Question of the Month Archive: June 2007

June 2007 Question:

Assuming you don't believe in horse slaughter, what do you think are some uses for retired horses?

Some Answers to the June 2007 Question:

Barbara in the USA:
"Not only are retired horses good for younger riders but the older riders too, who just want to go for a quiet ride and not have to worry too much about the antics of a younger, more frisky ride."

Shae-Lynn in Canada:
"Horses that are retired in something like racing are still young. They can be sold to people who would train them for other events. Other horses could be sold for the trail or therapeutic riding. When horses become to old for any of these it is enjoyable to have memories of them and to watch them put an infleunce on the younger horses in training."

Nikki in the USA:
"You could use them as little kid starter horses to learn how to take care of, but not riding, or just let them out in the pasture."

Christina in the USA:
"I think that retired horses should be used as pasture mates. If they're rideable, I think they should be given to kids with cancer for light riding."

Kourtney in the USA:
"I think that retired horses should be loved, and if they are kid-friendly, should be taken to a place where they can take pics"

Tessa in the USA:
"If they are still in good condition, they could be used for pony rides or somebody could send them to a sanctuary for retired horses! (If there is one!) :)"

Lexi in the USA:
"A retired horse would make a great mascot like for... um... the colts have a retired miniature horse! :D They can also be a companion for younger horses and teach them that patience is a virtue!"

Sara in the USA:
"Perhaps if they are lesson horses, they could be donated to a therapeutic riding stable, where they have practically no work at all! (2 old horses I used to know were sent off like that- and you can tell they love it!)

Retired horses are great company for people who only have one working horse.

A retired horse also might be good for teaching beginner riders how to take care of a horse (if you give riding lessons) like bathing, grooming, and how to handle a horse.

But the best thing for a older horse is to keeping her as a friend, someone you can bring all your troubles to, and she will always listen!"

Bettina in Norway:
"Horses shouldn't be slaughtered. Unless they have got big pains, but I still prefer to put them down, instead of slaughtered. It's cruel to slaughter a horse for no reason... They mow the lawn, as Stephanie said. Or they could keep someone's horse company? Horses like to be together! Or you could just have them to cuddle and talk to."

Stephanie in the USA:
"Well for one, you can use them as a lawn mower, to mow the grass in the field! They'll enjoy that! If you need someone to talk to if you feel like no one will listen, they're good for that too. They are good for short rides too."

Stephenie in the USA:
"I think that you could let your horse out in the pasture and enjoy the rest of it's life. But take it in at night."

Do you think you have a good answer to this question? Feel free to send it to me below!

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