december 15, 2006 07:14pm
Hugs2Horses News Center
Welcome Everyone to our News Center!
We will keep this updated so feel free to keep checking this page for all new information regarding Horses!
In order to get the latest news on our rescue or other topics go to the LAST entry first.
Thank you for coming and thank you for reading
Posted By: Alex
december 22, 2006 07:50am
Updates Finished
Finally I managed to get all the updates and changes in order before I take off this morning to spend Christmas in Florida. It will be an expierence for me and most likely as much as I will enjoy the weather and change I will regret it by missing what I am so use to here. Christmas with my family. I will the first to pull away and spend Christmas with another family. I hope it turns out to be a good expierence. I will see everyone after the NEW YEAR.....so happy holidays.
If any questions arise email them in I will be checking the site and my emails with my laptop.
Posted By: Alex
march 03, 2007 06:57pm
Out and In
I keep forgetting to update this as a daily venture.
Ok new events that have taken place to update everyone. Sammy, a gelding was adopted out to one of the volunteers that fell in love with him. Dino also found a new home and will never be hurt again. Shy Guy is coming along nicely and will be ready to face the world shortly here.
Another note of interest, Ninty Six East has someone interested in adopting him. We have to wait for the weather to clear to find out for sure but here's to hoping.
God Bless The Horse And The Rider That Rode In On Him
Posted By: Alex
april 23, 2007 08:35am
Summer Projection!
First, I want to thank everyone that helped out at the 2nd Earth Day Celebration in Howell on March 21st. Although it was not a success toward our fund raising goal it did get us out in the community and hopefully some free advertisement in the local papers.
It is now time to prepare for the future. We have many goals and hopefully with the help of good volunteers we will achieve them for the sake of the horses. The following are just a few things we are looking to improve or add to extend our shelter for the benefit of the horses in need.
We have a huge hay field that last year we decided to turn over to the horses. This was a great ideal, but as in all pilot programs you find there are ups and downs. To iron out some of the downs we are going to address them. The first was the shelter from the sun. Our back pasture has a large tree we felt could service as shade during the hot days, but the other two had nothing. We set up a temporary lean to in the front pasture 16 by 20 feet in size with a heavy duty tarp for a roof. This worked great but we found only a couple of the horses took advantage of it. The middle pasture had no shelter what so ever. The next item I would like to discuss is the distance it was from the main action going on at the farm. It is the distance of maybe 3 city blocks or a quarter of a mile. With the horses having to be walked back and forth the volunteers handling them became short winded and seem to want to give it up after one or two walks. This limited the number of horses that could take advantage of the alfalfa mixed fields.
The goal this year is to provide three permanent shelters one in each pasture. Shelter’s large enough to house a number of horses for protection during the hot summer days. Then we would like to put up a small shed to house supplies and feed. Something that will allow us to leave needed equipment like halters, lead ropes, grain, grooming supplies in a dry safe shelter. We are also thinking of adding to the shed an extension for grooming. A couple of grooming stalls with roofs to keep not only the horses in the shade while we groom, but ourselves. This whole plan together will allow us the opportunity to groom all the horses on a daily basis without having to do the walking back and forth. A group of volunteers can go to the hay field and pull the horses out to work with them while offering them dry treats, and feed snacks while there. No more hauling of halters, lead ropes and grooming supplies. A secure place to tie them while grooming and administering medications and so forth.
Our next goal is to add a new shelter in our 5 acre field and divide the field into two sections. The final project for this year will be to add an extension to our existing barn. The extension will house 10 more horses and add a bunk room for our volunteers. Some place to sit and warm up in the winter and cool down in the hot summer. Nothing elaborate just a room with heat and air condition, maybe 6 or 8 rocking chairs and a large table and chairs. No TV, Cable, or Computer Hook Up, no cots for naps (hehe). Now that you know our goals perhaps you can find a way to help us achieve them.
We need LUMBER, GATES, BARS, BUCKETS, PLYWOOD, SHINGLES, HOOK, LATCHES, and more. All donations will go toward these projects that are specified too. When making donations include project07 and your item or money will be set aside for just these projects.
Thank you so much in advance for your help.
Posted By: Alex
april 24, 2007 10:36pm
AQHA
I just received an email from Brandi Qualset – Admin at the Horse Rescue United Network (HRUN) – Since I am a registered member of the American Quarter Horse Association and received the same information I have decided to go ahead and post her request on the news board here for you all to take a look at.
This posting does not necessarily mean that Hugs2horses endorses the content but we do feel it has room for opinions and should be made public. So here it is with its full content.
