Change Is Still Needed In How We Care For Our Horses

My heart just aches. I visited a barn today and I know now what the word athropamorphic means - putting human values onto a horse. There were horses in stalls that had no windows, no contact with other horses, full bars, no light. These horses are kept in almost 24 hours a day except for the one or two hours the owner pulls them out to ride in the arena.

The perverse behaviour coming from these animals was so heart breaking. Many had "cribbing colars" on them - who can blame them for chewing - it beats looking at the same 4 walls all day and night? Horses only sleep 3 to 4 hours a day - that leaves alot of idle time in these jail cells, I mean stalls.

One horse was banging her head on the door to try to get out. Many had multiple "clothing" on for show purposes without the owner realizing the horse couldnt itch himself. One horse in particular, Tabby, really touched me. She was in a stall with no lights, almost black mid day - her owner boarded up all sides say Tabby didnt like other horses (huh?) and she had 2 sets of sleazies and other clothing all the way over this horses face. The horse was docile because she was resigned to her pathetic life.

When will we stop treating animals like slaves and possessions for our own pleasure without any regard to the animals well being, dignity and spirit.

Keeping a movement animal in a 12 by 12 day in day out is animal abuse plain and simple.

If you are going to own a horse, get educated about how to treat these wonderful, spiritual animals and take responsibility for treating them properly - it is black and white - personal preference should not take precedence over the care of these animals - they cant speak for themselves and we are supposed to be the "superior" animal - Please!

I would like each of the owners there to do a little experiment - try living in their bathroom for only 24 hours -eating, sleeping each for 24 hours straight with no contact from anyone other than maybe 1 to 2 hours in that time. That will equate to the lives these animals live. We have evolved in so many other areas of our lives - ie technology etc, that there is no excuse for ignorance that affects another creature.

Off my soap box - click on the youtube video - if these horses could talk....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkIFfixVooY