Nutrena Feed Supports Horse Slaughter
We must not suppot any companies that support horse slaughter. Do not buy from them.
Hello Patricia,
Thank you very much for sharing your concern with us, and I do apologize for the delay in responding to you.
We stand behind our partnership with the AQHA. We at Nutrena, alongside the AQHA, are partnering with the American Horse Council, the governing body of the Unwanted Horse Coalition, to help solve the bigger issue of educating horse owners to be responsible so that someday we can achieve a point where slaughter does not even need to be considered as an option. If you are not familiar with the UHC, I encourage you to visit their website at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org to learn more about what they are doing to help with this issue.
Thank you,
Gina Thesing
Nutrena
----------------------------------------------------------
My email to them:
Species:
Equine
Topic:
Other
Comments:
Just so you know I do not support horse slaughter for human consumption. I will not buy anything from Nutrena because you have AQHA on your feed bags. AQHA is a major supporter of horses being slaughtered and American quarter horses are the largest breed on the trucks going to slaughter in Canada and Mexico. If you want anyone to buy your feed then I suggest you not be pro slaughter.
Patricia
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
They Dont Love Horses, Do They?
Or,..."My Beef with the Pro-Slaughter Folk"
Last revised April 23, 2009 9:02 p.m.EST
It never fails to rile me when I hear people from the so-called horse-loving community argue in favor of slaughtering them. They scream about all the “unwanted” horses and claim that slaughter is a necessary “evil” to control their populations. However, they confuse slaughter with actual “humane euthanasia.” Slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia in any way. Slaughter is a horror we reserve for food chain animals only, and the slaughter is never humane. It is violent and traumatic by its very nature. They argue that there is no difference between a horse or a cow, a pig, a sheep, a chicken or any other traditional food-chain animal. What they ignore and/or “skirt over” is the fact that the horse is not and has never been considered a food animal in the United States. Yes it is true that throughout history at certain times and under certain circumstances, Americans have turned to consuming horsemeat, but those were hardship cases where other kinds of meat were not available. Today, Americans are not starving and there is no shortage of other kinds of meat. Meanwhile, the USDA keeps a list of “officially approved” animals for us to eat, and the horse is not on that list. That is what makes the horse different or special from any other food animal, and people who really love or care for Americas horses want to keep it that way.
Can these so-called horse-loving people actually believe that slaughter is humane? Are they that out of touch with reality? Apparently so, cause they are standing up in Congress and lobbying for their “individual rights” to send their horses to slaughter, and are crying that a prohibition against horse slaughter will go against the concept of “free enterprise.“ The really interesting part is that those who are doing the loudest yelling for horse slaughter are the very ones responsible for producing or promoting the breeding of all the so-called “unwanted” horses. Breed registries like the American Quarter-Horse Association (AQHA) and the racing industry are responsible for over half of all horses being sent to slaughter. No wonder they are crying a need for horse-slaughter. If they didnt have the slaughter option they would have to get their breeding under control and take more responsibility for the lives of the animals they bring into this world. They would have to pay to humanely euthanise them. So why do they so strongly support slaughter over real humane euthanasia? The truth of the matter is this. Slaughter PAYS while real humane euthanasia costs.
Anybody who claims to love something and would intentionally cause it harm for any reason, is a hypocrite in my book. If you love something or even remotely have a care for it,....you do not wish it harm in any way, nor contribute to its infliction. If you love or care for something, you protect it and wish it well, always.
Actually, its not about “loving horses” so much above all other animals. Its not even about "caring deeply" for them or any other animal. What it all boils down to is this: Having a healthy respect for all living things and a good sense of right and wrong, and a determination to DO NO HARM if and when possible. This is Basic Human Understanding 101, something I guess they didnt teach in their schools.
Oh, the pro-slaughter folk may “love” their horses alright, as far as they are capable of in their pea-pickin narrow-minded compassionateless little brains, ... its just that they dont “love” them as much as they do the blood-money to be made off of the peddling of their flesh when they are no longer profitable or useful to them.
