“The Good, the Bad and the Controversial” was the subject matter discussed by Dr. Gregory A. Beroza at a Nassau-Suffolk Horsemen’s Association meeting Nov. 2, 2011 at Old Bethpage Village.
Dr. Beroza, founder and Director of the Long Island Equine Medical Center in Huntington Station, N.Y., set aside medical topics in favor of discussing current issues that affect horse lovers both on Long Island and nationwide.
His views reflected the goals of the N.S.H.A., a 501C charitable, educational and service organization dedicated to addressing the concerns of local horsemen since 1967.
The “Good” is the fact that horses are now living longer and healthier lives. The “Bad” elements are the lack of mutual support amongst members of local equestrian communities and the subsequent disservice often done by well-meaning horse owners, such as taking their horses to the veterinarian too late; a problem that Dr. Beroza has sadly experienced in his practice.
The “Controversial” centered on topics recently addressed by Dr. Beroza in articles and blogs co-authored with Paula Rodenas, a well respected equestrian journalist, and including the Carriage Horses of New York City and the disposition of unwanted or aging horses.
As there are no longer slaughter houses in the United States, horses are subsequently being shipped to Mexico and Canada, often under terrible conditions. With retirement facilities overflowing and philanthropic funds becoming scarce, Dr. Beroza noted that humane euthanasia is more often becoming the best solution and is the responsibility of the owner.
Although Mayor Bloomberg is in favor of keeping carriage horses in Manhattan, many animal activists have launched protests. TV personality Bob Barker recently went to Washington, D.C. to argue for abolishing the use of all exotic animals in traveling circuses. Rodeo has also been criticized; yet carriage and rodeo horses provide income for their owners in keeping with the horse’s long history as a working animal.
During a lively discussion period, education, conservation and promotion were emphasized, as well as the need for horsemen of multiple disciplinary interests to work together. “We should all bond together to help each other stay in business and support the horse industry,” said Dr. Beroza.
Among the people in the audience were Denise Speizio (NSHA President); Frank Bradford (NSHA Past-President & Troop Commander of the Rough Rider Calvary Mounted Unit); Kathleen Kleinman, President of the Muttontown Horsemen’s Association; Jerry Trapani, President of the Paumonak Driving Club; Susan Harvey, District Commissioner of the Meadowbrook Hounds Pony Club; and, many other enthusiastic horse and stable owners, and NSHA committee members.
To learn more about some of the “Controversial” issues in Dr. Beroza’s lecture and see other related articles and YouTube videos, please visit the Blogsite of the website:
http:// www.HorseDoc.com or contact Dr. Beroza via Email horsedoc@horsedoc.com.
For information about the Nassau Suffolk Horsemen’s Association, visit http://www.nshaonline.org.