24 April 2007
Dear Fellow American Quarter Horse Association Members,
This week, I was appalled to receive an email from AQHA encouraging all members to contact their Senators and urge them to oppose S 311. This bill provides a way to end slaughter and the transport of our horses to foreign slaughterhouses. One of the reasons that I was so disturbed by the email is that I am the Administrator of Horse Rescue United Network. We are an organization that is dedicated to helping horses in need and the rescues that are working to find them homes. We are also fully dedicated to ending horse slaughter, educating owners to be responsible breeders, and working to end the age of "unwanted horses." .
I decided that in order to see the full picture I needed to see what the leaders of AQHA see. I decided to start with the number of American Quarter Horses that were registered 2006. According to the annual report found on the AQHA page, I found that in the US alone there were 165,114 horses registered in 2006. In Canada, the number of registries was 235,428 and Internationally there were 115,177. The grand total for American Quarter Horses registered in 2006 worldwide is 515,719. That amount was absolutely staggering! Then I looked to see what the total number of registered horses in the US only. To my amazement, I learned that there are 3,238,593 horses registered in the US alone! That made me curious to see the number of AQHA members. Unfortunately I found that there are only 345,447 members worldwide. That means that there are 2,893,146 horses that do not belong to one specific owner. Now I understand that once you own a quarter horse, you tend to either buy or breed more. They are like a potato chip, you can never have just one. The problem is that more quarter horses are slaughtered each year than any other breed.
What can AQHA do to help if they are not pro-slaughter as they claim?
First, AQHA needs to step up and create programs like the Thoroughbred industry has. The Thoroughbred industry has finally realized that they need to do something to prevent so many of their horses from being slaughtered. They have created retirement foundations and places where off the track thoroughbreds can go for rehabilitation and training to become a horse that is acceptable as a family horse or for another discipline. Each year, more and more of their leading trainers and breeders are stepping up and helping to create better situations for the retired horses and the horses that are too slow for the track. They are not the only ones either! Many breeds are following their example and beginning to work to do the same thing. Also support the existing rescues. Right now they are the ones that are bearing the brunt of this situation. I know many of them who put the horses before their own needs. They work hard for the horses and often work more than one job to support the horses they save. They spend hours rehabilitating abused horses and retraining them, so that the horses can find a forever home. They take the time to get to know a potential adopter, they check references, visit their homes, and most importantly they encourage potential adopters to spend time with the horses getting to know them until they find the one that best fits them.
Second, it is time AQHA begins promoting responsible breeding. Just because you own a Quarter Horse, does not mean that you need to breed it. I am not saying that we need to quit breeding all together, rather that we need to exercise common sense. We need to stop the breeders that breeding horses just to make money. We need to support the responsible breeders. The ones who research each horse and work diligently to find that perfect cross for their horse. They breed maybe one or two horses a year and it is only to strengthen the qualities that they are searching for in their horses. If the foal that results is not what they are looking for, they find a great home for it where slaughter is not an option. Then they try again. They do not increase the number of horses that they breed, they are patient and work at it one year at a time, one horse at a time. Many of these individuals keep the horses until they are trained and they are sure that it is not what they were hoping for. Each breeder should be responsible for the life of each horse that they bring into the world. They should not figure that slaughter is an easy way to make a buck and get rid of a horse that they do not want.
Third, consider banning artificial insemination of mares. The Thoroughbred industry has done this. If you cannot take your horse to the breeder, then maybe you should look at stallions that are closer, or save up the money to ship the mare to the stallion. Because of shipped semen, more mares are bred in one season. If each stallion owner could only breed the number of mares that the stallion could live cover, there would be less horses that need to find homes.
Fourth, AQHA should offer incentives for sterilizing horses that are pet quality and not show quality. If their conformation is bad, or they test for genetic defects, why not offer a discount on membership fees if the person has that horse sterilized. There is a rescue organization that is working to do just that. Maybe AQHA could offer a 6-month membership for people who sterilize these horses and promote breeding quality horses that are genetically and conformationally superior.
Fifth, consider working with veterinarians to lower the cost of treatments and euthanasia. The same principle applies to farriers. The prices for care for horses are one of the things that lead to neglect. It takes a very determined person to consciously neglect a horse. What commonly happens is that owners cannot afford to take the horse to the vet for the annual care that they need. As the years pass with no annual vet checks, the owners often miss the little things that will cause a severe problem in the future. When the owners cannot afford to pay for even more expensive care for the horse, they take it to auction where the kill buyers purchase them for next to nothing because they are lame or skinny. If the costs to care for your horses were not so high, more individuals would be able to do at least the basic care. Remember that the vet or farrier will make more money on several horses than they will on just one.
