Lest this blog wander too far from its intended purpose, I have to give you a brief update about Annie's progress:
First, I HATE burdocks. Annie has a particular knack for sticking her head directly into them, and also hates having her mane and forelock messed with, a combination that makes us both very unhappy during fall. I know, I know, if I weren't so lazy about pasture maintenance... Annie now has a ridiculous haircut, because I just couldn't get all the forelock burs out without some collateral damage.
It's a bur-icorn!
As for riding, Annie and I have been riding for short distances, but fairly frequently. We don't go more than 1-3 miles, walk and trot under saddle, but I usually lunge Annie for at least 20 minutes before a ride. She's doing much better about traveling straight and listening to subtler leg cues. Twice now, however, she's started to move during mounting-- something to keep an eye on. A horse that walks off while you mount is super annoying.
Tonight was our first ride in about 6 days (I've been at a conference). Foolishly, I didn't do any groundwork with Annie before the ride; I was too excited to get into the saddle. A six day vacation, no lunging, no groundwork? What was I thinking?! She was fractious, energetic and a bit spooky. It's unusual to see Annie upset; it's sort of like a mean Golden Retriever. It just doesn't happen much.
What made matters worse tonight is that Annie has become convinced that there's a CORN MONSTER.
I EAT HORSES! RAWWR!
The farmer who rents the crop land on the farm hasn't harvested the corn yet-- so the dry stalks surround both sides of our road in a quaking, rustling mass of DEATH. The merest hint of a breeze makes it sound like there's an army of evil dire-rats coming towards us. A full-blown gust really spooks her-- and I don't blame her. The corn does start to look alive and malicious. We made it past the gauntlet into more open roadway, as we have every time for the past few weeks, but it was unnerving because we hadn't prepared well enough. At these times, I'm extra glad I'm wearing a helmet.
On the way back home, it got pretty dark (damn Winter) and a combine started up behind us as we entered a wooded part of the road (dark, more rustly noises). I made it about a quarter of a mile in the saddle before I had to dismount and walk her home. She was just really nervous, not naughty, and I probably could have stayed on-- in fact, in my teenage years, I would have. Now, though, I'm cognizant of my own mortality, and of how much things can really hurt. I don't even want to think about bolting home on a dark concrete road at top speed, around a blind curve.
My helmet-- a lifesaver.
Therefore, Annie and I walked. That didn't mean she got out of work, however. Any time I felt she was being unreasonably forward, I made her whoah, back up, and start again. I always want a horse to follow at my shoulder or just behind it; when they're very frightened, I make allowances and let their head move forward, but under no circumstances do I allow a horse to walk so far forward that I'm walking at the base of their neck or at their shoulder. I've been knocked over more than once making that mistake, when a horse reacted to something.
A horse WILL avoid running into you if at all possible when it spooks, but if you're dead in the way, you can become a pancake pretty quickly-- your own safety is the best reason to teach good leading habits.
Good! Nose at handler's shoulder.
Okay-- horse rather too forward.
Future human roadkill.
If Annie didn't whoah or follow nicely, I made her circle, and circle again, until she was calmer. We stopped several times just to stop and stand, despite the distractions; I think this is one of the most important, least-taught skills a horse should know.
When we got home, we headed directly down to the barn-- and then at the last second, we turned back. I made her do a couple of circles and figure eights, then stopped and stood again for a while. THEN we went "home."
The message you want to send is that being back at the barn doesn't mean an end to work or obedience, being scared is okay but being naughty is not, and that you expect good manners all of the time.
I was disappointed in our ride tonight, but it was my own fault due to lack of preparation-- and I did manage to teach some good lessons during it.
As for my own training program, I woke up extra early and power walked two miles before work-- and then had ice cream for supper.
In case you thought I was kidding about the horse over-population problem, or how many cheap horses there are out there (so you DON'T need to breed more) today we're looking at what you can buy for less than $1,000.
First, I'd like to mention Midwest Horse Welfare, the best-run horse rescue operation in Wisconsin. They offer up horses I habitually drool over, for stunningly low prices. I'm currently wiping my chin over two appendix Quarter Horses there, both broke to ride, healthy, young and gorgeous for $400 and $500 respectively. I know that some people are shy about jumping through the hoops that a horse rescue has to put adopters through, but here's the deal: you'll never be lied to. MHW is non-profit and wants to make SURE the horse and adopter are right for each other, so they're not going to exaggerate training level, hide health problems or lie about age or temperament. They also promise to take back any horse that doesn't work out-- and they have. That kind of security is WORTH a few hoops. Anyway, check them and their bargain beauties out here: Midwest Horse Welfare
P.S. They also have this pony up for adoption right now:
OMG he's so cute I want to DIE!! Broke for pony rides, 13 years old, $200.
Secondly, I'd like to mention that the largest horse auction in my state happened today: the Tim Nolan auction in Marion, WI. Every year, twice a year, they sell hundreds of horses-- many of them for less than a couple hundred bucks. If you went this fall, I'm dying to hear how low prices were-- I'm sure they were terrible. The last time I went, it was all I could do to stop myself from bringing home a trailer full. I just can't go to auctions any more-- my hand rises of its own accord.