These people need to evolve out of their moral primitiveness, use their brain to educate themselves,..grow a heart and JUST SAY NO to un-necessary evils like horse-slaughter.
Christine A. Jubic
Last revised April 23, 2009 9:02 p.m.EST
It never fails to rile me when I hear people from the so-called horse-loving community argue in favor of slaughtering them. They scream about all the “unwanted” horses and claim that slaughter is a necessary “evil” to control their populations. However, they confuse slaughter with actual “humane euthanasia.” Slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia in any way. Slaughter is a horror we reserve for food chain animals only, and the slaughter is never humane. It is violent and traumatic by its very nature. They argue that there is no difference between a horse or a cow, a pig, a sheep, a chicken or any other traditional food-chain animal. What they ignore and/or “skirt over” is the fact that the horse is not and has never been considered a food animal in the United States. Yes it is true that throughout history at certain times and under certain circumstances, Americans have turned to consuming horsemeat, but those were hardship cases where other kinds of meat were not available. Today, Americans are not starving and there is no shortage of other kinds of meat. Meanwhile, the USDA keeps a list of “officially approved” animals for us to eat, and the horse is not on that list. That is what makes the horse different or special from any other food animal, and people who really love or care for Americas horses want to keep it that way.
Can these so-called horse-loving people actually believe that slaughter is humane? Are they that out of touch with reality? Apparently so, cause they are standing up in Congress and lobbying for their “individual rights” to send their horses to slaughter, and are crying that a prohibition against horse slaughter will go against the concept of “free enterprise.“ The really interesting part is that those who are doing the loudest yelling for horse slaughter are the very ones responsible for producing or promoting the breeding of all the so-called “unwanted” horses. Breed registries like the American Quarter-Horse Association (AQHA) and the racing industry are responsible for over half of all horses being sent to slaughter. No wonder they are crying a need for horse-slaughter. If they didnt have the slaughter option they would have to get their breeding under control and take more responsibility for the lives of the animals they bring into this world. They would have to pay to humanely euthanise them. So why do they so strongly support slaughter over real humane euthanasia? The truth of the matter is this. Slaughter PAYS while real humane euthanasia costs.
Anybody who claims to love something and would intentionally cause it harm for any reason, is a hypocrite in my book. If you love something or even remotely have a care for it,....you do not wish it harm in any way, nor contribute to its infliction. If you love or care for something, you protect it and wish it well, always.
Actually, its not about “loving horses” so much above all other animals. Its not even about "caring deeply" for them or any other animal. What it all boils down to is this: Having a healthy respect for all living things and a good sense of right and wrong, and a determination to DO NO HARM if and when possible. This is Basic Human Understanding 101, something I guess they didnt teach in their schools.
Oh, the pro-slaughter folk may “love” their horses alright, as far as they are capable of in their pea-pickin narrow-minded compassionateless little brains, ... its just that they dont “love” them as much as they do the blood-money to be made off of the peddling of their flesh when they are no longer profitable or useful to them.
These people need to evolve out of their moral primitiveness, use their brain to educate themselves,..grow a heart and JUST SAY NO to un-necessary evils like horse-slaughter.
Christine A. Jubic
Monday, April 20, 2009
PRCA Elects Animal Abuser to Executive Council
Friday, April 17th, 2009
This is sad news. In January of 2006, David Morehead pled guilty to 36 counts of horse cruelty. Last week the PRCA elected Morehead to its 2009 PRCA Executive Council. Further proof of exactly how much (or how little) rodeo folks love and respect their animals.
Click on title above to go to Sharks page where you can read the story about Morehead’s convictions and to see the videotape and election results, or cut and paste the link below into your web-browser;
http://sharkonline.org/
This is sad news. In January of 2006, David Morehead pled guilty to 36 counts of horse cruelty. Last week the PRCA elected Morehead to its 2009 PRCA Executive Council. Further proof of exactly how much (or how little) rodeo folks love and respect their animals.
