Why do horses become unwanted? Even with the dwindling economy and soaring prices of hay and fuel, the cost of buying a horse has decreased. However, the costs and responsibilities associated with owning a horse have increased.
Doing the best possible for horses in need
Recent estimates put owning one healthy horse at just under $6,500 a year. This includes basic care costs associated with vaccinations, deworming, hoof care, nutrition and shelter.
Owning a horse means that you are the advocate and person responsible for that animal’s health, safety and training. According to most state statutes, horses must:
- Be provided with food of sufficient quantity and quality to allow for normal growth or maintenance;
- Be provided with clean, potable water in sufficient quantity;
- Be provided with shelter from adverse weather conditions;
- Be provided with a clean environment and enough space for periodic exercise;
- Have their hooves properly trimmed to prevent lameness;
- Be transported safely.
Recent estimates put owning one healthy horse at just under $6,500 a year. This includes basic care costs associated with vaccinations, deworming, hoof care, nutrition and shelter.
Unfortunately, horses do get sick, become lame, become elderly or have career ending injuries. Also, children and adults become disinterested or move away from home, or a divorce or job loss may affect an owner’s financial resources. Recently, the costs of owning a horse have continued to rise, while individual or family incomes have remained stagnant or declined. The housing and mortgage crisis have also exacerbated the problem of unwanted horses.
Humane Options for Living Horses.
1. Market your horse privately. Be creative when advertising your horse. Consider various marketing approaches, including advertising on or with:
- Websites
- Riding stables and barns
- Feed and tack stores
- Local and regional horse magazines and publications
- Local newspapers
- Veterinarians and farriers
- 4-H, pony club and other breed organizations
- Local horse shows and events
- Equine therapy programs
- Horse rescues
- Local horse trainers
Actually selling or giving away your horse may take time, so be prepared to re-evaluate the price you are asking and remain vigilant. Selling your horse privately gives you some short-term control over who purchases your horse, where it will reside and what activities it will be participating in.
2. Horse rescues. If you are unable to sell or care for your horse, a horse rescue is an option. There is a real cost associated with the rescue caring for your horse and the rescue may not be able to accommodate your request based on physical room, the ability to feed the horse, or finances.
3. Sale Barns. Although sale barns provide an outlet for horse sales, owners have little control over the buyers, where the horse will go, or the price. If a quick sale is necessary, a sale barn is a legitimate option. Sale barns usually charge a fee for selling and advertising your horse, can have deadlines for consignments, and may require a negative Coggins and/or a health certificate. Before consigning your horse to a sale barn, make sure you meet and understand the barn's requirements for consignment and understand that you will have little control over the sale of your horse.
4. Euthanasia. This is probably the hardest decision a horse owner will need to make, but it is a better alternative than neglect or prolonged suffering. When euthanasia is administered by a veterinarian, it can be humane.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are three approved
methods for the euthanasia of horses: chemical euthanasia, with pentobarbital or a pentobarbital combination.
If as a horse owner it becomes necessary to resort to euthanasia to keep your horse from suffering, advice from fellow horse owners and certainly your veterinarian are extremely important.