Rumors of horse kill buyers lurking in the shadows of horse auctions and opportunists looking to snare a horse or two to be used in hog tying and tail twisting contests are causing owners who can no longer take care of their horses to second guess about how to best end their worries related to the expenses of horse care.
Those who do decide to go through with a sale at any price often walk away with far less than a horse would bring during good times.
In one case in Riverside County, a horse owner was forced to sell a magnificent horse he purchased for $2,000 a few years ago for $140 less a 10% auction fee. Not knowing who purchased the horse or where it was heading was heartbreaking for the family including an 11 year old boy.
Many horses are sold for only a fraction of what they are worth. Others are abandoned along the Santa Ana River and are found foraging for food. Some are rescued from owners when they are found starving with ribs showing, overgrown hooves, and in emaciated condition.
Horse sanctuaries are struggling to stay afloat and have to turn away many horses they would accept during better times.
The economic crash is now coupled with kids wanting the latest electronic gadgets, small yards without room to stable a horse, higher feed prices leading to higher stable, costs and fewer people willing to take on the responsibilities of caring for a horse are resulting in a pronounced devaluing of all horses except those that are high end race or show horses.
Droughts, fires, and the drop in California farm's hay acreage has obliterated the hopes of many previously enthusiastic horse owners, and according to auctioneers, is a horse isn't ridden, is not a pet, or doesn't have an owner in a position to care for it, the horse has no value.
Hiring a veterinarian to euthanize a horse and having it hauled away can cost up to $400 or more in many cases and most horse owners don't have that kind of available money.
Many horse benefactors have all they can do to maintain the horses currently under their care and find it heart breaking when they have to turn owners and horses away.