Click on title above to go to Sharks page where you can read the story about Morehead’s convictions and to see the videotape and election results, or cut and paste the link below into your web-browser;
http://sharkonline.org/
Thursday, April 16, 2009
WAR HERO to Promote AQHAs Quarterfest Extravaganza
Gee, I wonder if he knows "the darker side of the AQHA," and if he did would he still help to promote them? Maybe we should petition him and give him an education about the AQHA Pro-slaughter position?
WOUNDED U.S. WARRIOR TO BE
PART OF QUARTERFEST EXTRAVAGANZA
The CNN report read like this: "Seventeen U.S. soldiers were killed, five were injured and one was missing after two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters crashed Saturday in a residential neighborhood in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. Military officials believe one helicopter may have climbed to avoid gunfire and collided with a second Black Hawk, causing them both to crash."
Army Staff Sgt. Josh Forbess, a then-27-year-old Decatur, Illinois, native didn’t wake up from the November 16, 2003, incident until eight weeks later, and he still tears up when he discusses the 17 of his fellow 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers who died in the crash, many of them his friends. Forbess lost an ear and half of his nose and suffered broken bones, extensive burns and smoke inhalation injuries.
While he continues to recover from his injuries, a process that, including reconstruction surgery, could take two or three years, he’s back working at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and committed to returning to full duty with his unit, the 320th Field Artillery Regiment’s 1st Battalion.
“As long as you have heart, there’s nothing to stop you,” he said in an October 2004 American Forces Press Service article. The driving force behind his efforts to recover fully from his injuries and to return to full duty in the military is “all in here,” Forbess said, tapping his chest.
“I love my job. I love training soldiers,” said Forbess. “There’s nothing else I could do that I would enjoy as much as that.”
Forbess said he barely notices the curious looks he receives when he goes out in public, revealing his facial injuries to the world. “I don't notice people staring,” he said. “There’s no shame. I'm still the same person inside.”
During Forbess’ recovery, his wife lived at the Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher House, which is part of a program that provides special housing at each of the Army's major medical centers for the families of soldiers who are receiving medical treatment, often from being wounded on duty.
Staff Sgt. Forbess now works as a volunteer at the Fisher House, serving as a mentor to combat-injured veterans and leading Wounded Warrior meetings. He is also the current noncommissioned officer in charge of the Soldier and Family Assistance Center at Fort Campbell and volunteers with numerous veteran organizations and children's charities. Forbess also heads the Fort Campbell Fisher House Equine Therapy Program.
In November 2008, Forbess was recognized by President George W. Bush for his volunteer efforts. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service award to Forbess, praising him for serving his nation in uniform, and going the extra measure to serve others in need.
The American Quarter Horse Association is proud to announce that Staff Sgt. Forbess will take part in the QuarterFest Extravaganza the evenings of May 1 and 2 in the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This two-hour riveting production is designed to reinforce your bond with the world’s favorite horse – the American Quarter Horse. We’ll cap the event with an all-American tribute to the nation’s wounded warriors and those who have given their lives for our country.
Purchase your tickets for QuarterFest and the Extravaganza at www.aqha.com/quarterfest.
QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse Association’s 68th anniversary where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, May 1-3 for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – Tractor Supply, B&W Trailer Hitches, John Deere, Justin Boots, Merial, Nutrena, Professional’s Choice, Bank of America, Montana Silversmiths, Farnam, Breyer and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.
http://www.aqha.com/news/2009PressReleases/041409woundedwarrior.html
WOUNDED U.S. WARRIOR TO BE
PART OF QUARTERFEST EXTRAVAGANZA
The CNN report read like this: "Seventeen U.S. soldiers were killed, five were injured and one was missing after two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters crashed Saturday in a residential neighborhood in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. Military officials believe one helicopter may have climbed to avoid gunfire and collided with a second Black Hawk, causing them both to crash."
