Education on the proper way to treat animals starts in the home. Children learn from their parents and other adults, so instilling kindness and respect for all animals is crucial to how a child will develop and grow into a responsible adult.
Horses and other larger animals that are considered farm animals can be easily forgotten. People may assume horses are a tougher animal and can withstand extreme heat and cold, or blizzards and pouring rain. Feedings may be forgotten or the animal may be enclosed in a location where they never see the sun. They may never experience the love and attention they deserve or the kind touch of someone who genuinely cares.
One reason for neglect and abuse may be for the simple reason that some individuals don't realize how much it actually costs to have a horse. To purchase a good sound horse could cost in the thousands of dollars. Then, if you board the horse, that could cost up to $500 a month depending on your location. If you do not board the horse, you need to have a shelter or barn so the horse can get out of the elements. Remember, you just spent a lot of money on this amazing creature, so you want to provide a dry, secure environment for him to thrive. Then, you have to be sure you have food for your new companion. Hay can be very expensive if you can't make it yourself. On average, a horse eats about a 1/2 bale of hay a day. That's an average. So depending on your horse, that could be as much as $2000 per year for hay. Your horse may also need supplements that usually can be purchased in 50lb. bags and may cost $25 per bag. It is very easy for the cost of things to add up, and before you know it, a person is out of money, but they still have their horse. What to do?
In addition to feeding your horse, you will need brushes, hoof picks, combs, fly sprays, wound ointments, halters, bridles, saddles, helmets, boots, perhaps a round pen, a way to access water, wormer, yearly shots, a good farrier, and a good veterinarian. Your horse may require chiropractic treatments, or possibly an equine dentist. At times, it seems like it will never end, but these problem horses need our help more than ever.
So please, be the voice for these animals. Attend fundraisers, volunteer your time, donate to your favorite animal shelter or rescue, and speak up if you see something that just doesn't seem right. Somebody may need your help.