Meat colts - the true cost of rescuing them (a diary)

You may find your cob will grow . A friend of mine bought a yearling to make 14.2hh,he is now two and is 15hh. I think it is great what you are doing. I am thinking about doing it myself. I have three horses already and could manage another. Just trying to keep my sensible head on. My friends youngster is a cob colt bought from a dealer cost her £120.00 to buy.
 
What a lovely story! I often see what I think are meat horses round by me but I never know how to contact the owner in the interest of saving one!

I think he is a gorgeous little chap! He really has landed on his feet, I really hope you keep us updated with pictures of little Oreo!
 
Fides said:
They have 300 horses. I'd say there are 100 mares with foals and 100 yearlings. The fillies they sell (presumably on DD and the like) and I was told they go for between £400 and £600. So even if we say 50 fillies at £400 that leaves 50 colts they need 'rid of' at £50 that makes £25k a year. And this is just a sideline for them...

ETA - they don't breed them for meat, the colts are just of no value to them :(
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Bet I can guess what element of society they are too. Poor ponies, would have been better never having been born in the first place. Oreo looks so cute!
 
I've got the Lancashire Guardian newspaper coming at 2 to take pictures and my story. Apparently they are doing an article about all the colts going for meat. So Oreo is going to have his picture in the paper :)
 
The vet has been out to him today and he has been scanned and amazingly was actually chipped! I addition to the strange beeping thing he was also jabbed, wormed, weigh taped, had his teeth checked, been deosected and had an anti fungal sponging too.

He took everything in his stride and will now lead and tie up :)

He had a treat today - we had a BBQ in the garden and he's playing lawnmower to get a leg stretch.

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Eta - I almost forgot! Photographer for the newspaper turned up and took lots of pictures. Made me do a twee pose with my arms around his neck giving him a cuddle. Can't believe a) that I did it and b) that Oreo let me!
 
oh wow Fides well done you. Oreo seems to realise he has been really lucky as he is obviously already repaying your love and attention with trust, which is very moving to see. Good luck to both of you x x
 
tobiano said:
oh wow Fides well done you. Oreo seems to realise he has been really lucky as he is obviously already repaying your love and attention with trust, which is very moving to see. Good luck to both of you x x
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I am afraid i belong to the group that beleive it was best they went for slaughter. some of these horses might live to 25 years of age and many elderly people quite rightly want to give them a good life but never think of who is going to be responsible for them when they are no longer with us. I note no one has said much about the horse passport implications of this issue as they will in many cases be late passport applications and the PIO has to report this to trading standards the passport has to be signed in secton IX and the horse will never go for human consumption and might have to be rendered and I wonder how many well intentioned people have any idea of the cost.
 
sywell said:
I am afraid i belong to the group that beleive it was best they went for slaughter. some of these horses might live to 25 years of age and many elderly people quite rightly want to give them a good life but never think of who is going to be responsible for them when they are no longer with us. I note no one has said much about the horse passport implications of this issue as they will in many cases be late passport applications and the PIO has to report this to trading standards the passport has to be signed in secton IX and the horse will never go for human consumption and might have to be rendered and I wonder how many well intentioned people have any idea of the cost.
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This is actually what I am trying to make people aware of - hence the title and listing those costs. You might be hard hearted enough to have let them go for meat, but regardless of the implications, me (and 57 others) couldn't.

There are some that have not gone to meat - it's not increasing the breeding as if no one had taken them they would have gone for meat anyway.

The only way to stop it is to raise awareness which is what I am trying to do with this thread. I am also helping the press put together an article about it to raise awareness and I have put an offer of support out, via the vets and an animal charity who has been involved throughout, that I can offer support for anyone struggling who didn't realise what they were taking on. I've gone into this 'eyes wide open' as I have had a colt before and know the work involved. Just because someone doesn't have the knowledge or experience to deal with it shouldn't earn them condemnation, they aren't horrible people - we should be offering our support.

Education is the only way to stop it - sneering at people isn't really very nice and doesn't help anyone. You may not have intended it to come across that way but it was quite a hmmm blunt post. And saying you are in the 'group' that thinks they should die - you are the only person to voice that opinion on this thread so far.

Maybe instead of asking if people understand what the implications are, actually post what they are in a helpful and constructive way. I'm afraid the lac k of punctuation in your post made it very difficult to read and understand.

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As far as the passport goes - the colt has had the passport process started by the vet and I am finishing it online. It costs £24 ish including the vets time
 
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Fides, this is a fascinating thread and I want to say thank you for telling Oreo's story. It's an emotive subject but I am glad to see that this little chap is going to have a much happier life now, he already looks more content. I bet he can't believe his luck!

I'm surprised he was microchipped, you wouldn't expect someone indiscrimately breeding to bother chipping. Do you have to get the chip reregistered in your name now?

Please keep us updated with his progress.
 