Now on to my favorite casual reading: Craigslist. I've collected for you a selection of fall bargains. All are under $1,000, all of them have some level of saddle training. None of them are owned by the same person, by the way; these bargains are happening everywhere on Craigslist in Wisconsin:
13 yr old TB/Dutch Warmblood cross, beginning dressage, hunter & jumper, good on trails too-- just $950. And probably less, since the ad screams, "ALL REASONABLE OFFERS CONSIDERED"
Why buy a foal when you can get a well-started youngster for less?
"3 year old sorrel mare for sale. She has been started with about 60 days on her now, going great. Will go through creeks, hills, brush, cattle...very willing. Lots of potential." $300
"Sweet, gentle mare. She has been there and done that. Trails, Show ring and a mother. Great for farrier and vet. Coggins, 6way, teeth done about a month ago, feet and worming." She's ugly and 19 years old, but as a kid's beginner show mount and babysitter, she'd be perfect, and perfectly cheap-- they're asking $500 and would take less.
11 year old registered AQHA red dun mare-- once broke to ride but has been a broodmare for a few years, so she'd need a refresher. Cute mare-- $600 or best offer.
My personal favorite: this grade palomino mare is young (only 4) but is very well broke:
"She stands tied, picks up all four feet, very easy to catch she nickers and comes right up to you. She rides western and bareback. She walks easily into and across water. She is used to both barb, and electric fences. She rides off alone and is used to being on the road with cars, tractors ect. You can use a snaffle bit or just halter and lead to ride. She also neck reins. Fancy has been on overnight camping trips and does well being tied on a picket line. She is open now and has never been bred. She also rides double."
How much? Only $800! Yes, for a COLORED, very broke, super cute, super sweet mare, who, judging by her video, has the patience of a saint. She was broke too early-- but looks sturdy. Bargain!!
11 year old halflinger mare; broke but needs work. Looks a little sassy, but very cute, and just the right height for a kid's horse at 13Hh. If you took this horse on as a project and finished her out as a kid's horse, you could easily re-sell her in spring for $1,200.
"we are asking $300.00 or BEST OFFER for her. she has to go ASAP."
(Not Pictured) 2 yr old very cute buckskin pony. 11 hands high. Four high white socks and a star. Super flashy. Welsh type with a lovely dished face and a kind eye. Very quiet and not easily spooked. I've been told that she has been saddled and had children led around on her. Seems unphased by pretty much anything. Loads well in a trailer. Good with her feet. Gets along well with other horses/ponies. Will make a very nice kids pony. $200 OBO.
Finally, here's a whole herd of free or very cheap horses:
Of all the things I hate in the horse world, failing to euthanize an old horse has got to be in the top 5.
After years of service, whether it was as a show horse, trail horse, broodmare or just a pet, an old horse whose time has come deserves a peaceful death. That horse deserves to die in a familiar place, among the people and animals it has bonded with. It deserves to die with dignity.
An old horse should NOT be given away free on Craigslist to the first kill-buyer to call, or total-idiot-who-wants-a-free-horse or a backyard breeder hoping for one more foal out of the poor thing.
An old horse should NOT be left laying in the pasture, unable to rise, for hours or days.
An old horse should NOT be forced to live months or years in poor condition, underweight and sick.
Here's another Craigslist ad that pissed me off today: Mr. (or Ms.) Jerk is dumping a "20 something" year old horse on Craigslist for free:
The owner doesn't bother to describe her health, what training she's had, how tall she is, if she's gentle, if she trailers well or accepts vet care and farrier work nicely, and they don't bother to post a picture. The owner doesn't include any details that make this horse attractive to a new owner. The best they can do is guess at an age and say she might possibly be rideable, but since they haven't bothered to do anything with her for the past four years, it's a crap shoot.
This owner might as well be screaming, "I don't care about this horse!! I just want to throw her away!! Somebody take her!!"
And someone probably will take her away. It will probably be a very nice, smiling man with a very big trailer. He'll say something like, "Oh yeah, the grandkids will love sitting on her back. Don't worry, she'll have a great home." Soon after that, the mare will end up in a Mexican slaughter house -- guaranteed.
YOU bought the horse, fed it, rode it, maybe bred or showed it-- YOU have a responsibility to care for it, and that includes ALL of it, including sickness and old age.
I don't understand how someone can keep a horse for years, paying for its board, feed and farrier care, vaccinations and even show fees, love it and pet it, but suddenly when it comes time to deal with a senior horse, they can't. Just can't handle it. How? Old age and death are literally the only unavoidable things on this planet-- and you failed to plan for them?
I think part of it is America's absolute refusal to deal with death. America is all about looking young-- we're obsessed with it, in fact. Anti-wrinkle cream, teeth whiteners, weight loss programs, hair transplants, face lifts, Botox-- it goes on and on. We don't even want to plan for our own old age and funeral, much less our animals' deaths. And relatives? Forget it! When a human relative gets too old, we ship them off to a nursing home, where we guiltily visit only as much as we can force ourselves to do so. In the hospital, we keep them alive with machines as long as we can, and agonize over the decision to unplug them from life support. When they die, we have them embalmed so that they look alive-but-sleeping, bury them in elaborately decorated coffins designed to delay decay as long as possible, and then rarely visit the graveyard.
