to adapt and roll with the punches, so to speak.

Our industry is definitely a place where only the strong survive. And I'm very proud that after so many years, I'm still surviving. Good night, all!

~SFTS