Fjord said:
I'm surprised he was microchipped, you wouldn't expect someone indiscrimately breeding to bother chipping. Do you have to get the chip reregistered in your name now?
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I was surprised too! The vet said all the ones they have seen have been chipped. He is now registered in my name and the passport is going through.

The 'type' that these people are churning out are really quite nice stamps and the mares sell for quite good money. They are just heard hearted business men who see the colts as a money pit who isn't going to gain them much (if any) profit.. It's horrible :(
 
Really any pity buy can turn in to a money pit not just coloured colts. I bought a gelding bred by a top stud that had got in to a bit of a mess with well intentioned owners and he has cost me well over £2K in costs above and beyond the normal costs of keeping a pony.

Good luck to you and Oreo I'm glad he has landed on his feet :)
 
sywell said:
I am afraid i belong to the group that beleive it was best they went for slaughter. some of these horses might live to 25 years of age and many elderly people quite rightly want to give them a good life but never think of who is going to be responsible for them when they are no longer with us. I note no one has said much about the horse passport implications of this issue as they will in many cases be late passport applications and the PIO has to report this to trading standards the passport has to be signed in secton IX and the horse will never go for human consumption and might have to be rendered and I wonder how many well intentioned people have any idea of the cost.
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Sywell, I can understand your thought, as there is a case for not buying these ponies as it encourages the loosers that breed them to carry on. However, having rescued two myself in years gone by (in totally different circumstances I might add) the chance to be able to give a pony or horse a decent life, if you know you can afford all the costs and can deal with any difficulties that might arise as a result of their start in life is one that only the truly hard hearted coud refuse.

Yes, I know there are welfare problems out there caused by overbreeding, but what Fides is doing by way of publicising the costs and the campaign to get the local press involved as well, will go some way to alleviating the issue of well meaning but misguided people in buying the ponies and will also give those that can, but might be scared of, attempting a rescue a bump to make them realise they could do it.

On a personal note, having lost one of my beloved rescues recently I will not be hesitating in helping another mini shettie should I hear of one in need of help. I have the set-up and lots of lovely shettie sized equipment including a specially built 'mini' stable. I won't be going out to deliberately look for another, although I am sure they are out there, as that I believe does set in motion a case of 'supply and demand'. However, should there be a little 'un in dire straits I am prepared to be there for it. He or she won't ever replace my wonderful little man, that would be impossible, but I don't think he would ever have a problem with his mum helping another as I once helped him.
 
Wasn't there a company selling microchipping guns to the general public a few months ago that everyone was up in arms about?

Very interesting to follow his progress, did the vet give you any further clue on age?
 
As a registered micro chipper I know the company I deal with don't sell guns to the public nor can I chip a horse. The passport issuers quite rightly insist on a vet. Anyone can buy the chip readers
 
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Dizzle said:
Wasn't there a company selling microchipping guns to the general public a few months ago that everyone was up in arms about?

Very interesting to follow his progress, did the vet give you any further clue on age?
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Blooming heck - I didn't know about that. I suppose as long as they are registered properly there shouldn't be a problem???

The vet thinks that he is one of last year's foals and is probably about 15 months
 
If I microchip anything I register it on behalf of the owner because I have an identification code which I have put put on the paperwork.
 
lucky chap!

Hopefully the paper will point out the costs of taking one of these on so that peeps don't go rescuing without knowing what they are getting themselves into
 
3OldPonies said:
Sywell, I can understand your thought, as there is a case for not buying these ponies as it encourages the loosers that breed them to carry on. However, having rescued two myself in years gone by (in totally different circumstances I might add) the chance to be able to give a pony or horse a decent life, if you know you can afford all the costs and can deal with any difficulties that might arise as a result of their start in life is one that only the truly hard hearted coud refuse.

Yes, I know there are welfare problems out there caused by overbreeding, but what Fides is doing by way of publicising the costs and the campaign to get the local press involved as well, will go some way to alleviating the issue of well meaning but misguided people in buying the ponies and will also give those that can, but might be scared of, attempting a rescue a bump to make them realise they could do it.
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In brief bc haven't got time to get embroiled in the Pandora's box of the real issues - yes, it's obviously good when people have positive intentions and rescue actual welfare cases where they have the means and knowledge.

It's just a monumental shame there's been little (if any) mention of taking on a rescue from official charities (and I don't mean the tiny ones that so often spring up without the means to really cope themselves, well-intentioned or otherwise). Every single member of the National Equine Welfare Council who has rescue facilities is full to bursting, and has been for some time, with legitimate rescue cases where taking them on would mean nobody risks lining pockets of those who churn out more and more unwanted stock - because that unwanted stock does contribute to the crisis, whether the animals end up in a nice home, with the meat man or anything else. If someone is willing to pay for one of these, even £50, what encouragement does that offer the breeder to stop? It expands an already rubbish market. Not on a huge scale but we cannot afford any expansion of the situation in this country right now.

It lines pockets, it perpetuates unnecessary breeding and it needs to stop.

