I'm seeing a lot of well meaning people operating under extremely incorrect information in regards to "rescue".
"Killer Auctions" are by far not the only place to effect a rescue. I see folks on this list generalizing in this regard to quite an extent.
Even the word 'rescue' can be used in many sometimes conflicting ways. I find it easiest to designate a difference between "private rescue" and "formal rescue." Then, well, there's quasi rescue, theoretical rescue, and imaginary rescue...
For me, formal rescue is when a registered animal rescue organization or governmental agency is involved. This covers the neglect and abuse seizures that are seen on the news and many that the public never knows about. These rescues have an element of officially recognized crime or immediately impending crime, although they frequently do not get prosecuted.
Private rescue involves those cases where an individual who may not be associated with a registered non-profit acquires an animal with the intent to improve that animal's plight. This is where things can get fuzzy. Some private rescues should indeed be formal, but our animal rescue organizations are full beyond capacity in most cases and our law enforcement agencies frequently don't have the resources to take action on even the worst cases. So when individuals can step in and bankroll a private rescue, the animal involved is removed from a poor situation or an impending poor situation which everyone appreciates.
It is very easy to overuse and sometimes abuse the term "rescue". In my eyes, in the example Victoria uses, the neighbor didn't really get a 'rescue'. And she certainly didn't get a bad horse because she wanted to get a 'rescue'. Not knowing any of the individuals involved, it appears to me that the neighbor got a bad horse because she wanted a paint horse on the cheap, not because she wanted to get a rescue horse. Kudos to the other neighbor who removed the paint horses from the sale where there fate was likely to be slaughter and kudos to the neighbor if she was indeed trying to 'rescue' a horse. But were they trying to make or save a buck or trying to do the right thing? And someone along the way was not completely truthful or well-intended, which brings me to another point:
When you deal with registered non-profit animal rescue organizations, you are very likely to be dealing with people who will safely walk you through the process of acquiring an animal that is the right match for you. Few rescue organizations that make it through the accreditation process will fail to have your best interests in mind. Going to a sale - whether it be a killer auction or the top level breeding stock sales - is not for beginners. I don't care what part of the country you're in, if you don't have the skills for proper assessment, you are likely to come home with a poor match, whether you paid $68 or $40,000.If you go through more appropriate channels - a reputable breeder if you're going that route, or a reputable registered non-profit if you're going that route - you are more likely to come home with a good match and a known entity. Any farm or rescue organization that has survived with a good reputation is very likely to take the time it takes to help you assess the appropriateness of your potential choices. It is in the farm or rescue's best interest to make sure you are happy with your choice. If you are ever rushed into making a decision before you are comfortable, walk away. Your biggest challenge is really assessing the integrity of the humans involved, not the horse. Decent people will give you time and guidance. And they'll even lead you to additional resources. Rescue organizations tend to band together and do what it takes to find the right matches. A person may go to one rescue with a particular horse in mind and they may be turned toward another rescue for another horse that is more appropriate to their needs. Good rescues do NOT want to rescue the same horse twice. And rescues tend to get the horses fully evaluated by professionals. I would put money on the odds of you actually knowing more accurate information about the age, health, and training of a horse at a reputable non-profit rescue than you would know from your common trainer or horse trader in your community, no matter the price range. I contend that you are no more at risk in regards to health issues, inaccurate age, training, or bloodlines information when you acquire from a registered noon-profit than when you buy from the average breeder or trainer. Lene's note that I've copied below my note pits killer auction experiences against reputable breeder/owners experiences and has some good points to consider. We need to remember, though, that all of this is part of a full range of options open to us.
One point I want to make clear:
***Pedigree is no guarantee against rescue. ***
Bad things happen. Once we sell or gift that horse to someone, their fate is out of our hands. Being registered does not keep a horse from being neglected. An example: Georgie won Reserve National Champion as a stallion at the Shetland Congress. The Congress is the largest Shetland show in the world and Georgie did it proud. He's also the full brother to the most producing shetland sire in history. A better shetland pedigree can not be found. I privately rescued him as an extremely agitated seven year old from behind a stack of pallets in a small dark garage in my community. He had changed hands 6 times since his Congress experience. Today, he is a lovely, quiet, and reliable pony. There are thousands of examples like Georgie.
If your purpose is to get a new horse, please simply check out the rescues first and see what is available there.
If your purpose is to support horse rescue, well, holy cow, welcome to my world: donate money or time to a local rescue, adopt a BLM mustang like Brandy did (you can get them pre-gentled now, ask me how), spend some time at a local rescue and see if any of the long term horses there speak to your heart, or join the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (actha.us) and participate in their rides which raise money for horse rescues and sanctuaries. There is at least one haflinger at my local rescue looking for a home. And I'm hoping for a lot of haflingers to show up at the ACTHA ride I'm offering in July here in Oregon. Also consider clicking daily on these three sites: freekibble.com , freekibblekat.com , the animalrescuesite.com (and vote for your favorite rescue on this last one).
