It Ain’t Innovation . . . but . . . It is Cool to Help Sometimes!

Sometimes it is nice to have editorial discretion

This is a letter that we sent out to friends and colleagues – it is about an issue that is important, and better yet, we can do something to help – Right Now!

Hi All,

Firstly, my apologies ahead of time for this email blast, but it is important or you would not be on this list.  We do not do this unless something important has come up.  We think it has.

There is an opportunity to save up to 5 young horses from slaughter.

You may know that in Canada, unlike the U.S., it is not illegal to raise horses and slaughter them for meat  So thousands of  animals are cruelly shipped here every year from the U.S. for this purpose.  The “loads” include young horses bred for this purpose and “retired” race horses that the owners no longer want.  These animals are treated quite badly all their lives and then endure this horrific end.

We have been asked  to try and save 5 horses.

Sue Stricker of the Ride Every Stride Coaching and Training Services in Rockwood Ontario, her friends and borders, have already helped to save 8 very young horses from the slaughterhouse.  She has volunteered to help to save others – if she can get some help.  This help takes 2 forms, 1 immediate and 1 longer term.

1. The very immediate need is to help save up to 5 horses from slaughter.  We are likely to only have days left in which to act.  It costs just $300 to sponsor the rescue of 1 horse.  We need $1500 in total to rescue all 5.  Just a few dollars each and we can accomplish this mission together,
2. The longer term need is to help Sue offset the not insignificant costs of caring for and feeding and socializing these mistreated animals.  She says that it could take some months to chill these horses out and get them healthy enough to go to a new and permanent home.  From regular de-worming and veterinarian costs to food and farrier services, it takes approximately $14 per day or $100 per week in hard costs to provide these basics.  So if we do the basic math on the 8 horses she has already rescued, you can see that is a large and ongoing burden for her.

Does it work? Yes, she has rescued and successfully rehabilitated slaughter horses before.

This is where we come in.  For as little as $1 U.S. you can help to rescue a horse or contribute to getting them ready to go to a proper home. Here is what we need help with:

1. Donate what you can from $1 up (it is in U.S.funds)
2. Help to spread the word.  Let friends, family, colleagues and school mates know about the initiative and ask for their help.

May I suggest donating something, anything! now to save their lives. If you can donate again later  for the care. it would be greatly appreciated It would be a memorable family project for Thanksgiving.

Sue has offered a tour and visit with the horses for those who help.  The Learning Support Council of Canada, a 16 year old registered Canadian charity, will manage the funds and provide tax receipts (if asked for) for $25 or more in donations (sorry, Canadian residents only).

Please visit the Save The Horse website where you can get more information on what you can do to help – the lives of 5 young horses depend on it.

Well, there it is.  It ain’t innovation but your help can save lives . . .

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• Many of Paragallo’s Horses Have Been Adopted (nytimes.com)
• The Rail: The Path to Slaughter at a Horse Auction (therail.blogs.nytimes.com)