WHY HORSES NEED SANCTUARY
On average, a single horse will have seven owners during their lifetime. Because these animals live long lives (25-33 years on average) and often require more care and money than new owners expect, it’s not uncommon for horses to need rehoming. In some industries, such as horse racing, horses are discarded as soon as they are no longer profitable. Many people are surprised to learn that there is a market for horse meat, and that these beautiful and revered animals that we think of as companions could end up at the slaughterhouse.
While killing horses for food is illegal in some states, a federal bill to ban horse slaughter has not been successful. There exists a thriving business of exporting horses to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. Some industries send a constant supply of unprofitable horses to slaughterhouses, though kill buyers have also been known to respond to “free to good home” ads. According to the USDA, 92% of horses at the slaughterhouse are in good condition and could be rehomed. Many of these horses are under 5 years old.
DID YOU KNOW
- Horse relationships are ever-changing and can be dramatic. Long term studies on wile horse behavior show that many groups are based on individual preference and groups change as friendships come and go, babies grow up and move out of the group, and male-female relationships sometimes don’t work out.
- Horses can see almost all the way around them, but have two blind spots, directly in front and directly behind. That’s why you approach a horse from their side, so you don’t accidently sneak up on them!
- Foals (baby horses) learn from their mothers and will be wary of humans if their mother is wary, or calm and comfortable being pet if their mother is also.
- Horses can recognize human facial expressions and will react negatively to photos of humans with angry expressions.