Salvation vs. Rescue, cont’d Some horses may have desirable attributes but also pose financial risk or potential drain on other resources. The decision is not easy, and no two situations are alike. The pros and cons must be carefully weighed, and if the chips don’t stack up chances are a rescue may elect not to take the horse in. Even the SPCA must follow similar guidelines; if the prognosis is not good, then euthanasia may be the kindest option for the horse. By “good” I mean the adoptability of the horse subsequent to rehabilitation, or in the case of certain medical challenges whether the horse is likely to live free of pain and discomfort. I find this aspect of rescue overlooked by those who mean well, but simply lack the knowledge or understanding of how to structure a viable plan before choosing a candidate for salvation. Rescuing a horse that might require constant medical attention presents another problem; what are the odds the adopting family will be willing and able to shoulder the ongoing burden of care for the horse? I believe it is the responsibility of whoever chooses to rehab that horse to ensure s/he will not return to a state of abject poverty or neglect. In short, don’t rescue that horse if you’re not willing to take responsibility for the rest of their natural life! That may sound harsh, but I have rescued too many “rescues” to count, after the well-meaning folks ran out of money, ran out of patience or just plain ran out. A by-product of the current climate surrounding horse rescue is the rush to “rescue” everything on feet. If a horse appears to be in neglect, call the SPCA first. If you’re at the auction and see a horse in poor condition, bring it to the attention of the auctioneer or office staff. If you encounter a horse in obvious ill health or one that shows evidence of abuse, offer your observations to the owner. These are simple first steps that should temper our rush to save a horse that may really not require salvation. Some situations can be solved with relative ease, and with considerably reduced stress on the horses, if someone simply takes the time to get all the facts. Under no circumstances should you take matters into your own hands and try to “save” that horse! S/He may be ailing from a disorder or
BRANDT RANCH, Pritchard, BC OFFERS:
CATTLE SORTING 12 noon on Sundays HORSE BOARDING Large paddocks, 70x200 Indoor Arena and 2 large Outdoor Arenas HORSE TRAINING with Amanda Self
For more info contact either: Jeanette 250-577-3156 or Amanda 250-804-1723 illness the symptoms of which might easily be mistaken for signs of abuse or neglect. How would you like it if someone removed your ill or aged horse just because s/he looked like it? If after determining the horse is indeed “in distress,” there are options to garner salvation for him/her. My first call is always to the SPCA; they may not always be in a position to take the horse in, but most offices have access to fostering facilities where horses can be taken and cared for outside of the seizure and adoption process. There are also several private and registered non-profit societies that focus on horse rescue and salvation. A caveat here though; shameless scammers know no bounds to their insensitivity and many have set up illicit “rescues” to bilk money from unsuspecting and well-meaning folks. Always investigate any rescue thoroughly! The legitimate ones don’t mind showing you what they’ve done, and they can easily prove it! Kevan Garecki has invested much of his life in communicating with horses on their own terms. His photography is an example of this devotion, as is the care with which he conducts his own transport business. With extensive experience in rescue and rehabilitation, Kevan is active with the SPCA and equine-oriented charities. He was recently chosen to teach the Certified Livestock Transporter program in BC. (See his listing in Business Services under Transport/Hauling)
Blackwater Spruce Ranch Awesome Memories!
Very Merry Holiday Season and Happy Trails wished for all in 2011! www.blackwater-spruce.ca
at Mills Veterinaryy Services would like to extend “Best Wishes for the Season” to all our clients, and also express p our sincere appreciation p pp for your business.
Mills Veterinary Services
Armstrong, BC 250-546-8860 A
403-799-3454 satellite phone or 250-991-2408 HCBC 2010 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
www.saddleup.ca • 11