Well, my pastures need harrowing, so I'll leave you be. This group really is a supportive, thoughtful, and helpful group that I appreciate. It is for this reason I felt the need to clarify a few things and so wrote this note.Have a great day, one and all.Safe Trails,Kate
(I've left the posts attached below for reference in as trimmed a manner as possible.)
"We are what we repeatedly do."
Kate Beardsley ...building relationships ...developing athletes ..."driven" to excellence Central Oregon
The horse doesn't know that you rescued it from death row, so don't expect any gratitude :-). You can't evaluate the horse properly and its past in often unknown. You risk health problems and its age might be fuzzy. No training or bad training can create problems and there are no way of knowing what the horse have had of bad experiences or maybe even abuse.
All of these are valid issues that need to be considered, but of course that doesn't mean that you will necessary experience all of them if you get a rescue. On the other hand a registered horse bought from a breeder/owner you can visit several times, ride it etc to get an idea whether it is a good match. Its history is (or should be) known, you can get a pre purchase exam etc, etc. So really when you think about it the sensible thing to do is obvious. BUT ALL THOSE UNWANTED HORSES NEED HOMES. :-( AUGHHHH
Lene
2b.
Re: rescue
Posted by: "K Garriott"
kagarriott@yahoo.com
kagarriott
Sat Mar 6, 2010 9:55 am (PST)
Amen! to this logic, I couldnt agree more.
In the past anyway the kind of horses that needed "rescued" for the most part were where they were for good reason. I know I used to buy at such sales 3 days a week. Not once did I buy a horse that didnt have a big "hole"( as we put it) in them. Some you could fix, others you could not. None were solid citizens to begin with.
Karen G www.princesscarriage.com
--- On Sat, 3/6/10, Victoria da Roza <castlerockjacobs@yahoo.com> wrote:
2d.
Re: rescue
Posted by: "K Garriott"
kagarriott@yahoo.com
kagarriott
Sat Mar 6, 2010 12:13 pm (PST)
Leslie, I don't think anyone would disagree with you for the most part. A rescue horse can be just as good as any other for a particular persons interests/goals. As can a non-registered horse, as can a conformationally incorrect horse, or any other less that ideal equine. I will also make the point that a person can buy a horse that's "too" well trained for their skill level. No point in paying for lots of fancy training buttons if you don't know how to use them, or... have the want to learn.
Where I do part ways with your logic is about the horse being well trained in the general sense. At least to the point of being mannerly enough to be safe to handle. Everybody needs that and should expect it when attaining a horse through any means. With the few exceptions of a highly skilled professional trainer looking for a challenge, or taking on a difficult horse for a client. Even most breeders expect outside broodmares to be well broke enough to lead, and handle safely.
I think most of the thoughts expressed here about a non-registered horse not being good enough was in reference to breeding them. That primarily because of the over-population & low to no market forces currently in play in the horse industry. Which I might add is exactly how you ended up with a "rescue" in the first place. In better times there commonly was no such thing as there is now.
Karen G www.princesscarriage.com
--- On Sat, 3/6/10, Leslie Walker <nalaandamber@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Leslie Walker <nalaandamber@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [haflingerfriends] rescue
To: haflingerfriends@yahoogroups.com
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010, 10:40 AM
Dear group,
Each of us acquires our horses for different reasons. I for one rescued a diamond. She is a diamond for me, maybe not you. I wouldn't trade her for anyone's better trained better bred horse. My Amber has brought much joy to many people. I knew nothing about haflingers before she came into my life. Several of my friends have purchased registered haflingers as a result of getting to know Amber and her filly Nala. While a rescue horse may not be for you, don't discount that they may be perfect for someone else.
I would further argue that because a horse is "registered and trained" does not make it better suited for all buyers. One must have possess a level of competency and skill to ride and handle horses. I've witnessed many folks that have purchased expensive, well bred, well trained horses that they can not ride. If you have poor skills it does not matter whether or not the horse is registered, expensive or well trained. Horses are smart and they figure out quite quickly when you don't have a clue what you are doing.
I for one am very delighted and proud to own my unregistered, rescued haflingers.
Leslie
--- On Sat, 3/6/10, Victoria da Roza <castlerockjacobs@ yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Victoria da Roza <castlerockjacobs@ yahoo.com>
Subject: [haflingerfriends] rescue
To: haflingerfriends@ yahoogroups. com
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010, 7:42 AM
Lene,
A woman next door had always wanted a Paint and the other neighbor had rescued some from an auction. So the first woman paid the rescuer $400 for the 5 yr. old paint. She has never been able to get on him cause he bucks so bad. She has empolyed several trainer for months and he still bucks so he is usless so far as a trail horse. She is now hiring the third trainer. She might as well have bought the horse she wanted that was trained and proven for what she has put into vet and trainers bills and she still does not have a trained horse. Just something to consider in deciding about a rescue.