Army Staff Sgt. Josh Forbess, a then-27-year-old Decatur, Illinois, native didn’t wake up from the November 16, 2003, incident until eight weeks later, and he still tears up when he discusses the 17 of his fellow 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers who died in the crash, many of them his friends. Forbess lost an ear and half of his nose and suffered broken bones, extensive burns and smoke inhalation injuries.
While he continues to recover from his injuries, a process that, including reconstruction surgery, could take two or three years, he’s back working at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and committed to returning to full duty with his unit, the 320th Field Artillery Regiment’s 1st Battalion.
“As long as you have heart, there’s nothing to stop you,” he said in an October 2004 American Forces Press Service article. The driving force behind his efforts to recover fully from his injuries and to return to full duty in the military is “all in here,” Forbess said, tapping his chest.
“I love my job. I love training soldiers,” said Forbess. “There’s nothing else I could do that I would enjoy as much as that.”
Forbess said he barely notices the curious looks he receives when he goes out in public, revealing his facial injuries to the world. “I don't notice people staring,” he said. “There’s no shame. I'm still the same person inside.”
During Forbess’ recovery, his wife lived at the Brooke Army Medical Center Fisher House, which is part of a program that provides special housing at each of the Army's major medical centers for the families of soldiers who are receiving medical treatment, often from being wounded on duty.
Staff Sgt. Forbess now works as a volunteer at the Fisher House, serving as a mentor to combat-injured veterans and leading Wounded Warrior meetings. He is also the current noncommissioned officer in charge of the Soldier and Family Assistance Center at Fort Campbell and volunteers with numerous veteran organizations and children's charities. Forbess also heads the Fort Campbell Fisher House Equine Therapy Program.
In November 2008, Forbess was recognized by President George W. Bush for his volunteer efforts. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer Service award to Forbess, praising him for serving his nation in uniform, and going the extra measure to serve others in need.
The American Quarter Horse Association is proud to announce that Staff Sgt. Forbess will take part in the QuarterFest Extravaganza the evenings of May 1 and 2 in the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This two-hour riveting production is designed to reinforce your bond with the world’s favorite horse – the American Quarter Horse. We’ll cap the event with an all-American tribute to the nation’s wounded warriors and those who have given their lives for our country.
Purchase your tickets for QuarterFest and the Extravaganza at www.aqha.com/quarterfest.
QuarterFest is a three-day, education-packed celebration of the American Quarter Horse Association’s 68th anniversary where AQHA members and horse enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, May 1-3 for fun, entertainment and festivities to honor the world’s most versatile horse – the American Quarter Horse. Our sponsors – Tractor Supply, B&W Trailer Hitches, John Deere, Justin Boots, Merial, Nutrena, Professional’s Choice, Bank of America, Montana Silversmiths, Farnam, Breyer and Wrangler – share our passion for horses and are an integral part of QuarterFest.
http://www.aqha.com/news/2009PressReleases/041409woundedwarrior.html
Saturday, April 11, 2009
No Cloned Horses for Oklahoma?
Clones Will Be Left at the Gate in Oklahoma if Governor Signs Legislation
by Fran Jurga | 9 April 2009 | The Jurga Report
Thanks to our friends at the Quarter Horse Racing Journal and American Quarter Horse Association for the "ears up" about horse-related legislation in Oklahoma that is headed for the Governor's office to be signed.
No, it's not equine dentists this time: The AQHA announced yesterday that Oklahoma has banned clones and (if I am reading this article correctly) their offspring from racing in the state.
Click here to read the Racing Journal's article.
An article in the Oklahoman newspaper has some quotes but some of the points aren't quite clear, since it is unlikely that clones themselves would be racing anyway.
It seems to me that the whole point of commercial cloning (vs sentimental cloning of a pet) is for breeding. Legislation like this would take a lot of wind out of cloning's sails. And sales. It's interesting that the clones would be banned from racing but not showing or commercial breeding or sales.
The story gets even murkier when you get down to realizing that if the AQHA doesn't even register clones, this is a "just in case" piece of legislation--in effect, closing the barn door before the clone gets out.
