I was just asked to join a cause to stop the re-opening of slaughter houses in the U.S. and here is my response. I welcome yours.

The horse’s stomach secretes acid all the time, even when empty. Chewing creates saliva, a natural antacid. If left with nothing to eat, horses will chew on whatever they can, even their own manure, to neutralize the acid that is causing them physical pain and mental discomfort.

Selenium, unlike most other minerals, has a very narrow range of safety. Too little, and your horse can develop muscle weakness, difficulty moving, and respiratory distress. If iodine is too high, along with low selenium intake, the thyroid gland can be damaged.

Is it your horse’s fault if he’s an “easy keeper”? A horse, like a person, has his own metabolic rate and genetic tendencies. Add in a lack of exercise, too many treats, overfeeding, even stress, and the easy keeper is at risk for hormone imbalances, arthritis, and laminitis. Certainly, the overweight horse will not perform at his peak.

Horses are rescued year-round, but when cold weather is over the horizon, the concern for an underweight horse plays on our heartstrings. If you have recently adopted a neglected rescue horse, let me first commend you for your actions. Saving a horse that is in desperate need of care, and nursing him back to health, can be one of the most gratifying experiences a horse owner can have.