Sixth, spread the word about slaughter. Teach people what really happens in a slaughterhouse. There are hundreds of people out there that do not even realize that slaughter of horses exists. Believe me, I was one of them. I only found out this past year that horses were slaughtered. I have researched it and gotten involved. I work every day to increase awareness and to help find solutions. I talk with experienced horse rescuers to learn what they know.
Just doing a few of these things will help cut down on the "unwanted" horses every year. Personally I do not believe that there are "unwanted" horses. There are many people who want to own horses, they cry for each horse that is slaughtered, but at this time they are unable to afford to buy one or live in towns where boarding is too expensive.
Please, email the members of AQHA. Encourage them to contact the president of AQHA and the members of the board of directors. Spread the word about slaughter and help find solutions.
Please send a letter, or call AQHA!
Mailing
AQHA
PO Box 200
Amarillo, Texas 79168
Overnight Delivery
American Quarter Horse Association
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, Texas 79104
Phone
Customer Service
(806)-376-4811
Thank you,
Brandi Qualset
admin@horserescueunited.net
www.horserescueunited.net
http://qualset-family.tripod.com
Please Forward and Crosspost!
--
Thanks,
Brandi Qualset
Horse Rescue United network (HRUN)
Posted By: Alex
april 25, 2007 10:41am
Cries for Help are Not Being Heard!
If you have to ask how someone can sleep at night while 69 horses (30) of them pregnant mares turn into skeletons, it means you have a conscience. If you happen to be one of the many growing farm owners that are sleeping while this is being done on their property you are one of the worst kinds of people in the horse industry according to Jim Spink a Jackson county police officer assigned to looking into a situation at a local Jackson County farm.
This was my second visit to the site, and it turned into an all day affair yesterday on the 24th of April. After nearly three weeks of feeding and care the horses still looked exactly as they did the first time I previewed them. It was a gut wrenching sight to see so many horses in one spot starved nearly to death.
There are two sides to every story. Being an advocate to save horses and offer them a chance to a better life does not mean I am totally against horse slaughter for human consumption. The sight of seeing the horses suffering in Jackson County because the owners didn’t care or couldn’t find options – which in the state of Michigan no longer include slaughter – was what many farm groups brought up and warned Congress about last year.
Congress ignored the warning and introduced legislation to ban horse slaughter in the United States. This bill was sparked by emotional and romantic images of horses and the women that love them. Not to mention quite a bit of celebrity power (Bo Derek’s) testimony before Congress. The problem is I don’t hear of Mrs. Derek taking in the hundreds of unwanted horses and supplying them with the much needed care for them to live a humane life. The bill underwritten by a U.S. District Court Judge’s ruling March 28 that horse slaughter in the United States is effectively over even without the law. Two Texas plants had already been closed in response to a court ruling, and the last U.S. horse slaughter plant in Illinois saw its USDA inspectors and a veterinarian pulled out, leaving no inspections to OK horse meat for human consumption, a common culinary practice in some European countries.
A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH
While no one has ever admitted to glee about slaughtering horses, the case of the animals in Jackson County clearly shows there is a fate worse than death. There is a state wide rescue being organized to help the Jackson County Animal Control in dealing with this situation. So far hundreds of people have helped out one way or another from offering long hours of care to feed and hay for the horses. It’s very expensive and very labor intensive to operate a 69 head farm. The sad thing is that these particular farm owners had alternatives, one of the worst of which was to slaughter them. They could have been turned over to rescues and animal control. They could have been given away to first come first serve. As it is now there will be a very profound and tragic ripple effect.
Ripples have reached across the state and into several other states as different stories rise of the horror seen at the farm. I was most shocked to hear while there that not one of the activist groups stood up and did anything to jump in and help. The feed and hay is coming from local farmers. They are offering money; time and so much more to come together to support what they call one of their own. It’s just too bad something like this had to happen before a helping hand can be found.
Now comes the truth – activist groups, including PETA and the Humane Society of the United States that are behind HOUSE RESOLUTION 503 and SENATE BILL 311, which are co-sponsored at last count by several Michigan representatives along with Senators Levin and Stabenow. I put in a call to my local representative this morning on a whim to see what he thinks. He was for the bill being passed 100%. I asked if he was going to go out and volunteer his time to care for the herd on the farm, he politely said he would if he had the time but his schedule was full, yet he wished them the best and gave nothing but praise for all the volunteers that were helping. How sad I thought as I hung up the phone.
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
Unfortunately the rapidly growing anti-slaughter crowd has plenty of money and isn’t afraid of spending it to promote a bad legislation. The Jackson County situation is a perfect example of where the animal rights groups have it wrong. If some of these poor animals could have been sent to slaughter that would have been at least an option. Isn’t it more humane to slaughter them than to leave them alone and starving which will ultimately result in the same sad ending?