Will clones have a big C branded into their foreheads for all to see? They look just like other horses, after all, and their offspring will too. And a clone's DNA test will not look like something from a mountaintop in Transylvania.
The cloning story continues to write itself, right in front of our eyes. I urge you all to read more about this fascinating subject. Sooner or later, no matter where you live or no matter what breed of horse you may show or race or breed or own, or what equestrian sport discipline you choose, you'll be hearing about cloning.
This subject has rekindled my interest in equine reproduction, which had been eclipsed by my total obsession with lameness for many years. When the first clone goes lame, it will be my story.
Click here for a one-stop archive of recent articles here on the Jurga Report about the AQHA's struggle with finding a reasonable resolution to this issue.
And stay tuned, both to this blog and AQHA sources for more cloning news as it happens.
Labels: AQHA, clone, clones, cloning, legislation, Oklahoma, Quarter, racing, reproduction
http://special.equisearch.com/blog/horsehealth/2009/04/clones-will-be-left-at-gate-in-oklahoma.html
by Fran Jurga | 9 April 2009 | The Jurga Report
Thanks to our friends at the Quarter Horse Racing Journal and American Quarter Horse Association for the "ears up" about horse-related legislation in Oklahoma that is headed for the Governor's office to be signed.
No, it's not equine dentists this time: The AQHA announced yesterday that Oklahoma has banned clones and (if I am reading this article correctly) their offspring from racing in the state.
Click here to read the Racing Journal's article.
An article in the Oklahoman newspaper has some quotes but some of the points aren't quite clear, since it is unlikely that clones themselves would be racing anyway.
It seems to me that the whole point of commercial cloning (vs sentimental cloning of a pet) is for breeding. Legislation like this would take a lot of wind out of cloning's sails. And sales. It's interesting that the clones would be banned from racing but not showing or commercial breeding or sales.
The story gets even murkier when you get down to realizing that if the AQHA doesn't even register clones, this is a "just in case" piece of legislation--in effect, closing the barn door before the clone gets out.
Will clones have a big C branded into their foreheads for all to see? They look just like other horses, after all, and their offspring will too. And a clone's DNA test will not look like something from a mountaintop in Transylvania.
The cloning story continues to write itself, right in front of our eyes. I urge you all to read more about this fascinating subject. Sooner or later, no matter where you live or no matter what breed of horse you may show or race or breed or own, or what equestrian sport discipline you choose, you'll be hearing about cloning.
This subject has rekindled my interest in equine reproduction, which had been eclipsed by my total obsession with lameness for many years. When the first clone goes lame, it will be my story.
Click here for a one-stop archive of recent articles here on the Jurga Report about the AQHA's struggle with finding a reasonable resolution to this issue.
And stay tuned, both to this blog and AQHA sources for more cloning news as it happens.
Labels: AQHA, clone, clones, cloning, legislation, Oklahoma, Quarter, racing, reproduction
http://special.equisearch.com/blog/horsehealth/2009/04/clones-will-be-left-at-gate-in-oklahoma.html
Criminal Horse Abuse At Oklahoma Prison:
Criminals take part in Rodeo's causing pain and horrendous suffering to Horses, backed by the current Warden & the Director of Department of Corrections. It's Criminal Abuse & needs to end now! Please help by signing & sharing. Sadly you can view video's on youtube by entering ''Rodeo Horse Abuse At Oklahoma Penitentiary'' Although heartbreaking to watch, it may help you realise the full extent of abuse these animals suffer just for mans pleasure! Thank you for taking the time to sign this petition.
Click on title above to sign petition;
Thanks!
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/criminal-horse-abuse-at-oklahoma-prison
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Whoops! There is it: The REAL Reason Behind Horse-Slaughter
"(Horse breeding) certainly is a challange as there are limited outlets to allow the industry to control excess inventory effectively" - K. Ringwall, NDSU
-------------
Horses and beef, they still go together
Source: AgWeek; By: Kris Ringwall, NDSU for Dickinson Press
The other day was difficult. The discussion centered on the horse industry as the Dickinson Research Extension Center was reviewing program costs. As the horse program was discussed, the updated costs were noted. Based on a five-year average, the annual cost (direct and overhead expenses) for maintaining a producing mare and nursing foal was $764.68 per year, with $570.16 attributed to direct costs (feed, breeding fees, veterinary, livestock supplies, marketing, equipment repairs and fuel, etc.). The remaining $194.52 was overhead costs that are calculated and allocated based on a typical percentage of use for each enterprise within the ranch.
