Yes, it is a shame that all horses on the planet can not be assured of getting caring treatment until the end of their lives. Even in affluent, Santa Ynez , Calif.. I have seen quite a few older horses go through a slow, neglected decline because of circumstances beyond the control of the families that brought them into their lives. It wasn't bad enough that the ASPCA could get involved, but neglect none-the-less. Divorce occured, tragic cases of job loss, cancer etc in some..just busy lives with children grown up & moved on in others. It is a warning to us all to put aside a fund for each of our horse's the day we buy them that won't be touched no matter what. If you forego 1- 2 weekly lattes @$3.00 for 20 years, that would be enough to tide your horse's extra care over for the last 5 or so or to go to a rescue agency for their care if all else fails. If the horse passes on before you need to dip into it, then it is your "new" horse fund.
I personally feel that it'a a far kinder solution to euthanize an older horse IF all other placement options have been exhausted than to let them suffer neglect or worse..being passed place to place until they perhaps end up in the sales yard which guarantees an end in a US slaughter house if they are lucky (Juarez if they are not!!). Kaaren