Wouldn’t it be better to see that money spent to help horses before they fall on that situation? Perhaps set up a fund that would allow horse owners facing hard times to draw money to feed the horses and supply them with minimal care until they can be disposed of.
The latest reports from the Jackson County court system is that the two men charged with 69 counts of animal neglect – JAMES HENDERSON and MATHEW MERCIER – have been arrested and released on bond. Now get this: both men have petitioned the court to reinstate their ownership of the animals. Meanwhile Leelanau Horse Rescue and Jackson County Animal Control are working day and night to keep them alive.
Let’s hope the court denies ownership so homes can be found for the horses. We here at HUGS have agreed to take as many as 10, but can not do so until a court decision is made.
MY OPINION
Being an advocate for horses I have to agree that changes should be made, but not at the heart of closing all the slaughter horses. Change the way they slaughter. Make it a more humane way of disposing of a horse. Spend the needed funds in a way that it will do its best for the sake of the horses. There are so many groups out there that have nothing better to do than scream abuse, but in the end if this bill is passed what will be their new cry. So for me, I am voting against this bill and rightfully so. I will join in any group that promotes the well being of horses, but I am not sure this is the means to an end only something that will bring on unintended consequences.
Posted By: Alex
may 04, 2007 10:25am
Is Something In the Mist?
Good Morning,
I woke up today to an email that I found was interesting. I am not sure it is in the works or that someone is trying to get it working, but here goes.
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my understanding on May 8th you are trying to get as many "unwanted" horses transported to Illinois State Capitol at 9:30 a.m. next Tuesday (May 8), as possible.
I will publicly challenge you. For as many as you can bring in, we will have empty trailers there to pick them up. Please make sure ALL horses and owners in attendance have the proper paper work in hand to transfer ownership immediately.
Sincerely,
Dean Solomon
(206) 551-5369
(253) 239-1385
Washington Thoroughbred Transitional Facility
Kent, Washington
www.tbrescue.com
Please join a great all rescue forum!
http://rescuesonly.proboards59.com/index.cgi
Now the question is. Is this a hoex or not? Who would be trying to organize such an excursion? This e-mail was not sent to me personally, but to a number of rescue registered throughout the United States.
If anyone knows of such an adverturous plan please keep me informed.
Posted By: Alex
may 11, 2007 10:15am
Wonders Never Cease
There is always a question should you or shouldn’t you. I have had to ask myself that several times over the duration of my commitment to rescuing and taking in horses. In this case we are wondering what to do with the people that call upon us because they have no alternative when it comes to caring for their family pet.
In most cases they are not abused, neglected or abandoned, at least not at the moment the conversation is taking place for us. Now here is the question! Should we as a rescue center take in these horses when people do not have the means to care for them? Meaning they no longer want them or perhaps have the funds to feed and give proper care.
I am hoping to get a little feed back. In most circumstances we require a fee to take in horses until they can be placed into good loving homes. Yet, as of late I have been getting calls upon calls to take in horses because the owners claim they do not have funds to feed them.
The most shocking part hit me in the face when I agreed to take on one, just one from a family that cried their woes over and over to me. They even ask me to pick up the poor thing. I pulled into a driveway that lead to a home twice as large and expensive as the one I live in myself, the barn though quite small in stall number (4) was absolutely gorgeous to the eye. I previewed 5 horses roaming around the property and only one was coming to my facility. I witnessed healthy horses groomed and cared for.
The horse I was requested to pick up was the oldest out of the lot and had damaged it leg leaving an ugly scar. I mentioned the other horses and was a little overwhelmed to hear that they were all 4 heading into a geared up show season for Saddle-bred’s this season. Being some what a show buff myself as I have shown Arabians though out my life I know the cost it takes to get into a ring let alone a class A ring. That right there gave me heads up that something didn’t meet the eye.
I at that time stated I had changed my mind and would not be taking in his horse. A few words were said and I got back into my truck and pulled out of the driveway. I thought of how I was going to explain my actions when I got back to others waiting on me to bring in an unwanted horse. As it turned out no one was upset, except the owner of the horse that made it clear he was not going to give me good recommendations in any future during my life time. I on the other hand responded by returning his comments back on him.
I would like to post his name and address all over our website and being a shyster, but as things go I am a little more adult than that so I am just asking in a round about way if anyone else feels as he does.
Should we take in horses with no fees just because someone no longer wants to care for their animals?
Posted By: Alex
october 14, 2007 11:59am
Help Needed Right Away!