The same five-year average was used to calculate raising a young horse. The annual cost averaged $893.75 per horse. The annual direct costs for the growing young horse averaged $745.92 and the overhead costs were $147.83. These horses are weaned colts all the way up to those in the early training phase. For the horses that remain in service to the ranch (working ranch horse), the annual costs have averaged $829.43, with the direct expenses averaging $681.42 per year and the overhead expenses averaging $148.01 per year. So what was difficult about the discussion?
In a nutshell, the costs are very typical and certainly could be noted as a function of the times. Inputs are expensive, but most people understand that. The difficulty rests in the value of the horse compared with the maintenance cost. Ranch costs do keep going up. The cost of raising beef cattle continues to go up, as does the cost of maintaining a working ranch horse, which affects the bottom line of the beef business. That simply means producers need beef prices to keep pace with increased costs. Keep the working horses and look for better beef markets.
The question about brood mares is much more difficult because these costs need to be covered by the value of their offspring. The value of a young colt not only carries with it the cost of production for the mare, but also for the production costs of the young horse until the time of sale. Right now, the market is not supporting those costs. For the Dickinson Research Extension Center, that means fewer horses, particularly the stud. However, the real answer is in finding and maintaining better markets, more opportunities and competition for each year’s foal crop. Unfortunately, not unlike the center, many producers also are faced with short-term decisions that affect cash flow. Many producers have indicated they have and will breed fewer mares and that the increasing costs and low values of the foals was the deciding factor.
Ultimately, supply and demand will catch up. However, as one producer said, “What may happen as a result of this current market is the number of foals/horses hitting the sales market. Sales should be down as many informed people will breed fewer mares. However, there doesn’t seem to be any decrease in the number of beginner and novice breeders! They see all of these cheap horses, such as bred mares and studs, that they can pick up and add to their herds. Many of these herds are ‘grade horses’ (meaning cute or had neat color) and may be crossbred to create more grade horses.”
That certainly is a challenge given the current limitations on marketing horses for slaughter. There are limited outlets to allow the industry to control excess inventory effectively and allow demand and supply to match up. More and stronger markets are needed. In the meantime, as many producers noted, breeding horses should be for those who have a history and desire to execute a well-written business plan that justifies breeding a mare
May you find all your ear tags.
Comments are welcome at BeefTalk.
-----------------------
http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewContent.act?clipid=242453949&mode=cnc&tag=3.5453%3Ficx_id%3Dbeefmagazine.com%2Fsectors%2Fcow-calf%2F0330-horses-beef-together%2Findex.html
-------------
Horses and beef, they still go together
Source: AgWeek; By: Kris Ringwall, NDSU for Dickinson Press
The other day was difficult. The discussion centered on the horse industry as the Dickinson Research Extension Center was reviewing program costs. As the horse program was discussed, the updated costs were noted. Based on a five-year average, the annual cost (direct and overhead expenses) for maintaining a producing mare and nursing foal was $764.68 per year, with $570.16 attributed to direct costs (feed, breeding fees, veterinary, livestock supplies, marketing, equipment repairs and fuel, etc.). The remaining $194.52 was overhead costs that are calculated and allocated based on a typical percentage of use for each enterprise within the ranch.
The same five-year average was used to calculate raising a young horse. The annual cost averaged $893.75 per horse. The annual direct costs for the growing young horse averaged $745.92 and the overhead costs were $147.83. These horses are weaned colts all the way up to those in the early training phase. For the horses that remain in service to the ranch (working ranch horse), the annual costs have averaged $829.43, with the direct expenses averaging $681.42 per year and the overhead expenses averaging $148.01 per year. So what was difficult about the discussion?