~ Quote by Woody Allen
We don't like to be reminded of death-- and euthanasia can be downright painful. We'll do practically anything to put it off or deny its necessity. I have known some wonderful, kind, intelligent people who have waited days, months or years to put down horses, when those horses clearly had very poor quality of life.
It's very, very hard to euthanize an animal you've known and loved. Not only is that animal dying and leaving your life forever, you're the one that arranges it. You may know you're doing the right thing, but it still feels awful to be the one holding the leadrope when the horse goes down. It feels terrible to have to think I made this happen. I know because I euthanized my first horse, good old Joe, in 2007. He was in his late 20s. I cried and cried.
Joe -- RIP 9/19/2007
BUT.
I know he died happy. He died in his own pasture, surrounded by friends. He had treats and lots of love before he went, and he never felt a thing-- never even anticipated anything weird. He was grazing right up until about a minute before his death. Then he took one big, deep breath-- and went down.
That's the kind of death I want for all of my animals, and for myself too. Quick, painless, happy, no anticipation or fear. No lingering, painful health issues, no dementia, no adult diapers. In fact, it would be nice if someone shot me in the back of my head, without my knowing it, sometime very shortly after I've reached senility.
I think it helps to be around death a little more, so that you know what to expect. When we know more, we fear a little less. If you think it might help, here's a very short video of an old, blind mare being euthanized. She takes less than a minute to die, goes very peacefully, and is literally dead before she gently falls over. She's not a bit afraid, going to her rest in a big green field while being petted by a volunteer at NorCal Equine Rescue, a horse rescue that specializes in low-cost euthanasia clinics for low-income horse owners. Here you go:
Nice, wasn't it? Makes me sniffle a bit, but that's the right way to treat an old friend whose time has come.
I get so angry at people dumping old horses on Craigslist, that sometimes I actually respond to the ad and beg them to euthanize their poor old horse. I got this lovely response from one gentleman trying to get rid of an ancient, unsound, unrideable mare:
"We have already considered your concerns. We DO NOT intend on letting her go to a 'kill' buyer. We have had horses for more than 30 years and we do know who the kill buyers are. We had hoped that some one would be willing to give her a nice place to live out her life instead of just putting her down. That is our last option. To choose to be God over any animal isn't doing it right it only justifies your decision to destroy it instead of letting it live on with some one else. That is what is fair to the animal."
What absolute blindness. First of all, there's just no way that you're going to know every kill buyer who comes calling. This is particularly true when you post on Craigslist. People from all over the place respond. Secondly, somehow, this guy convinced himself that dumping his ancient mare on Craigslist like a piece of trash was more "fair" than giving her a peaceful death. He also managed to convince himself that somehow, owning, riding, feeding, vetting and in general keeping an animal in captivity was not "playing God," but euthanasia is, and is immoral or "unfair." Crappy, crappy jerk.
However, I can almost sympathize with that guy, and others like him who manage to convince themselves that their fear of euthanasia/death is actually a moral stance. They're irresponsible, and blind to their own true motives, but their intentions are basically good. They really do desperately hope that somebody will want their crippled, unrideable old mare, will give her a wonderful, loving new home, and she'll someday lay down and die instantly (in that someone else's pasture).
No, what really makes me angry are people who don't really have a problem with euthanasia-- but they just don't want to pay for it. Those people are beneath contempt.
I understand that some people are in desperate circumstances. Money might be tight, health issues play a role, some people are losing their homes-- but just because you're suffering doesn't give you a right to inflict suffering on your horse. If nothing else, a bullet to the head is more kind to an old horse than an uncertain future in the hands of total strangers. At least the bullet is quick and sure-- you KNOW that horse died well, and died happy. A bullet doesn't cost much, and if you can't borrow a gun or a willing gunman, you must not be living in America. You can also see if there's a low-cost euthanasia clinic in your area; while not common, they do exist.
Disposal-- yes, it's hard. It can cost several hundred dollars to dispose of a horse's corpse. However, if you're in a boarding situation, you can apply the money you would have used to pay for the horse's board towards disposal. If you shot the horse in the head or used a captive bolt gun to euthanize it (rather than with chemicals), you might be able to get a local big cat sanctuary to take the carcass for meat-- and even the Amish will sometimes take a dead horse for dog meat. (Yes, it's gruesome, but much less so than a trip to a Mexican slaughter house. At this point, the horse is dead and does not care.) If you own your own land, it's often legal to bury the horse in its own pasture-- which is what I was able to do with my first horse, good old Joe. Don't have a backhoe? Grab a shovel. Start digging. Beg friends to help. Do what you need to do.
Still not convinced? Still thinking about dumping your horse on Craigslist for free, or sending it to an auction with no minimum price request? Here's what awaits: a truly horrifying trip to a Mexican slaughterhouse, where horses are gutted while alive. Check out the video below for details. WARNING: GRAPHIC