Victoria
Castle Rock Farm
www.castlerockfarm. net
Walnut Creek, Calif.
"Do not go where the path might lead
But go instead where there is no path and leave a trail"
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Back to top
Reply to sender
|
Reply to group
|
Reply via web post
Messages in this topic
(9)
2e.
Re: rescue
Posted by: "Linda-Pretty Pony Pastures"
linda@prettyponypastures.org
lmwatsontj
Sat Mar 6, 2010 12:25 pm (PST)
>> While a rescue horse may not be for you, don't discount that they may be
perfect for someone else.
I would have to agree with Leslie. I have one registered rescue Haflinger
and purchased a grade Haflinger for a friend at an auction. Maybe it was the
alignment of the stars and the planets since I bought the auction horse and
Saturday then picked up the rescue on Sunday - but - for each of us - the
horses are one of the best horses is our herd. She teaches English and
Western riding classes and Monti is usually the first horse a new rider
gets. And no one wants to give him up!
My Slick is as willing and able as they get. Loves the attention of the kids
and never (okay rarely - we all have a bad mane day once in a while) misses
a beat with the riders.
Neither horse had any training before we got them. Neither of us would be
willing to give up these horses either.
Would I take another rescue? If I had the room, you bet.
Linda W - southeast Michigan
Pretty Pony Pastures www.prettyponypastures.org
See all our gifts http://www.cafepress.com/p3riding
Readin' and Ridin' - http://prettyponypastures.wordpress.com/
Find us on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/PrettyPonyPastures
"When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt." (Henry Kaiser 1882 -
1967)
Please consider the environment before printing this email.
Back to top
Reply to sender
|
Reply to group
|
Reply via web post
Messages in this topic
(9)
2f.
Re: rescue
Posted by: "cuttin4fun25"
cuttin4fun25@yahoo.com
cuttin4fun25
Sat Mar 6, 2010 12:43 pm (PST)
Well Said Leslie!
My husband is a great example of that, his rope horse we paid 5k for 4 years ago, broke to rope and trails etc...but my husband had no clue how to push his buttons. I had to train my husband to know the horse. lol.
Rescues are great and sometimes the best horses to own! I adopted a BLM mustang mare a few years back for $150 and to me that is no big deal, I train my own horses, and now she is one of my best cow horses. But to see how MANY people were at the adoption just to get a cheap horse, that was wild was amazing!! People had no clue. and no trainer or anything. Crazy
Brandy
Back to top
Reply to sender
|
Reply to group
|
Reply via web post
Messages in this topic
(9)
2h.
Re: rescue
Posted by: "Suzy Moren"
critterkeeper1@verizon.net
critterkeeper92316
Sat Mar 6, 2010 2:41 pm (PST)
I don't think any of you are really saying different things, just different circumstances...
I'm a "confident beginner", back after 30 years of no horses. I bought a registered, highly trained TWH for $4000... just as Brandy said... we were not a good match. He didn't trust me as he was used to professional riders. I sold him and bought a registered Haflinger, a former driving horse for a mere $800.... we are a perfect match! BTW... I had to sell the TWH for $1500 just 6 months after purchasing him... the market was way down..
I don't think there is anything wrong with buying a "rescue" horse, BUT, if your like me, and not an experienced horseperson with training skills, you shouldn't run to the killer auction and buy a horse, it's a gamble that could prove dangerous. As was said, in the past most of the horses at the killer auctions were damaged horses. Now, there are perfectly good horses there, but if you buy there you better know the difference.
My suggestion is that unless you are skilled enough to evaluate the horse you are buying, avoid the killer auctions, and look for the legitimate rescue organizations. They have worked with, fed, and vetted the horses they place. They won't match you with a horse you can't handle, and they won't place a horse without making sure you know what your doing, and have the finances and faculties to care for it.
Suzy
2i.
Re: rescue
Posted by: "K Garriott"
kagarriott@yahoo.com
kagarriott
Sat Mar 6, 2010 3:41 pm (PST)
Suzy, you were spot on with your advice here. Except now Im not so sure that advice is as true as it always used to be. With the glut of horses, high feed prices, huge job losses, etc. etc. Im afraid that quite legitimate horses are ending up in the low end sales these days. Not that your not still taking a huge chance ( because you are) but the chances of a person finding a diamond at the garage sale are a lot better than they used to be, and that too is adding to the devaulation of horses. Even the good ones. You experienced that first hand.
Karen G www.princesscarriage.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------------
Community email addresses:
Post message: haflingerfriends@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: haflingerfriends-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: haflingerfriends-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: haflingerfriends-owner@yahoogroups.com
Shortcut URL to this page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/haflingerfriendsYahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/haflingerfriends/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/haflingerfriends/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
haflingerfriends-digest@yahoogroups.com
haflingerfriends-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
haflingerfriends-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