In a nutshell, the costs are very typical and certainly could be noted as a function of the times. Inputs are expensive, but most people understand that. The difficulty rests in the value of the horse compared with the maintenance cost. Ranch costs do keep going up. The cost of raising beef cattle continues to go up, as does the cost of maintaining a working ranch horse, which affects the bottom line of the beef business. That simply means producers need beef prices to keep pace with increased costs. Keep the working horses and look for better beef markets.
The question about brood mares is much more difficult because these costs need to be covered by the value of their offspring. The value of a young colt not only carries with it the cost of production for the mare, but also for the production costs of the young horse until the time of sale. Right now, the market is not supporting those costs. For the Dickinson Research Extension Center, that means fewer horses, particularly the stud. However, the real answer is in finding and maintaining better markets, more opportunities and competition for each year’s foal crop. Unfortunately, not unlike the center, many producers also are faced with short-term decisions that affect cash flow. Many producers have indicated they have and will breed fewer mares and that the increasing costs and low values of the foals was the deciding factor.
Ultimately, supply and demand will catch up. However, as one producer said, “What may happen as a result of this current market is the number of foals/horses hitting the sales market. Sales should be down as many informed people will breed fewer mares. However, there doesn’t seem to be any decrease in the number of beginner and novice breeders! They see all of these cheap horses, such as bred mares and studs, that they can pick up and add to their herds. Many of these herds are ‘grade horses’ (meaning cute or had neat color) and may be crossbred to create more grade horses.”
That certainly is a challenge given the current limitations on marketing horses for slaughter. There are limited outlets to allow the industry to control excess inventory effectively and allow demand and supply to match up. More and stronger markets are needed. In the meantime, as many producers noted, breeding horses should be for those who have a history and desire to execute a well-written business plan that justifies breeding a mare
May you find all your ear tags.
Comments are welcome at BeefTalk.
-----------------------
http://license.icopyright.net/user/viewContent.act?clipid=242453949&mode=cnc&tag=3.5453%3Ficx_id%3Dbeefmagazine.com%2Fsectors%2Fcow-calf%2F0330-horses-beef-together%2Findex.html
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Supporters Donate $14K for Abandoned Horse's Care
The AQHA Could Take a Lesson Here, on How to REALLY Care for a Horse!
by:
Liz Brown
March 31 2009,
The foster owner of a horse that was abandoned in Mesa, Ariz., says the outpouring of support for the gelding's recovery has been "tremendous."
The Thoroughbred, named Solo Vino by rescuers, was brought to Gwen Cleary's farm on March 3, after her neighbors found the abandoned horse, who was emaciated and had a large open wound in his head.
Solo Vino on March 3.
Cleary contacted Equine Voices Rescue's Karen Pomroy about Solo Vino, and together they have been working to help him make a full recovery.
Pomroy has been accepting donations for Solo Vino's care. So far people have donated about $14,000. Cleary said Solo Vino's veterinary care alone has already cost $8,000.
"He had an infected wound on his head, his legs were swollen, and his front right foot has severe ringbone," Cleary explained.
The gash in Solo Vino's head was three inches long, his skull was fractured, and the right side of his nuchal ligament was also detached from the skull.
In March, the gelding underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from the wound and to repair his nuchal ligament. Solo Vino is on antibiotics to fight infection while his head heals. He is also receiving treatment for his arthritis.
The Maricopa County Sheriff is currently investigating and is offering a $1,000 reward in this case. Anyone with information is asked to call 602/876-1681.
"We still need help for him," Cleary said, adding that even a donation of a couple of bales of hay, or a bag of feed, is a great help.
Donations to the Solo Vino fund can be made on the Equine Voices and Rescue Sanctuary Web site.
Click on title above to read more;
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=13875
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
AQHA Camps It Up with Kids and Horses!
I wonder, when they are teaching the kids about quarter-horses, will they tell them about the slaughter issue and responsible breeding? Will they tell them that over half of all horses going to slaughter are registered american quarter-horses?