Good morning everyone;
I just wanted to touch base and let everyone out there that is willing to help have a look at this email I received from Equine Rescue and Protection Humane Society (Clarksville, TN) . They are looking for good foster homes in different parts of the country with Michigan being one of them. They are a 501c3 and would like you to come on board with them to help in their rescuing. States as follows:
PLEASE REPOST
Cathy
As you probably remember reading from a previous post, Equine Rescue and Protection Humane Society (Clarksville, TN) have horses pending entry into the rescue program. Unfortunately these horses are in Kansas and Nebraska and all attempts to coordinate transport to get these poor animals to safety have turned into a logistical nightmare. In trying to find a solution to this thorny problem, the idea was tossed around to branch out locally (Kansas and Nebraska) to find anyone willing to come on board and be a foster/rescue ranch for these horses. Concerns were voiced about the scarcity of legitimate rescue-friendly ranches in the area. It is rumored that there are many unscrupulous characters in these areas that deal in the selling of horse meat for consumption. Now while our organization does not generally lend much weight to rumors and hear say, given the gravity of this situation,this is not a chance we are willing to take. The safety and well being of these horses is our number one priority and we do not want to create an opportunity for these 'Equine Angels of Death' to be able to send a horse to be a part of the cruel an merciless bloodbath that occurs daily just beyond our borders.
This is what we desperately need - we need ranches willing to take in these horses, these victims of abuse, neglect and yes, sometime unspeakable cruelty, and give them a second chance at life. The following states are key in expanding our network and allowing us a better chance to ensure the security of these horses:
Louisiana
Texas
Arkansas
Missouri
Iowa
Nebraska
Kansas
Oklahoma
South Dakota
North Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Michigan
If you are in one of these states and are interested in coming on board as a rescue ranch and/ or foster with Equine Rescue and Protection Humane Society, please contact us ASAP. We are racing against the clock with thousands of these majestic creatures being led down our nations highways to their death in mobile urns. Can you imagine how many times (driving down the highway or interstate) you have passed or have been passed by a truck load of these beautiful creatures uncomfortably crammed into their 18 wheel hearse? We cannot begin to express the urgency in creating safe havens for these horses. If it sounds like war, you bet it is. Unfortunately, the only casualties are the horses that we are unable to help because of lack of resources.
Our organization is a 501c3 non profit and the ability to do what we do depends on the donations of the people that have blessed us with their generosity. However, funds do not always run a plenty. We must ask that only serious inquiries contact us for a packet/application. We must keep our costs down in order to allocate much needed funds directly to the horses we have vowed to protect and save. Mailing out these packets are costly and when they are mailed out in vain it is literally like throwing away the hard earned money donated by the people that truly want to help these horses. Please keep this in mind when responding. God bless you!
Senior Administrator
Equine Rescue and Protection Humane Society
Dedicated to the prevention of cruelty of all equines.
Posted By: Alex
september 28, 2007 10:15pm
Going on the Buddy System
Horses that are left out in a herd find a way to buddy up. It’s very common to look out and see pairs grazing together, mutually grooming, or defending one another when the need arises. You see this more in the summer as you spot the pairs standing head to tail swatting flies off their pals.
A horse living alone in a pasture is not healthy for his mental state. As all creatures we need companions of our own species. But, choosing a buddy for your horse is not the easiest of task. It is difficult to predict whether two equine personalities will match up and get along. Sometimes best pals are very much alike. Sometimes they’re completely opposites. Example, an alpha horse often selects their buddy at the lower end of the pecking order, and it’s not unusual to see a young filly or colt prefer the company of a more placid older herd mate.
There are things you can do to encourage equine friendships. Having an even number of horses in pastures help. Try to avoid groups of only three in any one pasture. Two will pair up leaving the other out on his own. Larger fields are a plus when it comes to giving them the area to get acquainted. 
If you have a horse and are looking for a pasture buddy to keep him company, take notes of your horses’ personality. If your horse is aggressive and likes to be alpha horse stay clear of another with the same personality. You will be kindling a disaster waiting to happen. Also remember their pecking order when it comes to care, feed and handling. This way you will help promote a safe enjoyable environment for both horses.
Now, here we are the reason behind this little announcement of the buddy system. We have many good, gentle, loving horses that are in need of a home. They would make great buddies for your loved ones at home. And, guess what? They will fill a place in your horse’s heart and mind that you just can not get to no matter how hard you think you are trying. In the middle of winter, knowing you have a buddy weathering the nights with you and sharing the neighs and sounds you are so accustom to, there is nothing better.
Think about it then give us a call.
Posted By: Alex
