Why are horses treated differently to dogs?  

Do you advertise your dog as free to good home when he becomes old? 

Sell him and get another if he can’t now do the job you got him for? 

Oh he’s too old to compete at rally anymore Ill get rid of him and get a new one. 

Horrifying isn’t it?  Happens to horses all the time.

How about keeping a horse as the lovely, kind, sentient being with feelings and emotions that he is? 

A friend for HIS lifetime. 

A friend to spend time with, interact with. 

Brush and cuddle and scratch if he enjoys those things. Hand walk to that nice green lush bit of grass for him to enjoy.

Where else or in what other life is getting rid of your ‘loved ones’ acceptable? 

You’ve heard the term ‘a dog is not just for christmas’? 

Well a horse is not just for your gratification, not just for your pleasure while he remains fit for your intended purpose.   

Is your horse just a commodity to you? 

That immensely kind being that you proclaimed to love all those years ago, before his advancing years.

Horses deserve more.

Even when he is too old to be your riding companion, he will still fill your cup with good things.  

What better experience than sniffing a horses’ nose? 

What better stress relief than taking some deep breaths with your horse?

What more peaceful activity than sitting,  watching horses graze peacefully?  Listening to their contented munching?

What more humbling experience than being sniffed gently by your horse,  Feeling that soft exhalation against your cheek?

What better feeling than being a part of a horses world, their harmony and cohesiveness?

Horses deserve nothing less than our commitment to provide the care they need to stay happy and healthy for their lifetime, especially their aged lifetime when they often require better care.

Until we are prepared to offer this, I don’t believe it is right or ethical for us to consider horse ownership. And I don’t believe it is kind to dispose of them when their need is  greater,  just because our selfish need has changed. 

Honour your retirees and non-ridden equines with the continuing care they all deserve

Written By Vicki Conroy of the PPGA Equine Sub-Committee