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is gearing up for summer camp for kids.
America’s Horse, March 24, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum invites all kids who love horses to be a part of Camp It Up! This year’s Camp It Up will feature three different learning opportunities.
In Horseology 101, campers focus on American Quarter Horse safety issues, learn stalling information and investigate careers with horses. The campers spend one week learning about horses and get to saddle up and ride on Friday. Horseology 101 will be held June 22-26 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo. The cost for Horseology 101 is $50.
To participate in Horseology 102, campers must complete Horseology 101. The second camp in the lineup, Horseology 102, is a deeper study into owning a horse including the financial responsibilities of horse ownership and showing an American Quarter Horse. Campers also learn about careers in the equine industry, hear guest speakers, create art projects and take a field trip to a horse facility. Two sessions of Horseology 102 will be presented. The first session will be July 13-17, and the second session will be July 27-31. The cost of Horseology 102 is $80.
Horseology 101 and 102 are for campers 8-11.
Career Camp, for campers 11 to 15, explores what it’s like to take care of a horse for a living or be involved in the equine industry. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a jockey, a horse trainer, or a horse museum curator? You’ll find out more about these jobs at Career Camp, August 3-7. Career Camp costs $160.
Scholarships are available through the generosity of Amarillo National Bank for qualifying applicants.
Since Camp It Up’s inception in 1999, hundreds of young people have learned about the American Quarter Horse.
Sign up your kids for this week-long camp that is full of fun and interactive learning. Let your child spend summer days playing games, making friends and learning all about American Quarter Horses! Please call (806) 376-5181 to make reservations or visit www.aqha.com/foundation/education/campitup.html for more information.
If you can’t make it to Amarillo and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum for camp, you can host your own American Quarter Horse educational event. Visit www.aqha.com/foundation/education/campitup.html for suggestions on hosting a Horseology 101 camp in your area.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.aqha.com/news/03312009campitup.html
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is gearing up for summer camp for kids.
America’s Horse, March 24, 2009 – The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum invites all kids who love horses to be a part of Camp It Up! This year’s Camp It Up will feature three different learning opportunities.
In Horseology 101, campers focus on American Quarter Horse safety issues, learn stalling information and investigate careers with horses. The campers spend one week learning about horses and get to saddle up and ride on Friday. Horseology 101 will be held June 22-26 at the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo. The cost for Horseology 101 is $50.
To participate in Horseology 102, campers must complete Horseology 101. The second camp in the lineup, Horseology 102, is a deeper study into owning a horse including the financial responsibilities of horse ownership and showing an American Quarter Horse. Campers also learn about careers in the equine industry, hear guest speakers, create art projects and take a field trip to a horse facility. Two sessions of Horseology 102 will be presented. The first session will be July 13-17, and the second session will be July 27-31. The cost of Horseology 102 is $80.
Horseology 101 and 102 are for campers 8-11.
Career Camp, for campers 11 to 15, explores what it’s like to take care of a horse for a living or be involved in the equine industry. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a jockey, a horse trainer, or a horse museum curator? You’ll find out more about these jobs at Career Camp, August 3-7. Career Camp costs $160.
Scholarships are available through the generosity of Amarillo National Bank for qualifying applicants.
Since Camp It Up’s inception in 1999, hundreds of young people have learned about the American Quarter Horse.
Sign up your kids for this week-long camp that is full of fun and interactive learning. Let your child spend summer days playing games, making friends and learning all about American Quarter Horses! Please call (806) 376-5181 to make reservations or visit www.aqha.com/foundation/education/campitup.html for more information.
If you can’t make it to Amarillo and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum for camp, you can host your own American Quarter Horse educational event. Visit www.aqha.com/foundation/education/campitup.html for suggestions on hosting a Horseology 101 camp in your area.
AQHA news and information is a service of AQHA publications. For more information on The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal or America’s Horse, visit www.aqha.com/magazines.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.aqha.com/news/03312009campitup.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