If someone has the means and knowledge to take on an actual rescue, is planning to do so and is encouraged by Fides's figures, please for the love of all that is good in the world, check out the official routes first.
 
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MissChaos said:
It's just a monumental shame there's been little (if any) mention of taking on a rescue from official charities
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The thread isn't about that, it is about meat colts. Charities rehoming horses properly will vet the homes and make sure they know what they are taking on. Meat colts will go to anyone... And quite often people do not have a clue what they are taking on. That is why I started the thread. Having tried (and failed) to rehome from a charity I don't have that option. I have my own yard, two other delightful horses but for some reason my home wasn't good enough - something to do with refusing to replace barbed wire with post and rail. I had 1m55 3 strand mains electric running alongside but this wasn't good enough 'in the event of an unexpected power cut'. They also wanted a donation of £450.

Ponies can be picked up for peanuts now adays. There is a lovely 6yo backed sec D advertised near me for only £350. Plus a lot of the horses in rescues are companions only - it's a very very expensive pet and not everyone needs a companion

Anyway charity rehomes are a whole other thread in themselves - please don't let this deteriorate into a 'by taking on meat colts you are denying a 'true' rescue a home'.

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I've discovered again today he is a bit handy with his back feet. After him catching me yesterday I shouted at him when he tried it on today and sent him off. He came back to me doing the foaly teeth clack thing and wanted a scritch - which was the thing I was doing when he tried to flaming boot me. Horses...
 
Fides said:
Anyway charity rehomes are a whole other thread in themselves - please don't let this deteriorate into a 'by taking on meat colts you are denying a 'true' rescue a home'.
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Not my intention but as outlined, I don't think they're a whole other thread, no. All of those issues are very much interlinked. Of course it's possible to pick up a horse for peanuts as well; that too is part and parcel of this whole sorry business.

'Rescue' is used these days in some interesting ways and not always to wider benefit (a good time to note that none of these comments are personal, Fides; just wider observations).
 
MissChaos said:
Not my intention but as outlined, I don't think they're a whole other thread, no. All of those issues are very much interlinked. Of course it's possible to pick up a horse for peanuts as well; that too is part and parcel of this whole sorry business.

'Rescue' is used these days in some interesting ways and not always to wider benefit (a good time to note that none of these comments are personal, Fides; just wider observations).
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Then why make them? You've put a bit of a downer on what has been a lovely couple of days. What with that and being told he'd have been better going for meat :(

Eta - it is another thread. I started this thread as a diary to warn people of the implications. If it gets hijacked with all stuff not relevant to a meat colt good points could be missed. By all means add helpful suggestions but I don't see how your comments add any real value to the thread. It's just negativity...
 
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Fides said:
Then why make them? You've put a bit of a downer on what has been a lovely couple of days. What with that and being told he'd have been better going for meat :(

Eta - it is another thread. I started this thread as a diary to warn people of the implications. If it gets hijacked with all stuff not relevant to a meat colt good points could be missed. By all means add helpful suggestions but I don't see how your comments add any real value to the thread. It's just negativity...
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Try not to feel down, you've done a lovely thing. You've rescued a life, and this little fella's life is just as important as the next horse. Keep us updated on little Oreo Fides, and good luck with him.
 
Fides said:
Then why make them? You've put a bit of a downer on what has been a lovely couple of days. What with that and being told he'd have been better going for meat :(

Eta - it is another thread. I started this thread as a diary to warn people of the implications. If it gets hijacked with all stuff not relevant to a meat colt good points could be missed. By all means add helpful suggestions but I don't see how your comments add any real value to the thread. It's just negativity...
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Please don't let the old 'they will only breed more' debate derail you from a lovely positive thread on your experiences. We all know the facts, and the fact is that you homing this delightful (aside from the kicking!) little chap is a darn sight better than him being exported live.

You are quite right, charities vet homes whether rightly or wrongly. But anyone can go buy a baby such as yours and these are thepeople that need to know the facts as you are telling them. For goodness sake my feral rescue cat cost more than Oreo and that is a very sobering thought indeed. So many are going to fall into the wrong hands but just maybe someone reading your thread will think twice about the implications and real cost and one will be spared the merry go round of infinite homes and poor handling before ending up going to where he was originally intended. Very very sad state of affairs but this is not the thread to debate it.



You are doing a great job Fides. My mare tried to kick me into next week when we first had her, can I suggest a stuffed glove on a broomstick to get him used to hands all over without turning you black and blue. Advance and retreat and positive reinforcement worked wonders for ours.
 
"They will only breed more" argument is completely invalid in these circumstances. Yes they will, but they will continue to breed them whether they end up as pity buys or not, because it is part of the 'culture' of certain types to breed from everything that has a uterus, and not just horses. There being a market for them or not makes no difference.
Plus with a ready trade in horse meat abroad, the option to cram the surplus onto a lorry and send it on it's arduous way across the Continent makes it a win-win situation all round for the breeders, so people like Fides might as well make the difference for the few they can.
 
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