Re: [RC] 'pound dog' mentality for horses? - SandyDSA
As an addendum to this topic, I was horrified this morning to see on the
front page of the Times an article praising the burgeoning charro
activity here in Lo Cal - specifically mentioning the rope tricks -
"lassoing the front legs of a galloping mare; Points are scored for elegance and
creativity." Having inadvertently seen this particular activity years ago, and
also understanding that the huge and preferred number of these mares are
smallish Arabians, (easy to trip, I understand, thus making these cowboys feel
successful), one wonders just how many of these end up at auctions when their
"career" is over. I imagine that being yanked off fo one's feet regularly soon
does some permanent damage both to the body and the mind. While I do know some
of these poor mares end up in rescue homes, it would seem logical that a great
many more do not. Aside from the obvious indignity and cruelty of this "sport",
I cannot imagine they would make great candidates for endurance, though not of
their own doing. TO me, that is a risk. As Heidi said, rescue a horse and enjoy
that, just like rescuing a dog at the shelter; but to rescue them with the
goal to compete in the very rugged sport of
endurance....ouch! S
